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State fire marshal outlines model defensible‑space code as Deschutes County considers local adoption
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Summary
The Oregon State Fire Marshal presented a model defensible‑space code to the Deschutes County Board on April 15, describing it as a voluntary, locally adopted standard built on the International Wildland‑Urban Interface Code; commissioners asked about scope, enforcement and funding for inspections and implementation.
Chad Hawkins, assistant chief deputy with the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office, told the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners on April 15 that the state has finalized model language for a defensible‑space code and filed rule‑making notice with the Secretary of State. "The defensible space code is now available for local adoption," Hawkins said, adding the statewide model reflects sections of the International Wildland‑Urban Interface Code and is designed for local jurisdictions to adopt and tailor.
Kyle Collins, senior planner with Deschutes County, said the county is not being asked to adopt immediately but that the presentation was intended to inform next steps. Commissioners pressed staff on how the code could apply — countywide versus parcel‑by‑parcel — and on implementation logistics such as inspections, staffing and funding.
Hawkins said the model sets minimum standards (including a 0–5‑foot noncombustible zone around structures) and that jurisdictions may choose stricter rules if they obtain OSFM approval. "This is a minimum code standard," Hawkins said. "It can absolutely be expanded. That's more of that minimum threshold, 0 to 5 feet… Anything below that you are theoretically placing yourself or your business or your residence in harm's way." He cited wildfire research that shows embers and near‑structure vegetation drive losses in many conflagrations.
County commissioners asked whether cities or fire districts could adopt the code; Hawkins said local fire districts, cities and counties can adopt and enforce the model language. He noted the state intends the model to be flexible: "If local municipality wants to be more stringent, that's when it would require OSFM approval," he said.
Commissioners also asked about financing inspections and enforcement. Hawkins confirmed the 2025 legislation that created the program provides ongoing grant funding (supported in part by state rainy‑day funds and new oral nicotine tax revenue) for home‑hardening and defensible‑space mitigation programs, and he said grant programs and guidance were being developed. He cautioned that recent legislative changes removed specific enforcement funding from the statute, so local jurisdictions may need to be creative in how they propose to use grants to build inspection and compliance capacity.
Board members highlighted local examples, including the City of Sisters, which applies defensible‑space requirements to new development through its planning department, and the Flat Fire footprint, which they said demonstrated the value of community hardening. "Homes with four hardening features… had a 54% less likely chance of any damage," Hawkins said, summarizing resilience research from national partners.
County staff said they will return after state rule‑making concludes (expected April 29) with options for a work session that would consider scope (new construction only, phased retrofits, or broader application), partnerships with fire districts, funding scenarios and community outreach. Commissioners emphasized education and technical assistance should precede any enforcement program.
Next steps: staff to prepare materials and a work‑session plan after the OSFM rule‑making period concludes.
