Kotek pauses appeals process for wildfire map

SALEM – Gov. Tina Kotek has directed the Oregon Department of Forestry to pause referring all appeals to the Oregon Statewide Wildfire Hazard Map to the Office of Administrative Hearings. The deadline for filing appeals remains March 10. The pause refers to the process that begins once appeals are received.

Kotek said she made the decision to pause the process until after the current legislative session ends, which must happen no later than June 29. The decision allows the legislature to deliberate any changes to the map requirements. She said it will allow Oregonians who elect to appeal their wildfire hazard zone designation from incurring unnecessary legal fees if the lawmakers make changes to the map.

No attorney is required for submitting the appeal, which is the first step in the process. If there are no legal changes made to the map or appeals process this session, ODF will refer the list of appeals to the Office of Administrative Hearings following the 2025 session.

“Oregonians have raised concerns over the current Oregon Statewide Wildfire Hazard Map, and this issue runs parallel to our urgent need for long term, sustainable funding for wildfire response and mitigation,” Kotek stated. “The legislature is rising to the occasion on these challenges. This pause will allow for the transparent, public process required to address both. Lands and lives depend on it.”

---

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

---

---