{"id":87082,"date":"2023-09-21T11:32:17","date_gmt":"2023-09-21T18:32:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=87082"},"modified":"2023-09-28T11:04:46","modified_gmt":"2023-09-28T18:04:46","slug":"natural-disasters-in-oregon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/natural-disasters-in-oregon\/","title":{"rendered":"Natural Disasters in Oregon: What Homeowners and Renters Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Oregon boasts coastal beauty, varied landscapes, and diverse climates ranging from rainy coasts to high desert peaks. Influenced by the Pacific Ocean and Cascade Mountains, the western region is wetter and milder, while the east is drier before becoming more forested in the far east.<\/span><\/p>\n

No matter where you live in Oregon, though, you are at risk of natural disasters, such as wildfires, heat waves, winter storms, and more. When these happen, it\u2019s essential to be prepared.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So what are the most common natural disasters in Oregon, how are they changing, and what can you do to prepare? Whether you\u2019re planning a <\/span>move to Portland<\/span><\/a> or are looking at <\/span>apartments in Bend<\/span><\/a>, read on for everything you need to know.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"natural-disasters-in-oregon-2\"<\/p>\n

1. Oregon wildfires<\/span><\/h2>\n
Oregon cities most at risk of wildfires<\/b><\/h5>\n
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  1. The Dalles<\/strong>: 72% of properties at risk<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Hermiston<\/strong>: 24% of properties at risk<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Nonmetropolitan area<\/strong>: 23% of properties at risk<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Wildfires are a major natural disaster in Oregon. They can happen throughout the state, but they\u2019re <\/span>more common<\/span><\/a> on the eastern and western slopes of the Cascades, in the far east, and the southwest. Fires impact homeowners, too; according to <\/span>data from First Street Foundation<\/span><\/a>, 1.2 million properties (66%) are at risk of being affected by a wildfire in the next 30 years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    The state’s <\/span>fire season<\/span><\/a> is typically from June to September, but varies depending on snowpack, rainfall, and temperatures. While historically not a major issue, wildfires have become <\/span>increasingly destructive<\/span><\/a> and are projected to get worse due to climate change, especially in the <\/span>eastern and northwestern<\/span><\/a> parts of the state. Also, over <\/span>100 years fire suppression<\/span><\/a>, especially in the \u201c<\/span>dry forests<\/span><\/a>\u201d of Eastern Oregon, has created excessive dry vegetation. In 2020, the <\/span>Labor Day Wildfires<\/span><\/a> burned more than 1.2 million acres and destroyed 5,000 homes.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Recently, the Federal Government launched a <\/span>$3 billion, 10-year wildfire prevention plan<\/span><\/a> to help affected states, which compliments Oregon\u2019s <\/span>$220 million bill<\/span><\/a> to increase fire preparedness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Wildfires also increase Oregon’s mountain and hill vulnerability to flooding, landslides, and mudslides. Additionally, fires reduce tree cover, <\/span>impacting snowpack<\/span><\/a> and exacerbating drought, creating a cyclical pattern.<\/span><\/p>\n

    How to prepare for wildfires in Oregon<\/span><\/h3>\n

    If you\u2019re moving to Oregon or already call the state home, <\/span>preparing for wildfires<\/span><\/a> is essential. Here are some tips to help:<\/span><\/p>\n