Single Publication

JOSEPH, Ore. (October 5, 2022) – A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team has arrived inJoseph, Oregon, to begin their assessment of the Double Creek, Nebo, Sturgill, Jones and Goat MountainFires.
 BAER is an emergency program aimed at managing imminent unacceptable risks to human life andsafety, property, and or critical natural and cultural resources from post-wildfire conditions.The Team, comprised of U.S. Forest Service employees who specialize in multiple resource areas, isconducting field surveys and using science-based models to rapidly assess watersheds on NationalForest System lands, then inventory BAER Critical Values, assess risk and determine the need foremergency measures and treatments on National Forest System lands. The Team will share any areas ofconcern outside of National Forest System lands with the appropriate federal, state, and countyagencies so they can work with individual landowners under their respective authorities.
 "There are over 200,000 acres of burned area to be covered and we know it is a big job," said AnthonyBotello, deputy forest supervisor for the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. "While for the majority ofthe burned area, we anticipate low to moderate burn severity and the fire effects are mostly positive,we are happy to have a BAER team here to help assess the risks to values that fires can cause. "
 Team members will closely assess the watersheds for post-fire rain related impacts such as increasedflooding, debris flow potential, and increased soil erosion. The Team will evaluate threats and risks andthen recommend various emergency response strategies to be completed before the first damagingstorm event. Those recommendations are submitted as a proposed emergency response plan forapproval. Once approved, the Forest will receive funding to complete emergency response effortswithin the fire area.
 Treatments will be installed within one year from the date of full containment and may be monitoredfor up to three years. It is anticipated that the fire assessments will be completed by mid-October withthe response plan implemented by the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Supervisor and any nearbyprivate land shortly after.