Bend, OR – Oregon’s controversial wildfire hazard map has become a focal point in the state’s ongoing efforts to prepare for future wildfire seasons. On Thursday, Democratic Senator Anthony Broadman of Bend joined Republican lawmakers in calling for the repeal of the revised map, arguing that it does not create an equitable system and fails to account for variances among individual properties.

During a speech on the Senate floor, Broadman explained that his home is located in the moderate risk zone, while an extreme-risk zone is just a few streets away. He acknowledged that, as a non-expert in wildfire science, he couldn’t discern the differences between his neighborhood and others nearby. Broadman argued that the rigidity of the map is not serving communities like his, distracting from vital efforts to prepare for the upcoming fire seasons.

“Our region is safer because of the work we’ve done on fuels reduction, planning, investment, and preparation in Senate Bill 762,” Broadman said. “But the maps do not create an equitable system that encourages wildfire resilience work for homeowners, partly because they fail to account for the variance between specific properties.”

Broadman’s comments reflect a growing frustration among lawmakers who believe that the maps, while well-intentioned, have become a hindrance to the real work of reducing wildfire risk. Broadman urged his colleagues to repeal the maps, encouraging a shift in focus toward efforts like fuels reduction, community hardening, and preparing for fire season.

Rep. Emerson Levy (D-Bend) voiced similar concerns, echoing Broadman’s call for repeal. Levy shared her belief that the wildfire hazard maps have become a distraction from more meaningful wildfire preparedness work.

“I share the Senator’s view that the wildfire maps have become a distraction from focusing on the necessary and important work of making resilient and fire-ready communities,” Levy stated.

Republican Senator Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte) also expressed his support for repealing the map. “I agree. The maps need to be repealed,” he said, aligning with the growing bipartisan consensus.

However, not all lawmakers are fully aligned with the push for repeal. Senator Jeff Golden (D-Ashland), who had previously proposed revisions to the map to remove property-level risk designations, acknowledged the push to repeal the maps but cautioned against losing the progress made under Senate Bill 762. Golden pointed to the positive impacts of the bill, such as increased resources for rural fire departments, additional fire engines, and the establishment of a statewide smoke detection camera network that has proven effective in detecting wildfires early.

“I think we should repeal the maps,” Golden said. “But I want to make sure we don’t undo the other positive changes we’ve made in wildfire preparation, which have been beneficial in preventing larger fires.”

As the debate continues, it’s clear that lawmakers are divided over the role of the wildfire hazard maps in Oregon’s broader wildfire preparedness strategy. Some feel the maps are not effectively tailored to local conditions, while others warn that removing the maps could undermine the progress achieved through other measures. With wildfire season fast approaching, the state will need to decide how best to balance scientific risk assessment with on-the-ground preparedness efforts to protect communities from the growing threat of wildfires.

The conversation around the wildfire hazard map continues to evolve, with Oregon lawmakers working to find a solution that will ensure the safety of communities across the state while fostering long-term resilience in the face of climate change and increasing fire risks.