Oregon’s State Fire Marshal’s Office is taking public feedback as the agency develops new statewide code for defensible space.  OSFM’s Allison Green said they’ve heard concerns from farmers and ranchers in areas that might be considered at high or extreme risk for wildfires, which would trigger potential future code enforcement.

 

“We have folks here that have irrigated croplands. They have certain agricultural uses, and so folks were like, ‘Am I going to have to cut down my alfalfa field?’ All of agricultural lands are going to be considered exempt."

 

Five meetings are scheduled for this week in Central Oregon, starting Tuesday.  OSFM must have the language of the code finalized by the end of the year, to comply with SB 762.  Visit the OSFM's Website for details on the Defensible Space Code.

 

The meetings will be in Sunriver, Bend, Sisters, Prineville, and Madras. Dates and times for each meeting are:

 

  • August 16 at 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Sunriver, Three Rivers School Gym, 56900 Enterprise Drive
  • August 16 at 5:30 – 7 p.m., Bend, Sky View Middle School Cafeteria, 63555 NE 18thStreet
  • August 17 at 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Sisters, Sisters Community Room, Sisters Fire, 301 S Elm Street
  • August 17 at 5:30 – 7 p.m., Prineville, Crook County High School Auditorium, 1100 SE Lynn Blvd
  • August 18 at 5:30 – 7 p.m., Madras, Madras Performing Arts, 412 SE Buff Street

 

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