A map that identifies Oregon areas that are most prone to wildfires is creating a backlash among some homeowners, who worry it will lead to higher insurance costs and rules controlling how they can use their property.
The wildfire hazard map produced by the state forestry department and Oregon State University is searchable by address and shows wildfire damage risk across the state, including within forested areas that border cities and towns. The state requires properties that meet two criteria on the map — considered a high hazard and located near more developed areas — to have “defensible space” around their homes to protect against fires and to meet strict home hardening standards when installing a roof, new siding or other improvements.
Critics say these rules may have negative effects, from barring homeowners from planting trees near their houses to forcing them to move because of pricey insurance. Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek said in a statement this week she was suspending action on homeowners’ appeals of how their properties are identified on the map while the process is assessed; some state legislators want to change the map or the rules designating high-hazard properties.
The conflict over the map reflects ongoing challenges in the Western U.S. over how to handle fire prevention. Another state that has a similar map is California; in the areas at greatest risk, homeowners are required by law to manage vegetation within a 100-foot area around their homes.
“Oregonians have raised concerns," the governor said. "This issue runs parallel to our urgent need for long-term, sustainable funding for wildfire response and mitigation."
The state unveiled an initial version of the map in 2022 after several large fires tore through parts of the state in September 2020, destroying 4,000 houses and leaving 11 people dead. The map was withdrawn after public criticism; a new version was released last month.
Republican Senator Noah Robinson filed a bill last month to repeal sections of a 2021 law that created the rules on defensible space and home improvements. He said the map is inaccurate and infringes on people’s property rights.
“Most of these fires start on federal or state land anyway," Robinson said in an interview. “The property owners are not the problem. Yes, they can do things to improve their properties, they just don’t want to be told this is what the state’s going to make you do.”
He said he believes many Oregon residents’ insurance bills have increased since the 2021 law was passed, though a separate state law passed in 2023 bars insurers from raising homeowners’ rates based on how their property is designated on the map.
The defensible space standards call for removing trees close to houses and other measures to reduce the risk of a wildfire getting into a home. While well-intended, this standard runs up against some owners’ desire to have trees close to their homes not only for aesthetic but environmental reasons as well, Robinson said.
A state website emphasizes that people who live in high-hazard areas and within the wildland-urban zone don’t have to do anything unless they intend to replace certain aspects of their homes, such as a roof. The 2021 law doesn’t apply to partial roof repairs or other minor projects.
The state set a March 10 deadline for homeowners to appeal their map designation, according to Kotek’s statement. Appeals can be filed until that date, but they will not be heard until after the legislative session ends in June.