As more people seek to live in places wild and remote, that area where the forest ends and housing begins can become troublesome when it comes to wildfires.

City dwellers are used to expecting fire trucks to arrive when property is threatened by flames. But that's not necessarily the case out in the county, where forest firefighting crews aren't prepared or required to protect buildings.

"There's a misconception that the Department of Forestry will protect their property," said County Commissioner Jay Dixon. "They aren't legally able to enter a structure and they aren't equipped to do that kind of work, either."

This week, Benton County will hold a series of community-outreach meetings all around the county to gather public input on a wildfire-protection plan being developed for the county.

At each, fire experts and county planners will talk about fire risks and the particular dangers of living in areas that border forest lands. Residents will also be asked to comment on parts of the plan that have been created and to sound off on their biggest issues.

But while people living in the forest might get some help from firefighters, grass fires this summer along Highway 99W south of Corvallis have highlighted troubles that occur when fires start beyond the jurisdiction of fire-protection districts.

"There's also the concern that we have some areas of the county where there's absolutely no fire protection whatsoever, most notably between Greenberry and Monroe," Dixon said. "Seed farmers there provide their own protection but if you're not one of them you're left out."

So far, the county has teamed up with local fire-protection districts and departments, as well as with property managers, particularly federal agencies. Those groups have helped to map out areas that are at risk for property damage in case of wildfire and have identified places where fire protection does not reach.

After the meetings, planners will begin crafting a countywide plan to limit property damage due to fire, which might lead to some changes in where the county allows people to live.

"Do we want to let people build in places where there is no protection?" he said. "This is early in the process, but ultimately there may be some code changes."

IF YOU GO

What: Wildfire protection plan meetings

Monroe

When: 6:30 p.m. Monday

Where: Monroe Fire Station, 680 Commercial St.

Alsea

When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Alsea Community Library, 19192 Alsea Highway

Wren

When: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday

Where: Community Hall, 35515 Kings Valley Highway

Corvallis

When: 2 p.m. Thursday

Where: Corvallis Public Library, 645 N.W. Monroe Ave.

Adair Village

When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday

Where: Officer's Clubhouse, 6097 N.E. Ebony Lane