Oregon’s statewide wildfire risk maps are now available for viewing through the Oregon Wildfire Risk Explorer tool online, and mailed notices from the Oregon Department of Forestry to owners of parcels in the wildland urban interface rated as high or extreme risk will go out next week. It’s all in preparation for the Oregon Defensible Space Code that is under development and will take effect in 2023. Oregon State University Extension Forester Glenn Ahrens says three different factors were used to assess risk, including burn probability, fire intensity, and most importantly the potential impact to structures. It is estimated about five percent of the taxlots in Oregon could be subject to new codes and standards. Ahrens says OSU Extension is available to help people prepare for wildfire regardless of their risk classification.