Oregon Administrative Rules
Chapter 629 - DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY
Division 44 - WILDFIRE HAZARD ZONES; WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE
Section 629-044-1021 - Wildfire Risk Classification and Wildfire Hazard Rating

Universal Citation: OR Admin Rules 629-044-1021

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 9, September 1, 2024

(1) Wildfire risk classifications are established by a range of wildfire hazard factors that determine a net value change that illustrates likely wildfire consequences. Each net value change range is identified as a wildfire risk class as follows:

(a) No Wildfire Risk. A net value change of zero. Typically characterized as non-burnable areas.

(b) Low Wildfire Risk. A net value change from greater than 0.00 to 0.001911. Typically characterized as having the capacity to generate a wildfire which produces a flame length of less than 4 feet, a wildfire that exhibits little to no spotting, torching, or crowning.

(c) Moderate Wildfire Risk. A net value change of greater than 0.001911 to 0.137872. Typically characterized as having the capacity to generate a wildfire which produces a flame length of 4 to 6 feet, and that occasionally exhibits spotting, torching, or crowning.

(d) High Wildfire Risk. A net value change of greater than 0.137872 to 0.522288. Typically characterized as having the capacity to generate a wildfire which produces a flame length of 6 to 8 feet, and frequently exhibits spotting, torching, or crowning.

(e) Extreme Wildfire Risk. A net value change greater than 0.522288. Typically characterized as having the capacity to generate a wildfire which produces a flame length of over 8 feet, and exhibits frequent spotting, torching, or crowning.

(2) It is recognized that natural vegetation is highly variable and that the fuel models used in subsection (1) of this rule may not always accurately reflect expected wildfire behavior, due to variations in local species and vegetation conditions. Therefore, consistent with peer reviewed methods, modifications may be made to the hazard rating, net value change, and risk classification as necessary to ensure accuracy.

(3) Each wildfire risk class assignment shall be based on the average wildfire hazard rating of each tax lot.

(4) Each wildfire risk class shall consist of a net value change range. The net value change ranges that correlate to a given wildfire risk class shall be determined using a statistically objective methodology.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 477.490 & ORS 526.016

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 477.490

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