Property owners are understandably concerned about a new fire risk map that some say is already affecting their fire insurance rates and availability. More than 1,200 of them started last week at a Zoom meeting called by the state Department of Forestry to present the maps and explain how they will be used to implement legislation passed by the Legislature after the wildfire. ‘Almeda and other fires that devastated Oregon. communities
The meeting was moved from an in-person session to an online one. More on that in a moment.
But first, it’s important for everyone involved in this process to step back, cool off, and let the process work as it should.
The map, developed by ODF and Oregon State University, places all Oregon properties in a fire risk category.
Problems arise when properties are identified as high or extreme risk areas, which could force the owner to meet stricter building codes in the case of new construction and create buffer spaces. One meeting attendee said his insurance company had already refused to renew his coverage because of the map.
State Sen. Jeff Golden, D-Ashland, the bill’s sponsor, said he thinks the map needs work. State Reps. Kim Wallan, R-Medford, and Lily Miller, R-Grants Pass, sent a letter to Gov. Kate Brown’s office and ODF asking for the map to be revised.
Golden acknowledges that some properties listed as high or extreme risk on the map don’t appear to fit into those categories when seen in person on the ground. Property owners who dispute the category in which they are located can appeal, but the deadline is September 21 and the new requirements – which have not yet been drawn up – are expected to come into effect in early 2023.
Another serious concern is that many properties are listed as extreme risk because they are adjacent to Federal Bureau of Land Management or US Forest Service timberlands. But the state cannot require federal agencies to take steps to reduce the risk of fire on adjacent private property.
The issue of fire insurance is a major issue. Golden said no one should have to cancel their insurance if they work to make their property more fire resistant. But the legislature has not taken steps to protect owners from cancellation.
All of these concerns must be addressed, through emergency action in the Legislature if necessary. In the meantime, some facts:
Many properties are legitimately at high or extreme fire risk, and have been all along. They weren’t suddenly put at risk because a new map says so.
Taking steps to reduce potential fire damage, such as installing fire-resistant siding and roofing or clearing brush and small trees to create defensible space, does not mean the property is no longer in a high-risk area or extreme It just means that there is a better chance that the property can survive a wildfire. Taking these steps protects you and your neighbors as much as possible, which is what prompted lawmakers to pass the legislation.
But there are no guarantees.
A reader wrote us a letter explaining that his house is in an extreme risk zone, which he has known since he bought it 20 years ago, and that he already maintains a defensible space around it. He writes, “A 100-foot fuel reduction area on a bunch of 10+ acre lots won’t change the underlying climate, topography, and vast majority of flammable vegetation. It will only increase the chances of your house surviving to a passing fire Just like air bags won’t decrease your chances of encountering a drunk driver in an area with many bars open all night, they will increase your chances of surviving that encounter.
The writer asked to remain anonymous if we print his full letter, which we do not do as a matter of policy. He made the request because of threats that were made to state forest officials before public meetings.
That’s why the meetings were moved online. Because some local residents apparently thought it was appropriate to threaten violence against public officials trying to do their jobs.
This is unacceptable.
The fact that public meetings are being held and the concerns discussed above are being addressed means that the government is working as it should. The best way to protect your property rights is to come forward and discuss your concerns peacefully, not threatening violence if you don’t get your way.
