La Pine man plans rally in Salem for wildfire hazard map repeal

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) --- A La Pine area local is planning a peaceful rally this month in Salem. The focus is Oregon's wildfire hazard map.

Veteran Bill Minnix is spearheading the effort to repeal senate bill 762. It created a map categorizing land as low to high risk for wildfires. The unintended side effect of the map has been increasing rates for residents in high risk areas by insurance companies. The Oregon Department of Forestry says the map's intended use is to improve wildfire preparedness, and create firefighting plans.

Minnix thinks opposing this map should be a bi-partisan issue, saying, "All sides of the aisle. This is Republican, independent and Democratic problem. We're all getting the maps. And so we should all be concerned about our welfare of our property and the future of our property, whether we can pass it on to our heirs or whether we're going to be forced to move financially."

The rally is planned for February 25th, in Salem, at 11 AM. Minnix is coordinating with House Leader Christine Drazen, and plans to have state senators and representatives speak at the event.