Based on a new fire risk map released last week by the state, over half of Oregon’s land base is at extreme or high risk from wildfire, which could mean serious and potentially expensive implications for homeowners.

Roughly 80,000 landowners in Oregon fall into the high or extreme risk classification inside the newly defined wildland urban interface and have a structure on the property. If that’s you, it likely means new regulations intended to protect communities from wildfire. But it also means you could be required to make modifications to your home or areas surrounding your home, and you only have 60 days to appeal your home’s risk classification.

For some homeowners building or modifying a home, new rules
might dictate what kind of roof, siding, windows, patios and decks you can
have. It also could require you cut back trees, shrubs, grasses or other fuel
for fire around your home.

As a result of Senate Bill 762 passed
in the Legislature last year, the state has defined what qualifies as the wildland
urban interface (where residential development is near forested areas) and is
preparing to adopt new requirements for building codes and for defensible space
around homes. There may also be changes to statewide land use planning programs
and local plans and zoning codes.

Find out what your fire risk is by entering your address
into the
new interactive map.

More information on the new map and its implications for
homeowners, visit the Oregon
Department of Forestry’s website and find a Frequently Asked Questions
document here.