Monetising the Savings of Remotely Sensed Data and Information in Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) Wildfire Assessment
A journal article published in the International Journal of Wildland Fire assesses the cost-effectiveness of using satellite imagery to identify imminent post-wildfire threats to human life and safety.
Abstract
We used a value of information approach to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of using satellite imagery as part of the Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER), a US federal program that identifies imminent post-wildfire threats to human life and safety, property and critical natural or cultural resources. We compared the costs associated with producing a Burn Area Reflectance Classification map and implementing a BAER when imagery from satellites (either Landsat or a commercial satellite) was available to when the response team relied on information collected solely by aerial reconnaissance. The case study included two evaluations with and without Burn Area Reflectance Classification products: (a) savings of up to US$51,000 for the Elk Complex wildfire incident request and (b) savings of a multi-incident map production program. Landsat is the most cost-effective way to input burn severity information into the BAER program, with savings of up to US$35 million over a 5-year period.
Authors
Reily Gibson
Research & Communications Intern
T.J. Clifford
Bruneau Field Office, Bureau of Land Management, US Department of the Interior
Brad Quayle
Geospatial Technology and Applications Center, Forest Service, US Department of Agriculture
Justin Epting
Geospatial Technology and Applications Center, Forest Service, US Department of Agriculture
Terry Hardy
Supervisor’s Office, Boise National Forest, Forest Service, US Department of Agriculture
David Goodrich
Southwest Watershed Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture
