Work Continues On Oregon’s Defensible Space Code

The State of Oregon continues work to reduce wildfire risk in forests and communities.  Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz Temple said work is underway to develop the state’s Defensible Space Code, detailing what's necessary to help protect a building from wildfire.

"We expect during the 2nd quarter of 2026 that the code will be in place," Ruiz Temple said.  "That will now be a voluntary code that can be adopted at the local level."

Ruiz Temple added keeping communities insurable is also important and they need the insurance industry to decide what's necessary.

"If we're building to what we know the insurance industry standard is, that in the long run will prove dividends for Oregon, because that will be where the insurance will want to go as well," she said.

The State Fire Marshal said she is working to make high risk communities more resistant to wildfires while the Oregon Department of Forestry works to reduce risk.

Click Here to read a draft of the Defensible Space Code.

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