In order to further cooperation with other states and with federal agencies, the chief of the division of forestry, with the approval of the director of natural resources, may request assistance and aid from and may provide assistance and aid to other states, groups of states, and federal agencies in the protection of forests from forest fires and may enter into agreements for that purpose. Upon the request of another state, the chief may send to or receive from that state such personnel, equipment, and supplies as may be available and appropriate for use in accordance with the terms of the applicable agreement.

Employees of the department of natural resources and the department of commerce serving outside the state under the terms of an agreement entered into under this section shall be considered as performing services within their regular employment for the purposes of compensation, pension or indemnity fund rights, workers’ compensation, and other rights or benefits to which they may be entitled as incidents of their regular employment. Such employees retain personal immunity from civil liability as specified in section 9.86 of the Revised Code.