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:

-   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 health, safety, human life, property and critical cultural and natural resources.

-   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.

-   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.

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.

SAFETY MESSAGE: 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/hnx/.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

October 15, 2020

KINGMAN, Ariz. –The White Fire, burning 6 miles north of Kingman, has turned over to an entirely local Incident Management Team. One local engine and a Type 3 Helicopter remain to continue suppression on any hot spots that develop. Very little activity has been seen in the last two days.

Warm and dry conditions persist and are expected to continue into the weekend. Fire restrictions are still in effect across most BLM-managed lands in Arizona, as well as on many other state and federal lands.

Although the area is open for public travel, please exercise extreme caution in the area as fire personnel are still working on the White Fire.  

Acreage: 337 acres, 90% containment

Local Type 4 Team Takes Over

KINGMAN, Ariz. –With zero growth and 80 percent containment, the White Fire which started on the afternoon of Oct. 10, 2020, has turned over to a local Type 4 Incident Management Team. Most resources have been released to assist with other fires in the nation.

Temperatures for today continue to be warm and dry. The extremely dry conditions are unusual for this time of year and are like summer month extremes. Fire managers will continue to monitor weather closely to aid in managing this fire.  

Today, fire crews will continue to watch for hot spots and smoke coming off the fire. Very little activity was seen yesterday. Ground crews and helicopter bucket drop support will mop up any hot spots that are located.   

Although the area is open for public travel, please exercise extreme caution in the area as increased traffic and sudden changes to traffic control may be possible from fire personnel working on the White Fire.  

Acreage: 337 acres, 80% containment

For further information, please visit the following links:

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7239/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLMArizona/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BLMAZFire #WhiteFire #AZFire

FIRE PREVENTION ORDER # AZ-010-20-01

STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS DUE TO HIGH FIRE DANGER

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, COLORADO RIVER DISTRICT,

KINGMAN FIELD OFFICE

Pursuant to 43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 9212.2, the following acts are prohibited on all lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management in the following counties: Mohave and La Paz Counties in Arizona. This restriction includes the Western Arizona Zone encompassing Kingman Field Office.

These restrictions will become effective at 06:00 a.m., MST, 12 MAY 2020. They will remain in effect until rescinded or revoked.

Stage 2:

The following acts are prohibited until further notice:

1. Building maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove including fires in developed campgrounds or improved sites.

2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.

3. Discharging a firearm except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to State, Federal, or tribal laws and regulations.

4. Mechanical and Industrial Prohibitions

a. Operating any internal combustion engine.

b. Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.

c. Using an explosive.

Fireworks, tracer ammunition, are always prohibited year-round on Federal lands.

Stage 2 Exemptions:

An exemption does not absolve an individual or organization from liability or responsibility for any fire started by the exempted activity.

1. Persons with a written waiver that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act. This process can be utilized in cases where public works and public utility maintenance and repairs are necessary.

2. Industrial operations where specific operations and exemptions are identified, and mitigation measures are implemented as outlined in an agency plan.

3. Persons using a device fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.

4. Operating generators with an approved spark arresting device within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the generator.

5. Operating motorized vehicles on designated roads so long as the vehicle is parked in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.

6. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.

7. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force or other authorized personnel in the performance of an official duty.

8. All land within a city boundary is exempted unless otherwise stated by city ordinance.

9. Other exemptions unique to each agency/tribe.

10. Discharging of firearms is allowed on agency designated shooting ranges.

Violation of this order is prohibited by the provisions of the regulations cited.

"Any person who knowingly and willfully violates the regulations at 43 C.F.R. § 9212.1 shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment of not more than 12 months, or both, in accordance with § 9212.4. In addition, such persons will be liable to the United States for damages through either an administrative process or in United States federal court."

Information regarding these fire restrictions may be obtained by calling the Kingman Field Office at 928-718-3700.

Dated this 6th day of May 2020, at Kingman, Arizona.

From 0 to 80

KINGMAN, Ariz. – Fire crews had an extremely successful day yesterday (Oct 12) on the White Fire just north of Kingman. After a slow weekend, fire crews have secured 80 percent containment around the fire with very minimal forward spread, and no growth in acres from yesterday. The fire did experience a small flare up yesterday evening in difficult terrain. This area will be closely monitored today for further developments.  

Temperatures for today, and the rest of the week, remain about 10 degrees above normal. Today’s high is expected to be in the mid 80s, with overnight lows in the mid 60s. With no moisture in the forecast, conditions remain very dry.

Today, fire crews will continue to secure the fire’s perimeter by mopping up hot spots with ground crews and support from helicopter bucket drops.  

Fire restrictions are still in effect across most BLM-managed lands in Arizona, as well as on many other state and federal lands. Dry conditions persist.

Road Closures: Fire related road closures in the area have been lifted and barricades have been removed. Although road closures have been lifted, it may be necessary for fire personnel to temporarily close a road or section of road to complete fire suppression operations. Please exercise extreme caution in the area as increased traffic and sudden changes to traffic control may be possible from fire personnel working on the White Fire.  

Acreage: 337 acres, 80% containment

Evacuations: All evacuation notices have been lifted.  

For further information, please visit the following links:

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7239/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLMArizona/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BLMAZFire #WhiteFire #AZFire

Warm and dry conditions persist

KINGMAN, Ariz. – The White Fire began Saturday afternoon, on the east side of the Cerbat Mountains, approximately 6 miles north of Kingman. The human caused fire is under investigation. The fire has grown to 337 acres and is burning in mostly bunch grass with chaparral some pinyon-juniper.

Yesterday (Oct 11), crews working with air support made great progress toward stopping forward spread of the White Fire. Coordinated fire retardant drops between ground and air resources provide a safe alternative for fire managers, especially in difficult terrain.  Fire crews also used more direct methods within Shadow Canyon to reduce the active spread of fire in the area.

Today, crews will continue to take actions to create containment lines around the fire. Progress is slow and methodical due to the extremely dry conditions and rugged terrain. Daytime temperatures will continue to be above average for this time of year, with today’s high reaching a high of 82℉. Overnight conditions are also adding to overall abnormally dry conditions. Overnight relative humidity is not expected to get above 30% and temperatures will remain in the high 50s to low 60s.  

Evacuations: Residents in the area Quail Crest area are in READY status.  To learn more about Arizona’s Ready-Set-Go program and sign up for Mohave County emergency notifications please visit: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

For further information, please visit the following links:

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7239/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLMArizona/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BLMAZFire #WhiteFire #AZFire

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in the 11 Western states and Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In fiscal year 2018, the diverse activities authorized on BLM-managed lands generated $105 billion in economic output across the country. This economic activity supported 471,000 jobs and contributed substantial revenue to the U.S. Treasury and state governments, mostly through royalties on minerals.

October 13th, 2020 – PM Update

Background

On October 11th 2020 at 3:45 pm, Texas A&M Forest Service was requested to assist Texas Panhandle local fire departments on a wildfire in Roberts County Texas. The Jackalope fire is located North of Pampa off of highway 70. Local fire departments reported moderate to high fire behavior and with the cold front passage late Sunday evening, high temperatures, erratic winds and topography, the Jackalope Fire had resisted control efforts early in its progression. The wildfire resisted initial attack efforts and ultimately crossed the FM 283 road impacting traffic due to fire activity and suppression efforts. Many agencies and one private aircraft were called to assist with the control efforts of the Jackalope Fire leading to successful control of priority areas into the early morning hours of October 12th. There were 10 structures and 2 ranch compounds that were threatened but no structures were lost during the initial operational period. 
The Jackalope Fire was managed in unified command with assistance of Texas A&M Forest Service. Priorities for suppression of this fire were focused on providing for safety of the public, value protection, local roadway traffic safety and protection of ranch land areas. The Incident commander of the Jackalope fire reported nearly all local Panhandle fire departments assisted in suppression efforts on October 11th 2020.

Current Situation

The Jackalope was mapped at a confirmed 11,520 acres. Containment of the fire is holding at 98% with full containment estimated by the end of operational period tomorrow due to continued mop up efforts. Crews patrolling the fire have reported minimal heat sources along the perimeter and mop up efforts were focused into the interior of the fire for the day and into the next operational period. The Incident Commander reported the fire status will remain as being active until all areas showing heat or smoke are extinguished and all operational priorities have been met. 100% containment is projected for the end of the tomorrow’s operational period with no control difficulties are projected over this operational period. 

Current Evacuations and Closures

FM 283 was closed October 11th and is now open to regular traffic as of October 12th.

Critical Infrastructure

No structures were lost. 2 ranch compounds were protected. 

October 12th, 2020 – PM Update

Background

On October 11th 2020 at 3:45 pm, Texas A&M Forest Service was requested to assist Texas Panhandle local fire departments on a wildfire in Roberts County Texas. The Jackalope fire is located North of Pampa off of highway 70. Local fire departments reported moderate to high fire behavior and with the cold front passage late Sunday evening, high temperatures, erratic winds and topography, the Jackalope Fire had resisted control efforts early in its progression. The wildfire resisted initial attack efforts and ultimately crossed the FM 283 road impacting traffic due to fire activity and suppression efforts. Many agencies and one private aircraft were called to assist with the control efforts of the Jackalope Fire leading to successful control of priority areas into the early morning hours of October 12th. There were 10 structures and 2 ranch compounds that were threatened but no structures were lost during the initial operational period. 
The Jackalope Fire was managed in unified command with assistance of Texas A&M Forest Service. Priorities for suppression of this fire were focused on providing for safety of the public, value protection, local roadway traffic safety and protection of ranch land areas. The Incident commander of the Jackalope fire reported nearly all local Panhandle fire departments assisted in suppression efforts on October 11th 2020.

Current Situation

The Jackalope is estimated at 10,000 acres with established dozer line construction now at 100% completion. Containment of the fire is holding at 80% with full containment estimated by the end of operational period tomorrow. Crews patrolling the fire have reported minimal heat sources along the perimeter of the fire and are now working on interior mop up while improving established line. Mop up efforts are going to be focused into the interior of the fire for the remainder of the day and into the next operational period. The Incident Commander reported the fire status will remain as being active until all areas showing heat or smoke are extinguished and all operational priorities have been met. 100% containment is projected for the end of the tomorrow’s operational period. No control difficulties are projected over this operational period. 

Current Evacuations and Closures

FM 283 was closed October 11th and is now open to regular traffic as of October 12th.

Critical Infrastructure

No structures were lost.  2 ranch compounds were protected. 

October 12th, 2020 – AM Update

Background

On October 11th 2020 at 3:45 pm, Texas A&M Forest Service was requested to assist Texas Panhandle local fire departments on a wildfire in Roberts County Texas. The Jackalope fire is located North of Pampa off of highway 70. Local fire departments reported moderate to high fire behavior and with the cold front passage late Sunday evening, high temperatures, erratic winds and topography, the Jackalope Fire had resisted control efforts early in its progression. The wildfire resisted initial attack efforts and ultimately crossed the FM 283 road impacting traffic due to fire activity and suppression efforts. Many agencies and one private aircraft were called to assist with the control efforts of the Jackalope Fire leading to successful control of priority areas into the early morning hours of October 12th. There were 10 structures and 2 ranch compounds that were threatened but no structures were lost during the initial operational period. 
The Jackalope Fire was managed in unified command with assistance of Texas A&M Forest Service. Priorities for suppression of this fire were focused on providing for safety of the public, value protection, local roadway traffic safety and protection of ranch land areas. The Incident commander of the Jackalope fire reported nearly all local Panhandle fire departments assisted in suppression efforts on October 11th 2020.

Current Situation

The Jackalope is estimated at 10,000 acres with dozer line construction is now at 70% complete. 100%-line construction is the goal by end of the operational period. Containment of the fire is holding at 65% with full containment estimated by the end of operational period tomorrow. Crews patrolling the fire and have reported minimal heat sources along the perimeter of the fire and minimal fire behavior showing this morning. Continued line construction, mop up efforts into the interior of the fire and line securement east of FM 283 and the northern section of the fire are the main emphases for the day. The Incident Commander reported the fire status will remain as being active until all areas showing heat or smoke are extinguished and all operational priorities have been met. No control difficulties are projected over this operational period. 

Current Evacuations and Closures

FM 283 was closed October 11th and is now open to regular traffic as of October 12th.

Critical Infrastructure

No structures were lost.  2 ranch compounds were protected.