Klamath County, Oregon – All area property owners are being encouraged by the Klamath County Board of County Commissioners to check their properties’ locations on the Oregon Wildfire Hazard Map and think about submitting an appeal should they feel their land has been incorrectly marked. Time is running out for property owners to contest their classification in wildfire hazard zones or inside the wildland-urban interface with the cutoff date set for March 10, 2025.
The importance of this appeal process cannot be understated, as it pertains directly to future wildfire preparedness and response measures. Three levels of wildfire risk—low, moderate, or high—classify properties; these designations may significantly impact insurance rates and land management approaches.
To file an appeal, property owners should follow these steps:
- Visit the official website at Oregon Department of Forestry’s wildfire hazard page.
- Download and complete the required appeal form available on the page.
- Submit the completed form either electronically or by traditional mail, ensuring it is postmarked by March 10, 2025.
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As of January 7, 2025, the state had distributed information packets by mail to owners whose properties lie both inside high wildfire threat areas and the wildland-urban interface. You are still qualified to appeal even if you did not get this package yet feel your property may be wrongly assessed.
Additional support is available for anyone who needs help understanding the map or the appeals process:
- For a broad range of frequently asked questions, visit the FAQ section on the Oregon Department of Forestry’s website.
- Contact the support line at 1-844-996-2259, available from Monday to Saturday, 6:30 AM to 3 PM PST, for direct assistance.
- Email any detailed inquiries to [email protected].
Senate Bills 80 (2023) and Senate Bills 762 (2021) legally mandate the development and continuous assessment of the Wildfire Hazard Map. These rules seek to improve the state’s resistance against potential wildfires, a rising issue given climate changes. Although there are initiatives aiming at potentially eradicating these maps, the current need of property owners to interact with the process and protect their rights is still very important.
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Officials in Klamath County underline the need of community participation in these projects. This is very important not only for the current safety but also for the long-term planning and preparedness; ensuring the maps accurately reflect the real risks the communities face. Officials advise any impacted property owner to take a moment to review their categorization and, when needed, submit an appeal. This is a crucial phase in protecting your property and supporting the shared safety precautions.
Klamath County’s call to action emphasizes the community’s part in forming their own safety precautions against the possibility of wildfires, as the appeal deadline approaches.
