Oregon – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is poised to notify Oregonians living in places where urban development crosses with wilderness areas—also known as the wilderness-Urban Interface (WUI)—about wildfire risk. These property owners will have a 60-day period to challenge their classification on the updated wildfire danger map, which identifies areas most likely to see wildfire events. Part of a Senate Bill 80 mandate for 2023, this map seeks to help property owners in high-risk locations with methods for property protection.
The process toward the final wildfire hazard map has been long and greatly influenced by public feedback. The first edition of the wildfire map attracted over 2,000 public comments, according to Derek Gasperini, ODF’s communications manager, which caused delays as the ODF sought to include common concerns and WUI property owner recommendations. Emphasizing the ODF’s dedication to an inclusive process, Gasperini explained that they wanted to make sure they accurately captured the opinions and perspectives of the residents affected by this map.
Unique areas where the proximity of homes to wilderness vegetation generates a mix that increases the risk of fires from both natural and human activity are known as wilderness-Urban Interface zones. Common causes of WUI zone fires include campfires, lightning, escaped debris burns, and even discarded cigarette butts. The new hazard map seeks to provide clarity on where these hazards are most severe and what actions property owners could take to reduce them.
Oregonians whose properties are within designated WUI zones will get a notice from the ODF beginning next week. Containing a whole 12-page booklet, the letter will offer direction on fire-hardening techniques meant to lower wildfire hazards. These suggestions call for building defensible areas between houses and surrounding vegetation as well as using fire-resistant building materials.
One significant challenge in finalizing the wildfire hazard map and notification process has been logistical. Apart from discussing fire-hardening techniques, these 12-page packets help to clarify the revised draft rules created in response to public comments. Gasperini underlined that homeowners will have time to grasp and apply the advised fire safety procedures instead of rapid punitive actions for non-compliance.
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After receiving their packets, property owners concerned about their classification or the advice presented will have 60-day appeal time. Designed for convenience, this appeal procedure will be carried out online so people may study and contest the categorization of their property without having to visit. Appeals could cover a variety of elements, including alleged errors in the way the map labels danger levels—high, moderate, or low.
One of the regular concerns expressed by the locals is the financial burden compliance with fire-hardening rules could cause. Gasperini reassured householders that those who satisfy the fire-safety criteria will not be obliged to make any more improvements beyond the initial recommendations. Aware of the financial impact, the ODF makes sure the criteria remain acceptable for property owners who could already be funding initiatives aimed at fire protection.
The updated wildfire hazard map and matching codes have to be approved by the Building Codes Division and the Oregon State Fire Marshal as last step. This cooperative initiative seeks to provide a thorough and workable strategy for preventing wildfires that finds a mix between public safety and the reality of property ownership in high-risk regions.
Residents are advised to carefully go over the material given, evaluate the advised safety measures, and determine whether they want to take part in the appeals process for now. The completed wildfire hazard map will be published once the appeal time ends and comments have been examined, therefore confirming Oregon’s strategy for managing wildfire hazards in WUI areas.
Through this planned, feedback-driven approach, the ODF seeks to assist and safeguard communities in wildfire-prone regions, therefore enabling property owners to move toward increased safety free from unnecessary expense.
