A method implemented by a network node in a Bit Index Explicit Replication (BIER) domain is used to provide fast reroute protection. The method includes copying a bit index routing table (BIRT) of the network node, changing a neighbor node in the copied BIRT to one of a plurality of backup neighbor nodes to generate a backup BIRT, deriving a backup bit index forwarding table (BIFT) from the backup BIRT, and forwarding a packet in accordance with the backup BIFT when the neighbor node has failed.