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The National Academies

ACRP Synthesis 11-03/Topic S03-21 [New]

Managing All Phases of a Wild Fire Incident at Airports to Safeguard Critical Infrastructure

  Project Data
Funds: $75,000
Staff Responsibility: Jordan Christensen
Research Agency: -----
Fiscal Year: 2025

Letter of Interest solicitations for ACRP Synthesis 11-03/Topic S03-21 was originally released in November 2025, but no proposal was selected. The purpose of this announcement is to re-announce this project. This final scope is slightly different from the tentative scope. This solicitation is open to all qualified proposers, including agencies that responded to the earlier request for Letters of Interest. 

A cover letter plus a resume or CV should convey a concise idea of your knowledge of the topic and your related work and experience in the subject area. A statement that you can comply with the terms of the subaward (contract) should be included. A panel of topic experts will select the subawardee. The deadline for letters of interest is November 14, 2025 by 5pm eastern and can be submitted at https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8093208/ACRP-Synthesis-LOI-2025

 Final Scope

 Background

Wild fires wreak havoc across the country. In 2022 there were over 7 million acres burned throughout the United States. The devastating effects of the Colorado Marshall Fire in 2021 showcased how fast fires can engulf and destroy infrastructure. Wild fire events have continued to increase in intensity and frequency. These events have necessitated that the national airport community shift focus from strictly aviation related incidents to an all-hazard approach. The infrastructure associated with airports can be vital to continued operations, and any disruption in service could have cascading effects on the National Airspace System. Airports should begin to consider the probability of wild fires and protect infrastructure that keeps the airports operational. Not all infrastructure carries the same criticality, and not all infrastructure will require additional mitigation efforts.

Objective & Audience

Describe the practices for managing all phases of a wild fire incident that impact airport critical infrastructure. The audience for this synthesis are airport operators that do not have plans in place for managing all phases of a wild fire incident.

Info to be Gathered

Information to be described in a concise report includes (but is not limited to):

  • A literature review to include:
    • an introduction to the topic, including terms and past airport incidents.
    • applicable to airport: prepardness, mitigation, response, and recovery plans.
    •  identified common airport critical infrastructure that is susceptible to wildfires.
    • wild fire phase plans and practices for infrastructure that could be applicable to airports.
  • How airports determine prioritization of airport critical infrastructure.
  •  Identifying common themes and practices in managing all phases of a wild fire incident.
  •  Interview relevant aviation representatives on 
    • how they manage all phases of a wild fire incident, and resources they utilize.
    •  how they coordinate with their community and stakeholders in managing all phases of a wild fire incident at the airport. 
  • Identify knowledge gaps and future research

Information will be collected through literature review, a survey of airports and other applicable stakeholders, and interviews with selected airports or applicable stakeholders for the development of case examples. Knowledge gaps and suggestions for future research to address those gaps will also be identified.

Potential Information Sources

Bryce Young. Modeling Neighborhoods as Fuel for Wildfire: A Review, published July 4, 2025

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