2018 Wildfire Season Leaders Intent

April 11, 2018

In Reply Refer To:
1253 (CA-910) P         

EMS TRANSMISSION:  04/16/2018
Information Bulletin No. CA-2018-009       

To:             All Employees

From:         State Director

Subject:     2018 Wildfire Season Leaders Intent

As we enter the 2018 fire season I want to emphasize three important points: safety, safety and safety.  How I discuss safety is nuanced, but important for us to ensure that we have a successful fire season.  First, I want to acknowledge that responding to wildfire continues to be among our highest risk and exposure to unsafe conditions in the work environment.  Each of us must stop and think before acting in any circumstance that may represent unnecessary exposure.  I expect protecting lives of responders and the public is our primary objective, while balancing necessary operational tactics that will have a high probability of success. 

The second point on safety is that we all have a responsibility to create a work environment free of harassment and inappropriate behavior, where all employees feel included and are treated with dignity and respect.  Further, I want to emphasize the Secretary’s, and my, commitment to addressing sexual harassment head-on.  As identified in the Workplace Environment Survey this is an issue not unique to fire, but one we cannot take lightly when it happens in the workplace.  So I request that each of you be an active participant in stopping any and all inappropriate behavior when it occurs.  For in the end, when an employee is not treated as a valued member of the agency, distractions will occur, resulting in an unsafe work environment.

Lastly, I will continue to emphasize my intent to build and cultivate a diverse workforce and to create a culture of inclusion that enlightens and strengthens all peoples’ connections to public land.  Everyone has a responsibility to help BLM California strive toward a cultural attitude that embraces diversity and inclusion.  In the end, creating an environment where employees are embraced for their diversity, and their voices are both heard and respected, will instill an environment where employee’s will feel safe and engaged.

I am very proud of all our employees' service, leadership, thoughtful decision-making and resilience through our challenges and successes.  I thank all of you for your commitment to public service, for keeping American’s safe and for the great work you do.

 

Signed by:                                                                  
Jerome E. Perez                                                         
State Director                                                             

Authenticated by:
Larry Weitzel
GIS/Applications Mgmt Branch, CA-946