Oregon House and Senate Republicans have introduced a bill aimed at repealing the state’s wildfire hazard map, citing concerns over its accuracy and the impact it has on rural property owners. House Bill 3944 seeks to remove the wildfire map and revise regulations that lawmakers argue impose excessive restrictions on landowners.
The wildfire hazard map, initially implemented as part of Senate Bill 762, was designed to assess and categorize wildfire risks across Oregon, particularly in rural areas. However, critics of the map claim it contains inaccuracies that have negatively affected property values, increased insurance costs, and imposed additional regulatory burdens on homeowners.
According to proponents of the bill, repealing the map would alleviate undue restrictions on rural Oregonians and allow state agencies to focus wildfire mitigation efforts in areas deemed most cost-effective. The bill also aims to ensure continued access to financial resources that homeowners and communities can use for fire prevention and property protection.
Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles) argued that the map represents government overreach and unfairly impacts more than 100,000 homeowners across Oregon.
Senator Daniel Bonham emphasized the need for practical solutions rather than increased government intervention. He described the legislation as a collective effort to repeal the wildfire hazard map, which he believes is flawed and unfair to homeowners. Bonham sees this as an opportunity to address past errors and provide greater certainty for property owners throughout the state.
Similarly, House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby) contended that the state should not impose additional mandates on property owners while failing to adequately manage public lands.
Representative Christine Drazan criticized the current approach, arguing that property owners should not be penalized while state and federal governments struggle to manage forests and public lands effectively. She believes the proposed legislation would give rural Oregonians more control over how they manage their properties, rather than imposing restrictive mandates.
Supporters of HB 3944 argue that instead of enforcing what they consider punitive measures, the state should incentivize voluntary efforts to reduce wildfire risks. Representative Bobby Levy (R-Echo) emphasized that the legislation would encourage responsible property management without imposing restrictive mandates.
Representative Bobby Levy argued that the bill shifts the focus from imposing restrictive mandates to encouraging local communities and homeowners to take proactive, responsible measures in protecting their properties. She believes this approach would lead to a more effective wildfire prevention strategy that prioritizes safety while respecting property rights.
Meanwhile, Senator David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford) pointed to financial burdens and regulatory concerns tied to the current wildfire hazard map.
Senator David Brock Smith expressed concerns that rural Oregonians face undue government-imposed restrictions on their property due to the wildfire hazard map. He argued that the proposed legislation is a necessary step to reverse the negative impacts of the maps established under Senate Bill 762. According to Smith, repealing these regulations would help protect homeowners from burdensome mandates and rising costs associated with compliance.
The wildfire hazard map was created under SB 762, a wildfire preparedness bill passed in 2021 following devastating wildfires across Oregon. The map was intended to identify high-risk areas and inform property owners of necessary safety measures, including defensible space requirements and building code updates. However, critics have maintained that the map disproportionately affects rural communities, leading to concerns about increased insurance premiums and restrictions on land use.
When first introduced, the wildfire hazard map faced significant opposition, prompting the Oregon Department of Forestry to temporarily withdraw it in response to public feedback. Since then, Republican legislators have continued to push for its full repeal.
If passed, HB 3944 would eliminate the wildfire hazard map and revise state policies on wildfire risk assessment. The bill’s supporters argue that this move would return decision-making power to local communities and private property owners. Opponents, including environmental and wildfire prevention advocates, may argue that removing the map could weaken efforts to mitigate wildfire risks in vulnerable areas.
The bill will now move through the legislative process, where it is expected to generate debate among lawmakers and stakeholders. Supporters emphasize property rights and the need for accurate data, while opponents may argue that eliminating the hazard map could hinder statewide wildfire preparedness efforts.
As the discussion over HB 3944 continues, its impact on wildfire management, insurance regulations, and rural landowners will remain key points of contention in Oregon’s ongoing efforts to balance property rights with wildfire prevention strategies.
