The public still has time to provide comments about both the draft statewide wildfire hazard map and proposed administrative rules associated with the map.
The Oregon Department of Forestry said these public comment opportunities are among the last steps before the release of the final wildfire hazard map in October.
According to ODF, the proposed administrative rules will be used by Oregon State University to address how irrigated lands are considered when assessing hazards for the state map and they will establish the process for appealing a hazard zone or wildland-urban interface designation.
Public hearings were held virtually last week, but additional written comments can be sent to "maprules@odf.oregon.gov" until 5 p.m. on August 15th. Input received will be shared with the Board of Forestry prior to their decision on whether to adopt the rules. Please state which rule you're commenting on in your e-mail.
Draft versions of the state wildfire hazard and wildland-urban interface maps are available on OSU's Wildfire Risk Explorer website. These drafts reflect revisions based on public and county government input received over the last two years.
ODF officials said the wildfire hazard map's purposes are to educate Oregonians and property owners about the level of hazard where they live, assist in prioritizing fire adaptation and mitigation resources for the most vulnerable locations, and identify where defensible space standards and home hardening codes will apply.
Comments on the draft map can be sent to "hazardmap@odf.oregon.gov" until 5 p.m. on August 18th.
