The revised Wildfire Map is being scheduled for public review. Meetings will be held in various
locations in the State. All the meetings will be evenings from 7 to 9 PM. The format is a
resource-fair-style open house with brief remarks at the beginning and tables for each
participating agency where questions can be asked.
There have been some revisions to the map as a result of SB 80 that changes the title of the map
from Wildfire Risk to Wildfire Hazard. The Extreme and High Risk categories have been
combined into High Hazard. The Low and No Risk categories have been combined to Low
Hazard. The Moderate Risk is changed to Moderate Hazard. The properties in the High Hazard
categories that are also in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) are mandated to provide
defensible space around structures by vegetation modification. This is essentially unchanged
from the original SB762.New building code requirements will apply to new and remodeled or
altered existing structures. This is also essentially unchanged from the original legislation. There
are some limited changes to parcel classifications. Over 100,000 parcels are still shown to be
High Hazard and inside the WUI where mandates will apply.
A new process is being created by the Department of Justice for all appeals of Hazard
designations. An explanation is being prepared to be available at the meeting. However, appeals
will not be accepted until later this fall when the final map is published. Agency meetings thus
far have a direction that only those properties that have a technically mistaken designation will
have any success in the appeal process. It is anticipated that few appeals will be granted.
The meetings are tentatively scheduled to be at:
REDMOND – June 3, Deschutes County Fairgrounds;
LA GRAND – June 4,location to be determined;
MEDFORD – June 17, Padgham Pavillion, Jackson County Fairgrounds;
GRANTS PASS – June 20, Floral Building, Josephine County Fairgrounds;
KLAMATH FALLS – June 24, Hall 2 Klamath County Event Center;
THE DALLES – July 1,location to be determined.
As a result of these meetings, if you have concerns, now is the time to contact people running for
office to see what their position is to protect property rights, property values, insurance costs,
mandated inspections of your property and how the fire programs in Oregon will be funded.
During election season is the time to determine who best represents your interests and deserves
your support. Now is also the time to be considering new legislation for the “long session” of the
Oregon Legislature early next year.