Bill > HB3578

This bill establishes the Department of Wildfire as a new state agency responsible for overseeing wildfire prevention, intervention, and recovery efforts in Oregon. The bill outlines the department's organizational structure, including the appointment of a director by the Governor, who will be subject to Senate confirmation. The director has the authority to organize the department's administrative structure, create divisions, and appoint division administrators. The bill also establishes a Deputy Director position and provides the director with the ability to appoint subordinate officers and employees. A new Department of Wildfire Fund will be created in the State Treasury, with funds specifically dedicated to the department's operations. The bill requires the department to coordinate with various state and local agencies, including the State Fire Marshal, State Forestry Department, Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon Department of Emergency Management, rural fire protection districts, fire wardens, and local fire departments. Additionally, the bill amends existing emergency management statutes to include the new Department of Wildfire in coordination efforts for wildfire-related emergency planning and response. The department will have the authority to adopt rules for administering its responsibilities and may request assistance from other state and local agencies as needed.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB3578