Oregon wildfire Protection Rates to Fall Under New Bill – A Comprehensive Report
Portland, OR – July 1, 2025 – Landowners across Oregon are poised to see a reduction in their wildfire protection rates thanks to House Bill 3940, which is awaiting signature from Gov. Tina Kotek. The bill reverses a recent trend of escalating annual increases that have significantly impacted property owners, particularly larger landowners [[1]].
Key Details of the Bill:
Rate Reduction: House Bill 3940 will trim wildfire protection rates over the next three years. specific amounts are still to be steadfast by the Department of Forestry [[3]].
Legislative Approval: The bill passed the Senate with a 20-8 vote on June 26th, following House approval of 37-8 on June 23rd.
Addressing Previous Increases: The bill aims to alleviate the financial burden created by Senate Bill 762 (2021), which significantly increased firefighting budgets following the devastating 2020 Labour Day wildfires. Landowners previously absorbed a considerable portion of these increased costs thru higher protection rates.
Equitable Funding: Ranchers adn industry representatives hail the bill as a step towards a more equitable funding model for wildfire protection. Mark Bennett, a rancher and former county commissioner, stated the bill is “a heck of a lot more equitable.”
Impact on Landowners:
For years, Oregon landowners have paid an annual fee, through property taxes, to ensure the Oregon Department of Forestry will respond to wildfires on their land. Rates vary based on location and land type (rangeland or forest). Recent increases have been substantial,averaging around 40% in Northeast Oregon and ranging from 20% to 50% for individual property owners.This bill offers much-needed relief.
Background & Context:
The passage of this bill follows extensive work by a task force including landowners like Bennett and Matt McElligott, President of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association. It acknowledges the financial strain placed on landowners while maintaining the state’s commitment to wildfire preparedness. Oregon continues to face meaningful wildfire risk, and resources for monitoring and response are readily available through tools like the Oregon Wildfire Risk Explorer [[1]] and current fire statistics [[2]].
Call to Action:
Landowners are encouraged to stay informed about specific rate adjustments as they are announced by the Department of Forestry. Further details on wildfire prevention and mitigation resources can be found through the Oregon Department of Forestry and the State Fire Marshal’s office.
