Logo Department Organization Information Organization Address Information

Forest Service Washington Office 1400 Independence Avenue, SW 

Washington, D.C. 20250 

File Code: 6500 Date: May 12, 2022

 Route To: 

Subject: Travel and Lodging Guidance for Incident Response

 To: Regional Foresters, Station Directors, Deputy Chiefs, and WO Directors 

Agency leadership recognizes the challenges faced during emergency response due to traffic 

fatigue under unusual weather when traveling to assignments or not having established sleeping 

and/or support facilities available. Therefore, in compliance with Federal Travel Regulations, the 

Forest Service authorizes the following options contained in this memorandum through calendar 

year 2022 and supersedes all previous related memorandums. 

The flexibilities contained in this memorandum are intended to apply specifically to wildland 

firefighters and personnel supporting wildland fire. Additionally, in the event of all hazard 

incidents beyond fire (e.g., hurricanes) during the effective period of this memo, these options 

will also apply to Forest Service responders and support personnel directly addressing all hazard 

incidents. 

Emergency per diem for TDY locations within 50-miles of duty station 

Provide emergency per diem for temporary duty (TDY) within the local travel area (7 U.S.C 

2228). Emergency conditions may include wildfire, hurricanes, other disaster response and 

support that would endanger a traveler's health or safety if the individual were to return to their 

duty station or residence. The traveler should attempt to obtain pre-authorization whenever 

possible. However, the primary concern is for the traveler's safety and the agency may grant 

post-travel approval on a case-by-case basis. Justification should be signed by the line officer 

and uploaded in ETS2 to the voucher. 

Lodging Costs 

First line supervisors currently have the authority to approve lodging costs on an actual expense 

basis not to exceed 150% of the applicable maximum per diem rate. (Meals and incidental 

expenses amount remain the posted GSA rate.) Due to the significant increase in lodging costs 

across the United States and the urgent requirement for travelers to quickly report to an 

assignment, this authority for first line supervisors has been increased to 300% (enclosure). The 

traveler will be responsible for any costs over 300% of the applicable per diem rate. This 

exception is only applicable for wildland fire suppression and all hazard response travel. 

Privately Owned Vehicles (POV) 

First line supervisors may authorize travelers to use their privately owned vehicle (POV) in lieu 

of a common carrier, without submitting the Constructive Travel Using Common Carrier Cost 

Comparative Statement (FS-6500-6). 

America’s Working Forests – Caring Every Day in Every Way Printed on Recycled Paper 
 

Regional Foresters, Station Directors, Deputy Chiefs, and WO Directors 2 

Nonconventional lodging 

In the absence of government provided or conventional lodging under the Federal Travel 

Regulations (FTR), the Forest Service authorizes the use of nonconventional lodging (e.g., 

Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway) to support incident responders. Individual travelers may reserve 

outside of ETS2 or by contacting the CFO Travel Helpdesk for reservation assistance. Travelers 

requiring nonconventional lodging reservations for a group must request assistance from the 

CFO Travel Helpdesk. 

Government Travel Card 

A government-issued travel charge card is required to make travel arrangements in ETS2 or with 

BCD Travel for each individual traveler. Travelers can request a card at the Travel Compliance 

SharePoint and follow instructions. 

Traveler Assistance 

All travelers can receive assistance by logging into ETS2, calling the 24/7 BCD travel line (800-

877-6120), or contacting the CFO Travel Help Desk (877-372-7248, option 3) Monday through

Friday, 8:15 am - 4:15 pm Mountain Time.

Digitally signed by ROBERT 

VELASCO 

Date: 2022.05.12 22:06:42 -04'00' 

ROBERT VELASCO 

Chief Financial Officer 

Enclosure: Calculation of 300% Per Diem Limit