Burned area emergency response

Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) is a program designed to address the emergency stabilization and rehabilitation of lands affected by wildfires. The primary goal of BAER is to protect life, property, and natural resources on public lands by stabilizing soil, controlling water, sediment, and debris movement, and preventing further degradation of the affected area. This program is critical in the aftermath of wildfires, as it helps to mitigate the secondary effects of fires, such as soil erosion, floods, and the loss of habitat for wildlife.

Overview

Following a wildfire, the BAER team, consisting of soil scientists, hydrologists, engineers, biologists, and other specialists, assesses the burned area to identify immediate and potential post-fire threats to human life and safety, property, and critical natural or cultural resources. The team then develops and implements a plan to address these threats through various emergency stabilization techniques. These may include seeding, mulching, installation of erosion barriers, and temporary repairs to damaged infrastructure.

Process

The BAER process typically involves several key steps:

1. Assessment: The BAER team conducts a rapid assessment of the burned area to evaluate the burn severity and determine the potential for increased runoff, erosion, and other post-fire hazards.
2. Planning: Based on the assessment, the team develops a BAER plan that outlines the necessary stabilization and rehabilitation measures.
3. Implementation: The recommended measures are then implemented, often involving the use of specialized equipment and techniques.
4. Monitoring: After the implementation, the effectiveness of the emergency response actions is monitored, and adjustments are made as necessary.

Challenges

The BAER program faces several challenges, including the unpredictable nature of wildfires, the varying conditions of affected areas, and the limited window of time available to implement emergency measures before the first major rain events. Additionally, funding and resources can be constraints, requiring prioritization of actions to address the most critical needs first.

Importance

The importance of the BAER program cannot be overstated. By quickly assessing and addressing the immediate threats posed by post-fire conditions, BAER helps to prevent further damage to the landscape and supports the recovery of ecosystems. This, in turn, protects communities from secondary disasters such as floods and landslides, which can occur with increased frequency and severity in burned areas.

See Also

• Wildfire suppression
• Ecosystem restoration
• Soil conservation
• Water resource management