Title 42, The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-102
§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
Summary
Federal agency heads who protect U.S. property can make mutual-aid agreements with nearby fire departments. Each agreement must say no party will seek payment from another for loss, damage, injury, or death that happens while carrying out the agreement. The agreement may allow repayment of some or all costs. Earlier similar agreements are approved.
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
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102