Multnomah County, OR Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)

Oregon Senate Bill 762 (2021) and amended SB 80 (2023) established the statewide Wildfire Hazard Map, first published by Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon State University in June 2022, revised January 2024. Multnomah County's mapped High Hazard WUI zones include Forest Park and the West Hills (SW Portland above Hewett Blvd, NW Hills above Germantown Rd), Sauvie Island northern end, Corbett, Bridal Veil, and Multnomah Falls corridor. Oregon Fire Code 2022 (based on IFC) Chapter 49 requires defensible space around structures in WUI areas: Zone 0 (0-5 ft) — noncombustible (gravel, concrete, stone; no bark mulch or wood fencing attached to house); Zone 1 (5-30 ft) — lean/clean/green with trimmed trees, removed deadfall; Zone 2 (30-100 ft) — reduced fuel with trees spaced 10+ ft between canopies. ORS 477.062 requires landowners in forestland/wildland-urban interface to maintain firebreaks. New construction in High Hazard zones may be required to use Class A fire-rated roofing (no wood shakes unless treated), ember-resistant vents (1/8" mesh), enclosed soffits, and noncombustible siding per ORSC R327. Portland Fire & Rescue conducts defensible space inspections in West Hills; Multnomah County Sheriff's Office and ODF do the same in rural East County. Burn bans are declared by ODF during fire season (typically June-October) and Portland Fire & Rescue can impose citywide red-flag bans. Oregon's insurance commissioner requires carriers to offer 'Wildfire Mitigation' discounts to compliant properties.