Mismanagement Leaves Oregon $218 Million Short on Wildfire Costs

Mismanagement Leaves Oregon $218 Million Short on Wildfire Costs
BY Oregon Senate Republican Caucus,

Oregonians deserve better than reactive, stopgap measures. Year after year, wildfires devastate our communities, forests, and air quality, yet the Legislature continues to underfund essential firefighting resources and resist policies that could reduce wildfire risks. Active forest management—such as thinning overgrown forests and removing excess fuel—has proven effective in limiting wildfire severity.

Unfortunately, Democrat policies have locked up our forests, leaving them dangerously overgrown and more susceptible to catastrophic fires.
This year’s wildfire season underscores the consequences of these failed policies. Unless Democrats join Republicans in our efforts to reform forest management practices, Oregonians can expect even more devastating wildfire seasons in the years ahead. Senate Republicans are committed to advocating for policies that prioritize the safety of our communities and the responsible management of our natural resources.
The urgency of this issue is clear: the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) are unable to pay $218 million in bills from the 2024 wildfire season. This massive shortfall affects firefighters, contractors, and vendors who worked tirelessly to protect our communities and clean up the aftermath of devastating wildfires.

In response to this crisis, the Legislature will convene in Salem for a one-day special session on Thursday, December 12th, to appropriate funds to cover these costs. You can read the Governor’s proclamation below.

While ensuring our first responders and vendors are paid is critical, this financial shortfall shines a spotlight on the broader challenges in the state’s budgeting priorities and wildfire policies. Without meaningful reform, the cycle of underfunding and devastating wildfire seasons will continue, leaving Oregonians to bear the cost.