OSFM Preparing For Wildfire Season

California’s devastating wildfires serve as a reminder for those across the Northwest to prepare their properties for the upcoming fire season.  An Oregon State Fire Marshal program providing property assessments is getting more popular, as more Oregonians work to create defensible space ahead of the next wildfire.

“Over the past 18 months, we’ve done approximately 2,800 assessments across Oregon, between us and the local fire service partners.”

But OSFM Assistant Chief Deputy Chad Hawkins said they’ve received more than 600 requests in just the past few weeks.  He believes the spike is due to publicity around California’s devastating wildfires; and recent notices sent by the Oregon Department of Forestry to high-risk properties.

“Eventually, once the ODF Hazard Map and the appeals take place, and that process runs its course, then we would go ahead and finalize what would be known as the Defensible Space Code.”

But, he said, that’s not required at this point.  Assessments are free, and can be requested through the State Fire Marshal website.

OSFM began offering free assessments in July of 2023.

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