DNR WUI Wildfire Hazard and Risk Mapping Steering Committee

To comply with the requirements of SB 6120 of the 2024 Legislative session, DNR established the WUI Hazard and Risk Mapping Steering Committee.  Two Fire Marshal positions were included.  Representing Cities is Dave Kokot from the City of Spokane and representing Counties is Randy Collings from Mason County.   The Committee has met several times with the goal to complete the maps by the end of 2025. 

To date, there has been a considerable amount of discussion about how the maps could be used, and it has become clear that the maps are more oriented towards a fire response and not any specific designation of a wildland urban interface.  The existing WUI map that DNR previously produced is not part of this effort.  The hazard and risk mapping is going to be a  single GIS map with multiple layers.  The data used for the layers is based on the fire return interval (50 years very high, 100 years high), flame height (4’ is currently being evaluated), and considering risk based on likelihood, intensity, and consequences of wildfires to specific values such as people, property, agriculture and forests.  The map density looks to be on scale (100-300 meter blocks) that will not be done by parcel (which is a concern).  It is anticipated that the hazard/risk map will be updated on a 3-4 year cycle.

There are a number of unknowns still at this time.  In particular, how local jurisdictions will be able to edit or communicate changes to their areas.

The Committee also looked at the Oregon mapping that was recently done.  Their end goal was very similar to our goal, but it was tabled right after it was announced.  They indicated 6 takeaways that the Committee also has concerns about:

1. Public outreach/trust
2. Mismatch of scales to other maps
3. No input of local land types or local knowledge
4. Confusing appeals process
5. No credit for mitigation
6. Implications to insurance rates

One question that did come up is whether or not these meetings are considered public.  The participation so far has been only DNR and the Committee members.  There was not a clear response to that question. 

We have had a few presentations of what existing jurisdictions have done for their mapping efforts.  It has become obvious that the directive to use the DNR maps may override the local mapping, which has become an item of concern from the Committee, but that is the language of the bill. 

The meetings will continue and a final map will be provided.  The usefulness for the WUI is definitely in question as some Committee members are seeing us follow in the footsteps of Oregon.  As this progresses, we will provide more updates.