ODF Launches Liability Program

The Oregon Department of Forest has a new program to increase prescribed and cultural burns.  Some private land owners are reluctant to have controlled burns, because of the risk they could get out of control and the owners would be responsible for the costs.  Jessica Neujahr, with the Oregon Department of Forestry, said a new program offers a million dollars in coverage, if that happens.

"The program is intended to introduce periodic fire back into fire-adapted landscapes and reduce forest fuels in order to reduce the potential for high intensity wildfires."

There are several conditions that need to be met.

"The burn must be enrolled in the program prior to burning," she noted.  "The burn is conducted or supervised by an appropriate party, and then they also must ensure that the burn follows all applicable laws related to the burn." 

Neujahr said if the damage exceeds a million dollars, the property owner can be held responsible for those costs.

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