South Fork and Salt Fire Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Update - July 3, 2024
Daily Operational Report
Overview: Today marks the start of our second week of onsite Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) assessment for the South Fork and Salt Fires. Our focus remains on evaluating and mitigating post-fire risks to human life, property, and critical natural and cultural resources across Tribal and National Forest lands.
Soil Burn Severity (SBS) Maps: Detailed Soil Burn Severity (SBS) maps are now available on our public-facing Inciweb site. These maps indicate that the majority of the burned areas sustained moderate to high severity impacts.
Salt Fire:
Burned Area: 7,652 acres
SBS: 36.6% low or unburned, 59.2% moderate, 4.2% high
Highlights: Assessments at Eagle Lake Campground and road access to Ski Apache completed. Collaborative efforts with the Mescalero Apache Tribe underway for installing barriers and clearing channels to mitigate downstream flooding risks.
South Fork Fire:
Burned Area: 16,613 acres
SBS: 11% unburned, 23.3% low, 46.2% moderate, 19.5% high
Highlights: BAER funding request for emergency stabilization treatments submitted. Ongoing efforts include soil erosion modeling and identification of critical wildlife values at risk.
Current Actions:
Continued development of Watershed Response Model maps for affected drainages.
Advancement of risk assessments and treatment specifications for both fires.
Compilation of updated cost estimates for emergency stabilization treatments.
Preparation of preliminary recommendations for discussion with the Mescalero Apache Tribe.
Community Engagement: Staff from U.S. House Representative Melanie Stansbury's office are on-site in Mescalero, engaging with affected residents and collaborating with our BAER Team and local partners. They are providing information on the BAER process and connecting residents with resources such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Emergency Watershed Protection Program.
For more detailed information, including SBS maps and ongoing updates, visit our Inciweb site.
Stay informed and stay safe.
Contact Information:
BAER Documentation Specialist
Stephanie Trumbull
Administrative Officer, Office of Emergency Management
U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs
Cell: (208) 277-5052
Website: bia.gov/oem Email: BIA_OEM@bia.gov
