Title 42 — The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-73not60

§1856a Authority to Enter Into Reciprocal Agreement; Waiver of Claims; Reimbursement; Ratification of Prior Agreements

Title 42 › Chapter 15A— RECIPROCAL FIRE PROTECTION AGREEMENTS › Subchapter I— PROTECTION OF UNITED STATES PROPERTY › § 1856a

Last updated Apr 5, 2026|Official source

Summary

Agency heads who must protect federal property can make agreements with nearby fire departments to help each other fight fires on federal property and on other places the local department usually protects. Each agreement must have everyone promise not to seek money from the others for loss, damage, injury, or death that happens while carrying out the agreement. They can also agree to pay back all or part of costs one party incurs. Any similar agreements made earlier are approved and confirmed.

Full Legal Text

Title 42, §1856a

The Public Health and Welfare — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Each agency head charged with the duty of providing fire protection for any property of the United States is authorized to enter into a reciprocal agreement, with any fire organization maintaining fire protection facilities in the vicinity of such property, for mutual aid in furnishing fire protection for such property and for other property for which such organization normally provides fire protection. Each such agreement shall include a waiver by each party of all claims against every other party for compensation for any loss, damage, personal injury, or death occurring in consequence of the performance of such agreement. Any such agreement may provide for the reimbursement of any party for all or any part of the cost incurred by such party in furnishing fire protection for or on behalf of any other party.

(b)Any agreement heretofore executed which would have been authorized by this subchapter, if this subchapter had been in effect on the date of execution thereof, is ratified and confirmed.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

42 U.S.C. § 1856a

Title 42 — The Public Health and Welfare

Last Updated

Apr 5, 2026

Release point: 119-73not60