Astoria, OR – Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has announced a temporary pause on the appeals process for the controversial Oregon Wildfire Hazard Map, allowing residents more time to voice concerns while the state legislature reviews the map’s requirements. The decision, which was made public on February 17, gives residents the opportunity to submit appeals until the March 10 deadline. However, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will not send any appeals to the Office of Administrative Hearings until after the conclusion of the legislative session, which must end by June 29.
Governor Kotek explained the reasoning behind the pause, emphasizing that the state is facing an urgent need for sustainable funding for wildfire response and mitigation. “Oregonians have raised concerns over the current Oregon Statewide Wildfire Hazard Map, and this issue runs parallel to our urgent need for long-term, sustainable funding for wildfire response and mitigation,” Kotek said in a statement. “The Legislature is rising to the occasion on these challenges. This pause will allow for the transparent, public process required to address both. Lives and lands depend on it.”
The decision was made after significant public dissent over the current wildfire hazard map, which was revised after community input but still has not met widespread approval. In particular, some residents have voiced concerns about the fairness of the map’s application, suggesting that it places too much responsibility on property owners without adequately addressing federal land management issues.
One resident, Bob Hart, expressed frustration with what he perceives as an imbalance in responsibility. “Wildfire problems in Oregon are everybody’s problem, not just the property owner, and making rules that specifically apply to the property owner where there is no responsibility for the federal government to do anything to fix their problem, that is a concern,” Hart remarked, referring to the lack of federal forestland management.
Kyle Williams, the Deputy Director of Fire Operations at the Oregon Department of Forestry, defended the map, saying that it was designed to be as objective and understandable as possible. “It took additional time to ensure community protection measures like home hardening and defensible space are prioritized in communities of highest wildfire hazard. It’s been time well spent, and we’re pleased with the diligence ODF staff and OSU researchers put into addressing input from all sources,” Williams stated in an earlier press release.
The pause on appeals is seen as a measure to allow for a more thorough public process, ensuring that any changes made to the map after the legislative review are not clouded by ongoing legal disputes. The governor’s office indicated that this decision will also help residents avoid potentially unnecessary legal fees during the interim, especially if the legislature decides to amend the map.
As the deadline for appeals approaches, the governor’s office has urged Oregonians to participate in the process, as the outcome could have lasting implications for wildfire safety, property management, and community preparedness across the state.
