BIGHORN RUNOFF POTENTIAL MAP RELEASED

 Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) assessment team released a map showing the runoff potential for areas burned by the Bighorn Fire.  BAER specialists were able to use existing data and data from pre-fire and post-fire satellite remote sensing imagery from the Bighorn Fire burned area.  The runoff map shows the levels of hydrological potential flows during rain events.
  

The Forest Service BAER assessment team uses this map and data to identify if there are areas of concern on National Forest System lands where increased soil erosion, accelerated surface water run-off, and debris flows have the potential to impact human life/safety, property, and critical natural and cultural resources from storm events.  BAER shares this data with interagency cooperators who work with downstream private home and land owners to prepare for potential post-fire flooding and debris flow impacts.

BAER Team Leader Greg Kuyumjian said, “The BAER team expects erosion and run-off within the Bighorn Fire area to increase as a result of the fire because a majority of the burned area has been rated as having a high potential for increased runoff.  Steep hillslopes affected by the fire that have been rated as having a high runoff potential could experience increased post-fire soil erosion and debris flows.”

 

The Bighorn Fire runoff potential BAER map can be downloaded at the 2020 Coronado BAER InciWeb site (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6796) as a JPEG or PDF version under the “maps” tab.

 

SPECIAL NOTE: Everyone near and downstream from the burned areas should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains over the burn scars. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events-be prepared to take action. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Service website: www.weather.gov/twc/.

 Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Limitations

 

While many wildfires cause minimal damage to the land and pose few threats to the land or people downstream, some fires result in damage that requires special efforts to reduce impacts afterwards. Loss of vegetation exposes soil to erosion; water run-off may increase and cause flooding, soil and rock may move downstream and damage property or fill reservoirs putting community water supplies and endangered species at-risk.

 

The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) program is designed to identify and manage potential risks to resources on National Forest System lands and reduce these threats through appropriate emergency measures to protect human life and safety, property, and critical natural or cultural resources. BAER is an emergency program for stabilization work that involves time-critical activities to be completed before the first damaging storm event to meet program objectives.

 

BAER Objectives:

 

• Determine whether imminent post-wildfire threats to human life and safety, property, and critical natural or cultural resources on National Forest System lands exist and take immediate actions, as appropriate, to manage the unacceptable risks.
• If emergency conditions are identified, mitigate significant threats to human life and safety, Forest Service property and other critical natural and cultural resource values.
• Prescribe emergency response actions to stabilize and prevent unacceptable degradation to natural and cultural resources, to minimize threats to life or property resulting from the effects of a fire, or to repair/replace/construct physical improvements necessary to prevent degradation of land or resources.
• Implement emergency response actions to help stabilize soil; control water, sediment and debris movement and potentially reduce threats to the BAER critical values identified above when an analysis shows that planned actions are likely to reduce risks substantially within the first year following containment of the fire.
• Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of emergency treatments that were applied on National Forest System lands.

 

BAER Interagency Coordination:

 

Post-fire emergency response is a shared responsibility. There are several Federal, State and local agencies that have emergency response responsibilities or authorities in the post-fire environment. The BAER team coordinates with these agencies to look at the full scope and scale of the situation to reduce the potential threats to human life and property. It is important that BAER efforts are communicated with all affected and interested cooperating agencies and organizations regarding other post-fire recovery and restoration efforts.

 

BAER treatments cannot prevent all of the potential flooding or soil erosion impacts, especially after a wildfire-changed landscape. It is important for the public to stay informed and prepared for potentially dramatic increased run-off events.

 

One of the most effective BAER strategies is interagency coordination to provide post-fire threat information to local cooperators who can assist affected businesses, homes, and landowners to prepare for rain events. For example, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program for post-emergency assistance on private and tribal land, the National Weather Service (NWS) has responsibility for flood warning alerts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has flood insurance and other responsibilities if the area is a Presidentially-declared emergency, Resource Conservation Districts (RCD) and counties, as well as State and local-highway and emergency services departments, Flood Control authorities, etc. It is important that landowners work directly with NRCS and other agencies to determine appropriate actions needed to protect private structures and other assets.

 

BAER Process:

 

BAER assessment teams are staffed by specially trained professionals that may include: hydrologists, soil scientists, engineers, biologists, botanists, archeologists, and others who evaluate the burned area and prescribe temporary emergency stabilization actions on National Forest System lands to protect the land quickly and effectively. BAER assessments usually begin before a wildfire has been fully contained.

 

A BAER assessment team conducts field surveys and uses science-based models to rapidly evaluate and assess the burned area and prescribe emergency stabilization measures. The team generates a “Soil Burn Severity” map by using satellite imagery which is then validated and adjusted by BAER team field surveys to assess watershed conditions and model potential watershed response from the wildfire. The map identifies areas of soil burn severity by categories of very low/unburned, low, moderate, and high which may correspond to a projected increase in watershed response. The higher the burn severity, the less the soil will be able to absorb water when it rains. Without absorption, there will be increased run-off with the potential of flooding.

 

The BAER team presents these findings in an assessment report that identifies immediate and emergency actions needed to address post-fire risks to human life and safety, property, cultural and critical natural resources. This includes early detection and rapid response (EDRR) treatments to prevent the spread of noxious weeds into native plant communities. The BAER report describes watershed pre- and post-fire watershed response information, areas of concern for life and property, and recommended short-term emergency stabilization measures for Forest Service lands that burned.

 

In most cases, only a portion of the burned area is actually treated. Severely burned areas steep slopes, and places where water run-off will be excessive and may impact important resources, are focus areas and described in the BAER assessment report if they affect critical values. Response action timing is essential to ensure the emergency stabilization measures are effective.

 

There are a variety of emergency stabilization actions that the BAER team can recommend for Forest Service land such as mulching with agricultural straw or chipped wood to protect soil productivity, increasing road drainage to keep roads and bridges from washing-out during post-fire floods, and early detection rapid response invasive plant treatments to prevent spread of weeds into native plant communities. BAER treatments are preventative in nature but cannot prevent all damage, especially debris torrents in areas that are prone to sliding and have lost critical root structure from plants.

 

The Cans and Cannots of BAER:

 

What BAER Can Do:

• Install water or erosion control devices
• Seed or mulch for erosion control or stability reasons
• Install erosion control measures at critical cultural sites
• Install temporary barriers to protect treated or recovering areas
• Install warning signs
• Replace minor safety related facilities, like burned guard rails
• Install appropriate-sized drainage features on roads, trails
• Remove critical safety hazards
• Prevent permanent loss of T&E habitat
• Monitor BAER treatments
• Implement EDRR treatments to minimize the spread of noxious weeds into native plant communities

 

What BAER Cannot Do:

• Prevent all flooding and debris flows
• Replant commercial forests or grass for forage
• Excavate and interpret cultural sites
• Replace burned pasture fences
• Install interpretive signs
• Replace burned buildings, bridges, corrals, etc.
• Repair roads damaged by floods after fire
• Remove all hazard trees
• Replace burned habitat
• Monitor fire effects
• Treat pre-existing noxious weeds

 

BAER Funding:

 

Special Emergency Wildfire Suppression funds are authorized for BAER activities and the amount of these expenses varies with the severity of the fire season. Some years see little BAER activity while other years are extremely busy.

 

Because of the emergency nature of BAER, initial requests for funding of proposed BAER treatments are supposed to be submitted by the Forest Supervisor to the Regional Office within 7 days of total containment of the fire. The Regional Forester’s approval authority for individual BAER projects is limited. Approval for BAER projects exceeding this limit is forwarded onto the Washington Office.

 

SPECIAL NOTE: Everyone near and downstream from the burned areas should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains over the burn scars. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events-be prepared to take action. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Service website: www.weather.gov/twc/.   

KEY ELEMENTS OF A BAER ASSESSMENT 
                              
Forest Service BAER assessment teams are established by Forest Supervisors before wildfires are fully contained. The teams coordinate and work with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Bureau of Land Management
(BLM), Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS), National Weather Service (NWS), local counties, State Department of Transportation, and other federal, state, and local agencies to strategically assess potential post-fire impacts to the watersheds burned from wildland fires.

• The BAER assessment teams are evaluating watershed conditions to determine the level of potential risks to human life, safety, property, critical natural and cultural-heritage resources, and determine if there are appropriate and effective emergency stabilization measures that can be implemented on federal lands in a timely manner to reduce unacceptable risks from potential flooding and debris flow threats.
• The BAER assessment team conducts field surveys and uses science-based models to rapidly evaluate and assess the burned area.
• BAER assessment teams are staffed by specially trained professionals that may include: hydrologists, soil scientists, engineers, geologists, biologists, botanists, archeologists, geographic information system mapping specialists, recreation and trails specialists, and others who evaluate the burned area and prescribe emergency response actions to protect the land quickly and effectively.
• BAER assessments usually begin before a wildfire has been fully contained.
• The BAER assessment team generates a “Soil Burn Severity” map by using satellite imagery which is then validated and adjusted by BAER team field surveys to assess watershed conditions and watershed response to the wildfire. The map identifies areas of soil burn severity by categories of low/unburned, moderate, and high which corresponds to a projected increase in watershed response.
• The BAER team presents these findings and treatment recommendations to the Forest Supervisor in an assessment report that identifies immediate and emergency stabilization actions needed to address potential post-fire risks to human life and safety, property, cultural-heritage and critical natural resources on National Forest System lands.
• The BAER report describes watershed pre- and post-fire response information, areas of concern for human life, safety and property, and recommended short-term emergency stabilization actions for federal lands that burned.
• In most cases, only a portion of the burned area is actually treated.
• If the BAER assessment team determines there may be potential emergency situations, the short-term goal is to have flood and erosion control protection measures completed before the first large, damaging rain events occur.
• Timely implementation is critical if BAER emergency response actions are to be effective.
• The BAER assessment team coordinates with other federal and local agencies, and counties that assist private landowners in preparing for increased run-off and potential flooding.
• Federal assistance to private landowners regarding post-fire potential impacts is the primary responsibility of the NRCS through the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program (www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/landscape/ewpp/).
• NRCS in coordination with additional state, local and federal agencies conduct damage survey reports for the private land adjacent to and downstream from the burned areas. NRCS uses these reports, along with the BAER team’s assessment report, to develop recommended emergency measures for businesses and private home and landowners to reduce the impacts to their property from potential increased water and debris flows.

SPECIAL NOTE: Everyone near and downstream from the burned areas should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains over the burn scars. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events-be prepared to take action. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Service website: www.weather.gov/twc/.

 LINK TO BIGHORN FIRE BRIEFING VIDEOS ON FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/pg/bighornfireinfo/videos/ 

  

 FOREST SERVICE BAER PROGRAM OVERVIEW

 
 

The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) program is designed to identify and manage potential risks to resources on National Forest System lands and reduce these threats through appropriate emergency measures to protect human life and safety, property, and critical natural or cultural resources. BAER is an emergency program for stabilization work that involves time-critical activities to be completed before the first damaging event to meet program objectives:

BAER Objectives:

o   Determine whether imminent post-wildfire threats to human life and safety, property, and critical natural or cultural resources on National Forest System lands exist and take immediate actions, as appropriate, to manage the unacceptable risks.

o   If emergency conditions are identified, mitigate significant threats to health, safety, human life, property and critical cultural and natural resources.

o   Prescribe emergency response actions to stabilize and prevent unacceptable degradation to natural and cultural resources, to minimize threats to critical values resulting from the effects of a fire, or to repair/replace/construct physical improvements necessary to prevent degradation of land or resources.

o   Implement emergency response actions to help stabilize soil; control water, sediment and debris movement and potentially reduce threats to the BAER critical values identified above when an analysis shows that planned actions are likely to reduce risks substantially within the first year following containment of the fire.

o   Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of emergency treatments that were applied on National Forest System lands.

While many wildfires cause minimal damage to the land and pose few threats to the land or people downstream, some fires result in damage that requires special efforts to reduce impacts afterwards. Loss of vegetation exposes soil to erosion; water run-off may increase and cause flooding, soil and rock may move downstream and damage property or fill reservoirs putting community water supplies and endangered species at-risk.

The BAER team presents these findings in an assessment report that identifies immediate and emergency actions needed to address post-fire risks to human life and safety, property, cultural and critical natural resources. This includes early detection and rapid response (EDRR) treatments to prevent the spread of noxious weeds into native plant communities. The BAER report describes watershed pre- and post-fire watershed response information, areas of concern for life and property, and recommended short-term emergency stabilization measures for Forest Service lands that burned.

In most cases, only a portion of the burned area is actually treated. Severely burned areas steep slopes, and places where water run-off will be excessive and may impact important resources, are focus areas and described in the BAER assessment report if they affect critical values. Time is critical if the emergency stabilization measures are to be effective.

A BAER assessment team conducts field surveys and uses science-based models to rapidly evaluate and assess the burned area and prescribe emergency stabilization measures. The team generates a “Soil Burn Severity” map by using satellite imagery which is then validated and adjusted by BAER team field surveys to assess watershed conditions and model potential watershed response from the wildfire. The map identifies areas of soil burn severity by categories of very low/unburned, low, moderate, and high which may correspond to a projected increase in watershed response. The higher the burn severity, the less the soil will be able to absorb water when it rains. Without absorption, there will be increased run-off with the potential of flooding.

BAER Funding:

Special Emergency Wildfire Suppression funds are authorized for BAER activities and the amount of these expenses varies with the severity of the fire season. Some years see little BAER activity while other years are extremely busy.

Because of the emergency nature of BAER, initial requests for funding of proposed BAER treatments are supposed to be submitted by the Forest Supervisor to the Regional Office within 7 days of total containment of the fire. The Regional Forester’s approval authority for individual BAER projects is limited. Approval for BAER projects exceeding this limit is to the Washington Office.

 

SPECIAL NOTE: Everyone near and downstream from the burned areas should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains over the burn scars. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events-be prepared to take action. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Service website: www.weather.gov/twc/.

 

 

NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) Tucson Briefing for Thunderstorms Saturday 6/27 through Tuesday 6/30

An increase in moisture will result in isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly from the Tucson area south and eastward during the afternoon and evening hours Saturday through Tuesday. 

The main concerns will be gusty outflow winds and lightning which could cause new wildfire starts. Some brief downpours are possible with the stronger storms. 

See attached briefing for additional information or go online to: http://weather.gov/tucson

  

THREE PHASES OF WILDFIRE RECOVERY

 

There are three phases of recovery following wildfires on federal lands:

-       Fire Suppression Repair

-       Emergency Stabilization-Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER)

-       Long-Term Recovery and Restoration

 

o   Fire Suppression Repair is a series of immediate post-fire actions taken to repair damages and minimize potential soil erosion and impacts resulting from fire suppression activities and usually begins before the fire is contained, and before the demobilization of an Incident Management Team. This work repairs the hand and dozer fire lines, roads, trails, staging areas, safety zones, and drop points used during fire suppression efforts.

 

o   Emergency Stabilization-Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) is a rapid assessment of burned watersheds by a BAER team to identify imminent post-wildfire threats to human life and safety, property, and critical natural or cultural resources on National Forest System lands and take immediate actions to implement emergency stabilization measures before the first post-fire damaging events. Fires result in loss of vegetation, exposure of soil to erosion, and increased water runoff that may lead to flooding, increased sediment, debris flows, and damage to critical natural and cultural resources. BAER actions such as: mulching, seeding, installation of erosion and water run-off control structures, temporary barriers to protect recovering areas, and installation of warning signs may be implemented. BAER work may also replace safety related facilities; remove safety hazards; prevent permanent loss of habitat for threatened and endangered species; prevent the spread of noxious weeds, and protect critical cultural resources.

 

o   Long-Term Recovery and Restoration utilizes non-emergency actions to improve fire-damaged lands that are unlikely to recover naturally and to repair or replace facilities damaged by the fire that are not critical to life and safety. This phase may include restoring burned habitat, reforestation, other planting or seeding, monitoring fire effects, replacing burned fences, interpreting cultural sites, treating noxious weed infestations, and installing interpretive signs.

  

FOREST SERVICE BAER TEAM BEGINS

POST-FIRE ASSESSMENTS

 

A Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team was established by the Coronado National Forest to begin burned area assessments of this season’s forest wildfires to include the Bighorn and Emigrant fires which also burned on state, private, and federal lands.  The BAER team leader is Greg Kuyumjian, who led the BAER assessment of the 2003 Aspen Fire, so he is familiar with the burned area of the Bighorn Fire.  The team coordinates with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), National Weather Service (NWS), US Geological Survey (USGS), Arizona Geological Survey (AZGS), and other federal, state and local agencies as they assess potential post-fire impacts to the burned watersheds.

 

BAER surveys are rapid assessments that evaluate the burned area to identify watersheds having increased potential for post-fire flooding, sediment flows, and rock slides.  Since the BAER survey is a rapid assessment to assist land managers prepare the burned area for the upcoming monsoon rains, the team will focus on potential emergency impacts to life, and safety on National Forest System (NFS) land and share the team’s findings with the responsible downstream agencies.

 

BAER teams may consist of scientists and specialists including hydrologists, geologists, soil scientists, road engineers, botanists, biologists, archeologists, and geographic information specialists.  BAER teams collect data during their burned area surveys to analyze through GIS and computer models and present their findings along with recommended BAER emergency stabilization treatments in a BAER assessment report.

 

BAER teams utilize satellite imagery and specialist data to analyze and produce a runoff map that show the levels of hydrological potential flows during rain events.  This is the first step in assessing potential watershed impacts from wildfires to any NFS values that may be at-risk from potential increased flooding, sedimentation, debris flows, and rock slides.  BAER teams produce a report that describes threats associated with the burned area’s post-fire conditions along with recommended emergency stabilization measures and actions.  BAER emergency response efforts are focused on the protection of human life, safety and property, as well as critical cultural and natural resource values such as the water quality of streams and wetlands on NFS lands.

 

BAER reports are shared with interagency cooperators who work with downstream private home and land owners to prepare for potential post-fire flooding and debris flow impacts.  Homes or businesses that could be impacted by flooding from federal land that resulted from wildfires may be eligible for flood insurance coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  Information about NFIP is available through FEMA at www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program, or www.fema.gov/wildfires-you-need-flood-insurance. Other flood preparedness information is available at www.ready.gov/floods at www.floodsmart.gov/.

 

SPECIAL NOTE: Everyone near and downstream from the burned areas should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains over the burn scars. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events-be prepared to take action. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Service website: www.weather.gov/twc/.

 Fire Information Line:  209-288-6312 

  LOCATION:  Stanislaus National Forest INCIDENT COMMAND TEAM: Stanislaus National Forest Type 3 ACRES: 10 PERCENT CONTAINED: 75% TOTAL PERSONNEL: 93   3 Hand Crews, 2 Helicopters, 4 Engines, 4 Dozers, 1 Water Tender  

CURRENT SITUATION: Fire containment has increased to 75% and the total size was reduced to 10 acres, due to better mapping of the perimeter. Today, firefighters will continue to reinforce the line around the fire and mop up hot spots. Minimal smoke and fire activity is anticipated, however potential spotting from burning and/or rolling debris crossing the containment line and igniting unburned fuel outside the fire perimeter is still a concern.

 

An unauthorized Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, or drone, flew over the fire yesterday. When this occurs, all aerial support must be grounded due to safety concerns. This can prolong firefighting operations; and in many cases, wildfires become larger when aircraft are not able to drop fire retardant and water, monitor wildfires from above or provide tactical information to firefighters. There is a Temporary Restricted Flight zone around the Quarter Fire to help ensure aerial support safety. Flying within this restricted area can have very severe consequences, including up to one year in federal prison and/or a fine of up to $100,000. Pilots may also have their license suspended or revoked. The Federal Aviation Administration has been notified of this intrusion.

 

As a result of reduced fire activity and increasing containment, most crews will be demobing today and the incident will be turned over to the Stanislaus National Forest Type 4 Team.

 

The Fire Incident Commander continues to request that the public stay out of this area and all access roads to the fire to avoid interfering with fire crews and equipment supporting suppression and rehabilitation efforts. Unfortunately, this has been a continual safety issue, the public’s support is greatly appreciated. The safety of fire fighters and the public is our number one priority.

 

The Advisory Evacuation Order issued for homes off Forest Road 3N11 and the north side of Cedar Ridge has been lifted as of 6 p.m. June 22. 

 

Weather conditions: Very dry conditions will persist throughout the area and temperatures near 100 degrees are expected to continue. There is potential for gusty winds during the day. 

 

For more information about the Stanislaus National Forest, visit us at www.fs.usda.gov/stanislaus, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StanislausNF, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/StanislausNF. For more information please go to https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6793/.

  

Fire Information Line:  209-288-6312

 

LOCATION: 

Stanislaus National Forest

INCIDENT COMMAND TEAM:

Stanislaus National Forest Type 3

ACRES:

15

PERCENT CONTAINED:

60%

TOTAL PERSONNEL:

179

7 Hand Crews, 1 Helicopter, 4 Engines, 4 Dozers, 1 Water Tender

 

CURRENT SITUATION:  Crews made solid progress today on the fire bringing total containment up to 60%. Fire Fighters mopped up hot spots using portable backpack water pumps and increased the treated area adjacent to the hand line that was put in yesterday. Fire activity was calmer today and improved access for hand crews minimized the need for air support. Although minimal smoke and fire activity is visible, potential spotting from burning debris, heavy timber and unburned fuel that could potentially reignite, remain a concern. Crews continue to focus on mitigating these hazards.

 

Dozer line rehabilitation work also began today. Water bars were completed on the Mount Elizabeth Fuel Break, and road improvements were made on FS Road 3N02 accessing the bottom of the fire.

 

Some crews and single resources are demobing today, final numbers were not available at the time of this update. The Incident Command Post also moved to the Mi-Wok Ranger Station. If progress continues like today and fire behavior remains low, the incident will likely be turned over to a Forest Type 4 Team in the next couple of days.

 

The Fire Incident Commander continues to request that the public stay out of this area and all access roads to the fire to avoid interfering with fire crews and equipment supporting suppression efforts. Unfortunately, this has been an issue over the last three days, the public’s support is greatly appreciated. The safety of fire fighters and the public is our number one priority.

 

The Advisory Evacuation Order issued for homes off Forest Road 3N11 and the north side of Cedar Ridge has been lifted as of 6 p.m. June 22. 

 

Weather conditions: Very dry conditions will persist throughout the area and temperatures near 100 degrees are expected to continue for the next several days. Thunderstorms are occurring on the crest today with potential to move down slope and effect weather over the fire. They are expected to continue to develop over the next couple days. 

 

For more information about the Stanislaus National Forest, visit us at www.fs.usda.gov/stanislaus, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StanislausNF, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/StanislausNF. For more information please go to https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6793/.

  

 

###