Portland, OR Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)

Oregon SB 762 (2021), Statewide Land Use Goal 7, and the related Oregon Wildfire Hazard Map maintained by Oregon State University and the Oregon Department of the State Fire Marshal classify every property in the state as Low, Moderate, or High wildfire hazard. Within Portland, the High hazard designation primarily covers the West Hills (Forest Heights, Hillside, Arlington Heights), the Forest Park interface, and portions of Southwest Portland abutting Tualatin Mountain. Properties in High hazard zones that are also in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) must comply with Oregon Residential Specialty Code Section R327 for any new construction or substantial remodel — ignition-resistant exterior siding, ember-resistant vents, Class A roof, and a 100-foot defensible-space perimeter divided into Zone 0 (0-5 ft), Zone 1 (5-30 ft), and Zone 2 (30-100 ft). The Oregon Department of Forestry administers ORS 477.380 (forestland fire-prevention rules) for areas adjacent to Portland in unincorporated Multnomah County. Portland Fire & Rescue conducts annual defensible-space inspections in the West Hills and may issue compliance orders. Insurance carriers in Oregon now use the same SB 762 hazard map for underwriting, so a parcel's hazard rating directly affects homeowner-insurance availability and rates. Property owners can verify hazard rating at the Oregon Explorer Wildfire Risk site.