Wildfire Mapping Resources
Reducing Wildfire Risk to Oregon’s Homes and Communities
The wildland-urban interface (WUI) is where homes mix with flammable vegetation and people and property are at risk from wildfire. As a result of the 2021 Legislature’s passage of Senate Bill 762, several state agencies are working together to reduce wildfire risk across Oregon. First, Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) in collaboration with Oregon State University (OSU) is mapping Oregon’s WUI and establishing five classes of risk. Once this mapping is completed June 30, 2022, other agencies will use the map to:
Make homes safer through defensible space actions that will help firefighters better protect homes in the high and extreme risk classes, and building codes standards that help make new homes more fire-resistant.
Make communities safer through recommendations on statewide land use planning, local land use plans, and zoning codes to help reduce risk.
For the statewide wildfire risk map required under SB 762, ODF developed administrative rules with input from a 26-member rulemaking advisory committee. The rules, adopted by the Board of Forestry, establish the criteria by which the map is developed, updated, and maintained. The rules also:
- Implement five statewide wildfire risk classes of extreme, high, moderate, low and no risk, based on weather, climate, topography, and vegetation.
- Develop a process in which a property owner may appeal a designation of wildfire risk class.
- Determine a process in which a property owner is notified of risk assignment of high or extreme.
- Develop maintenance criteria for the map.
The map also shows what properties in Oregon fall within the wildland-urban interface (WUI), as defined by the Board of Forestry in rule in 2021. Oregon State University developed the map based on the rules adopted by the board and the best data available.
The map shows the assigned risk classification for every tax lot in the state. Those that are both within the WUI and classified as high or extreme risk will receive written notification from ODF and may be subject to future changes to defensible space and home building codes. There may also be changes to statewide land use planning programs and local plans and zoning codes. View a summary of each organization's role related to the WUI and risk map.
Additional Resources
- Wildfire Risk Map Factsheet
- Wildfire Risk Map FAQ – Oregon Department of Forestry
- Risk Map Technical Guide – direct questions to osuwildfirerisk@oregonstate.edu
- WUI Development Technical Guide – direct questions to osuwildfirerisk@oregonstate.edu
- Wildfire Risk Map FAQ – Oregon State Fire Marshal
- Defensible Space Code FAQ – Oregon State Fire Marshal
- Wildfire Risk Map Appeal Form
- Insurance & Wildfire Risk – Division of Financial Regulation, 1-pager
- Home Hardening Informational Flyer - Building Codes Division
Contact: Jim McCauley, Legislative Director - jmccauley@orcities.org