Rep. McLane: My response to new wildfire risk map

By Oregon State Senator Mike McLane,

My office has received an outpouring of feedback from constituents since wildfire risk assessments have been mailed to property owners by Oregon Department of Forestry.

The Oregon Legislature passed Senate Bill 762 in 2021, before I was elected to modernize and improve wildfire preparedness, followed by SB 80 in 2023 which refined and built upon the advancement of wildfire programs initiated under SB 762. The wildfire risk map was supposed to be a critical tool designed to enhance our preparedness and response to the increasing threat of wildfires. I recognize, however, that its implementation has raised significant concerns regarding its impact on property owners, including issues related to insurance, land use, and risk classification. The original wildfire risk map was withdrawn for revision following public feedback. Senator Lynn Findley, my predecessor, was a big voice for revision of the original map.

At this point, the best thing property owners can do is file an appeal here. 

Senator Bonham and Senator Robinson have introduced SB 678 to repeal wildfire protection provisions adopted in SB 762.