Multnomah County, OR Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

Multnomah County includes significant WUI zones on the west hills (Forest Park Conservancy area, Skyline Boulevard corridor, Sauvie Island, Corbett, Bridal Veil) where defensible space requirements are most important. Oregon Senate Bill 762 (2021) directed the Oregon Department of Forestry to produce statewide Wildfire Hazard Maps and Defensible Space Code; the initial map was adopted in 2023 after a 2022 withdrawal. Properties in High and Extreme hazard zones must maintain Zone 1 (0-5 ft, non-combustible) and Zone 2 (5-30 ft, reduced fuel) defensible space under OAR 837-044. Multnomah County's Community Wildfire Protection Plan (updated 2020) identifies priority treatment areas. Portland Fire & Rescue enforces clearance within Portland's urban boundary and in Portland's Forest Park under Portland Fire Code Section 304. Multnomah County Rural Fire Protection District 10 covers Corbett and east county. ODF operates the Forest Patrol District and declares fire season annually, typically June through October, when additional burning and equipment restrictions apply. Structures within 100 feet of forestland must comply with SB 360 minimum fuel break standards where still applicable, though SB 762's defensible space code is phasing in as the new standard.