Northwest researchers find Medford, Grants Pass and Bend had the most wildfire smoke from 2019-2023.

Kotek directed the state forestry department to pause any further action based on the map until the Legislature decides to keep, update or repeal it.

Oregon could have far fewer firefighters ready to battle blazes on federal lands next fire season — and may do less advance work aimed at mitigating the risk of large fires — due to the Trump administration’s hiring freeze and funding cuts, according to U.S. lawmakers.

After saying it would run out of funds by March, California’s last-resort fire insurance provider will impose a special charge of $1 billion on homeowners and insurance companies, the first such move in more than three decades.

In some areas, hazards have surged. Buildings in the highest hazard zones will be subject to the strictest fire-resiliency rules.

Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire proposed that state firefighters work full time in place of the seasonal workforce the agency currently staffs for nine months each year.

The Ashland lawmaker wants the map to designate the risk level of broad areas rather than naming the risk of individual properties.

Sen. Jeff Golden (D-Ashland) plans to reintroduce a bill to help wildfire-affected communities. Golden’s past attempts failed, but wildfire funding remains a priority for lawmakers.

California passed a set of bills to expedite LA wildfire recovery funds as part of an extended special session called by Gov. Gavin Newsom in response to Palisades and Eaton fires.

Reeling from destructive wildfires, including the deadliest in California history, state lawmakers in 2020 passed new requirements for clearing combustible materials like dead plants and wooden furniture within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of homes in risky areas.

Lawmakers announced they will soon introduce bills to fastrack development for accessory dwelling units so that those displaced can live on their property while they rebuild.

LA fires expose California’s difficult road to navigate between disaster risk and solving the state’s housing crisis.