How the Rapid Spread of Misinformation Pushed Oregon Lawmakers to Kill the State’s Wildfire Risk Map
Oregon set out to lead the nation in wildfire preparedness with a statewide hazard map and new safety rules. Instead, poor communication and a storm of misinformation turned the effort into a political casualty. Opponents blamed the map for insurance hikes and falling property values—claims regulators say lack evidence—while conspiracy theories flourished online. Lawmakers repealed the map in a near-unanimous vote, abandoning home-hardening mandates meant to protect against a rising fire threat. Supporters say the decision leaves communities more vulnerable, all because a false narrative took hold. by Rob Davis with ProPublica has the full story.
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