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Last Monday, Republican legislators gathered together for a press conference concerning the State’s Wildfire Hazard Map. The State Wildfire Hazard Map was established by SB 762, passed in 2021. For a good list of accomplishments from SB 762 in combatting wildfire, read this article by Samantha Bayer of the Oregon Property Owner’s Association.
However, the one damaging part of SB 762 was the requirement for the state to create a wildfire hazard map, ranking each piece of property in Oregon in regard to its fire risk. Some of this property assessment was done by OSU students, but much was done computer modeling. Whatever the methodology, the results have been a disaster for far too many Oregonians.
They’ve Seen The Presents
Insurance companies are not supposed to take into consideration the State Wildfire Hazard Map when assessing a particular property for fire risk. But like a child who has discovered their unwrapped presents before Christmas, it is nearly impossible to avoid knowing that a property that has been labeled by the state as “high” or “extreme” fire risk. Moreover, insurance companies have their own risk assessment maps. Due to recent wildfires here in Oregon and in California, it was inevitable that many insurance rates would rise, even without the State Wildfire Hazard Map, but just not as quickly.
The Solution, The Rally
So what is the answer to all of this? Step One is to repeal the State Wildfire Hazard Map. As long as the Map exists, it becomes a significant barrier to real and effective change.
To that effort, tomorrow, Tuesday, February 25th, there will be a peaceful rally at the Capitol in Salem at noon by people from all over the state. I am scheduled to speak at this rally. The rally’s goal is to show all legislators the angst and frustration over the State Wildfire Hazard Map and what it has done to property insurance rates. The message that will be delivered loud and clear: “Repeal The Map!”
As that process is happening, Republicans are working with our Federal partners and insurance companies to find long term solutions. The key is to expose and solve the real problem we face. While very painful, the State Wildfire Hazard Map and rising insurance rates are merely symptoms of the real problem: wildfire. As such, the real solution is not to require homeowners to spend an exorbitant amount of money on hardening their property against wildfire but to prevent wildfire in the first place.
Below is a chart presented to the House Revenue Committee last December.
The Federal government owns more than 50% of the land-mass in Oregon. Notice the Federal government’s timber harvest (orange) has declined dramatically over the past 30 years, allowing a tinderbox to grow up all over Oregon. Private timber owners, and the state do better with forest management.
One spark cannot only start a large fire, it can destroy entire communities in its path. We need much better management of Federal forests, especially creating fire breaks between U.S. Forest Service land, BLM land and our communities. This isn’t hard, but it takes political courage and cooperation. Fortunately, we have a President who is unafraid of the kind of change necessary to get real results.
Appeal by March 10th
If you believe that the State Wildfire Hazard Map has made an error in assessing your property, you have until March 10th to appeal. Here is the link to Appeal form. Moreover, at the bottom of Samatha’s article is a listing of several attorneys ready to help you with your appeal process if you decide to appeal.
Together we will win. Let your legislators (State Senator and Representative) know your desire to repeal the State Wildfire Hazard Map! Do not delay. Now is the time Legislators can work towards long term solutions that prevent wildfire threatening communities and insurance rates from skyrocketing out of control.
 It is an honor to serve the people of Central & Southern Oregon. If you need assistance with a state matter, plan on visiting the Capitol or have an idea for legislation, please reach out to my office.
Best regards,
E. WERNER RESCHKE
State Representative, HD 55
The Crater Lake District
Capitol Phone
(503) 986-1455
Capitol Address
900 Court St. NE, H-383
Salem, OR 97301
Email
Rep.EWernerReschke@oregonlegislature.gov
Website
www.oregonlegislature.gov/reschke
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