JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. – Local officials are inviting the public to participate in an upcoming town hall to discuss the newly released Wildfire Hazard Map by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). The event is scheduled for Thursday, February 1, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Josephine County Fairgrounds Pavilion.
The forum, organized by the Josephine County Board of Commissioners, will give residents an opportunity to learn about the Wildfire Hazard Map, which categorizes properties into low, moderate, and high wildfire risk zones. Attendees will also have the chance to ask questions during a Q&A session and share their feedback on the map’s findings.
The map was created to reflect environmental factors that contribute to fire risk across the state. However, individual actions—such as creating defensible space around homes or implementing fire-resistant materials—can help reduce the risk on a property without changing its designated hazard level.
Approximately 106,000 tax lots across Oregon have been identified as high-risk areas for wildfire, representing about 6% of all properties in the state. Property owners in these areas received detailed information packets earlier this month from the ODF, which outlined their specific risk levels and included resources to help mitigate wildfire hazards.
Josephine County officials emphasized that property owners who disagree with their property’s wildfire risk designation can file an appeal with the Oregon Department of Forestry. Appeals must be submitted by March 10, 2025, and can be filed electronically or by mail.
For any questions related to the hazard map or risk levels, ODF has opened a call center available Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents can reach the center at 1-844-996-2259.
The town hall presents an important opportunity for residents to engage in a dialogue about wildfire preparedness and safety, as communities across Oregon continue to navigate the challenges posed by wildfire risk.