Who is authorized to incur expenses in cases of emergency in national forests?

In circumstances of emergency within national forests, the Secretary of Agriculture has the authority to incur expenses to address such situations. This power is particularly important when immediate action is necessary to protect life, property, or natural resources from threats like wildfires or other natural disasters. The Secretary of Agriculture oversees the U.S. Forest Service and is granted the responsibility to manage national forests, which includes the ability to allocate funds and resources quickly in desperate situations, effectively ensuring a rapid response to emergencies.

The answer correctly identifies the position that encompasses these responsibilities, highlighting the critical role the Secretary of Agriculture plays in forest management and emergency response. This authority stems from federal laws designed to ensure that there is a proper framework in place for the swift action necessary during crises in forested areas.