Session Details

Flame On! How LBNL Plans For Wildfires Without Losing Our Cool

Channel 3
Thursday, May 8, 2025 1:45 PM (30 Minutes)

Facilitator
Jeanne Halstead
Track
Planning
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Synopsis

​​Like other DOE Labs, plants, and sites, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is responsible for identifying and implementing protective actions commensurate with the potential hazards of the Lab and its surrounding areas. However, hazards like wildfires are inherently unpredictable and provide little time for effective action. LBNL is located in an area designated by CAL FIRE as a ‘Very High Wildfire Hazard Severity Zone’ and has experienced historically impactful wildfires, necessitating detailed planning to ensure the protection of our Lab employees. From protective action decision-making and evacuation planning to wildfire refuge buildings and recovery plans, come learn more about LBNL’s approach to preparing for wildfires and how we intend to utilize wildfire behavior modeling and traffic simulations to inform our emergency plans.​​

Best Practices

  1. Evacuation planning in densely populated areas.
  2. Protective action decision making for severe incidents. 
  3. Collaborating with City and County partners on emergency plans.

Lessons Learned

  1. How using an interdisciplinary team approach can lead to comprehensive emergency plans. 
  2. How to use models and simulations to make informed planning decisions. 
  3. How to identify buildings capable of providing refuge when evacuations can not be safely accomplished.

Speakers
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