FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
How can I request a defensible space assessment?
How much does the assessment cost?
The assessment is free.
How can I request an assessment not using the Internet?
Call 503-934-0874 to request an assessment.
Who will come to my property to conduct the assessment?
A deputy state fire marshal or a member of your local fire agency will complete the assessment with you.
What tools will be used to conduct the assessment?
An assessment form on a smartphone app is used. The fire service member will complete the form with you as you both walk the property. When the assessment is finished, the property owner will get a copy of the report.
What data is collected during the assessment and what does the state do with it?
Minimal data is collected during the assessment, such as the location and recommendations. The Oregon State Fire Marshal maintains the assessment data in a secure ArcGIS database. The data will help the Oregon fire service target limited and valuable resources to communities needing wildfire preparedness assistance.
How does the assessment program interact with the Firewise USA® designation?
Firewise USA® is a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) program with specific requirements to become a designated Firewise community. The Oregon assessment tool may not be substituted for the NFPA Firewise designation; however, we encourage filling out the Oregon assessment tool in conjunction with an NFPA assessment.
I had an assessment done by someone else, such as the Oregon Department of Forestry or a nonprofit. Do I need another assessment?
Not necessarily. The Oregon Department of Forestry started using this assessment process in mid-2023 for its defensible space program. You may choose to request an assessment, but the assessment is educational only and not required.
What if I don’t want to cut trees or complete certain recommendations on my property?
The assessments are educational only and not required by law. The recommendations are based on best practices for preparing your property for wildfire, allowing you to work with your fire service member to create the best solutions for your property.
Who developed the defensible space recommendations on the form?
The recommendations are based on industry best practices and were developed by the Governor’s Fire Service Policy Council (GFSPC) in partnership with state agencies and the Oregon fire service.
Is a new defensible space code coming?
Under Senate Bill 762 (2021) and Senate Bill 80 (2023), the Oregon State Fire Marshal was directed to develop statewide defensible space standards that would apply to properties at high hazard of wildfire. This code is currently not in place. Read the draft code here.
Does the assessment count as a defensible space code inspection?
No, the assessment is an educational tool not required by law. The recommendations on the assessment tool are based on the draft defensible space code language.
Will the assessment data be shared with my insurance company?
No, the assessment will not be shared with your insurance company. The property owner can choose to share a copy of the assessment report with their insurer.
How can this help me with my property insurance?
Insurance companies are not required to consider defensible space assessments when providing insurance rates or coverage; however, the Department of Financial Regulation (DFR), the state insurance regulator, was involved in developing the assessment tool and encouraged Oregon insurers to use the assessment tool as the statewide defensible space standard.
Are these assessments related to the wildfire hazard map?
No, this assessment was developed as an educational tool to help Oregonians prepare their properties for wildfire, regardless of their hazard classification. For more information on the wildfire hazard map developed by the Oregon Department of Forestry, click here.
Will this assessment impact my wildfire hazard classification on any state wildfire hazard maps?
No, the assessment is an educational tool separate from any statewide wildfire risk or hazard map.
Is there financial assistance for completing defensible space projects on my property?
Certain properties may be eligible for a small incentive payment based on need. For a limited time, people living in certain areas may be eligible to receive a $250 incentive payment after receiving a free defensible space assessment. Read the program guidelines here.