In support of USDA’s top priority of wildfire preparedness and response, Forest Service employees in the Deferred Resignation Program who have incident qualification cards (also called red cards) now have the opportunity to support fire response. Employees interested in this opportunity must follow established guidance to reactivate access to report time worked on fire assignments and submit travel documents.

The Washington Office is reactivating Forest Service DRP participants who have red cards in the Incident Resource Ordering Capability system so they can self-status their availability for fire assignments. These DRP employees will be available in the ordering system the same as any other resource and must be self-sufficient.

DRP employees interested in taking fire assignments should take the steps in the established guidance to reactivate their ETS2 travel profile now. Once ordered for an assignment, they must reactivate access to ConnectHR, submit appropriate documentation, code their time properly and make their own travel arrangements by following the instructions provided.

Participation is voluntary, and readiness and follow-through are the employee’s responsibility. This opportunity will be available until the deferred resignation program ends Sept. 30, 2025, or additional guidance is issued.

An email will be sent directly to employees in the Deferred Resignation Program who have incident qualifications informing them of this opportunity and the guidance. Thanks to qualified DRP participants for their willingness to step up during the peak of wildfire season.

Questions? Assistance for DRP employees taking fire assignments is available by emailing SM.FS.WOFAMHELP@usda.gov.