Interagency Wildland Fire Chemicals Policy and Guidance
Aerially applied fire retardant and other fire chemicals reduces wildfire intensity and rate of spread, decreasing risks to firefighters, enabling them to construct fireline safely. In many situations, the use of retardant in concert with firefighters on the ground allows the Forest Service to safely meet its responsibilities to protect landscapes, resources, and people.
Nationwide Aerial Application of Fire Retardant on National Forest System Lands
In 2011 the FS signed a Record of Decision implementing direction for the Nationwide Aerial Application of Fire Retardant. In 2020 the FS reviewed new information, published in the 2020 Supplemental Information Report. That report recommended modification of the proposed action that was selected in 2011 and implemented in 2012, and preparation of a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. The draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement has been completed and is available below for review.
2022 Aerial Fire Retardant Draft SEIS
Notice of Availability of Draft SEIS
2011 Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)
Additional Project Documents
- Aerial Fire Retardant FWS Biological Opinion 2023
- Aerial Fire Retardant NOAA Fisheries Biological Assessment 2021
- Aerial Fire Retardant NOAA Fisheries Biological Opinion 2022
- Aerial Fire Retardant FWS Biological Assessment 2021
- Aerial Retardant Use and Fire Information Summary, 2012 - 2019 (revised 2020)
Intrusion Maps (NOAA Fisheries Biological Assessment Appendix C and FWS Biological Assessment Appendix B)
- Region 1
- Region 2
- Region 3
- Region 4
- Region 4 Boise National Forest Enlargement
- Region 5 North
- Region 5 Central
- Region 5 South
- Region 5 Mendocino National Forest Enlargement
- Region 6
- Region 8
- Region 9
Supplemental Information Report 2020
2011 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biological Opinion (Pages 1-395) (Pages 396-789)
Interagency Policy
Aerial Fire Retardant Avoidance Map
U.S. Forest Service Aerial Fire Retardant Avoidance Areas Map Viewer
Instructions for Completing Avoidance Area Maps (AFRAA) a SharePoint site.
USFS Aerial Fire Retardant Implementation Guide
Interagency Wildland Fire Chemicals Reporting Tools and Forms
The Retardant Intrusion Reporting Tool is now ready to use. To request access to the database, send an email to Ann Suter and Laura Conway. After you receive your invitation email, follow the instructions in the Guest Invitation Instruction document.
Guest Invitation Instructions for Retardant Intrusion Database
Retardant Intrusion Database User Guide
Spill Calculator
- It is located on the Wildland Fire Chemicals and Aerial Delivery Systems website under Resources (dropdown menu in the upper right corner). This file is relatively large and compressed into a zip file. Once downloaded the application will be available with a separate PDF instruction manual. When opening for first-time, the program may take a minute or two to load.
PDF Forms (for field use)
- Aquatic Site Assessment Form
- Cultural Resource Assessment Form
- Fire Chemical Intrusion Form
- Terrestrial Site Assessment Form
- Assessment of Fires Less than 300 Acres
Aerial Fire Retardant Use on National Forest System Lands
Previous years – see Appendix C, Final Environmental Impact Statement
Training:
- Webinar: Aerial Fire Retardant, The Forest Service and You: Fire Operations Resource Advisors and Managing for ESA Species - May 2017
