A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team, led by Terry Hardy and Edgar Martinez, has commenced an assessment of the Blue 2 Fire's aftermath. The BAER team's primary mission is to swiftly evaluate post-fire conditions on the burned landscape, identifying potential risks from flooding and debris flow that could impact National Forest System lands.

BAER teams are composed of a diverse group of scientists and specialists, including hydrologists, geologists, soil scientists, road engineers, botanists, wildlife and fisheries biologists, archaeologists, recreation and trails specialists, and geographic information specialists. These experts come from various federal and state agencies to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the affected area. The team's assessments are critical for identifying necessary emergency stabilization measures to mitigate risks to human life, property, and critical cultural and natural resources.

The initial step in the BAER assessment involves conducting field surveys and utilizing science-based models to generate a "Soil Burn Severity" map. This map is essential for understanding the potential watershed impacts from the wildfire, including risks of increased flooding, sedimentation, debris flows, and rockfall. The data collected during these surveys is analyzed to produce a detailed report that describes the post-fire conditions and outlines recommended emergency stabilization actions.

An important aspect of the BAER team's work is collaborating and sharing data with local cooperating agencies that may be affected by post-fire flood events. This coordination ensures that all relevant parties are informed and can take appropriate measures to protect communities and resources.

For more detailed information and updates on the Blue 2 Fire BAER assessment, please visit the Blue 2 Fire Postfire BAER InciWeb page.

Stay informed and stay safe, Ruidoso.