Wildfires — Dozens Burning in Western States

The totals are no doubt higher at the time this was written on Monday, August 10th, but as of last Thursday, 2.3 million acres have burned in the Pacific Northwest so far this year. Hundreds of thousands of acres are burning still as the worst fire season in 30 years blazes on.

Over 1,100 communities through 32 states have conditions that have set off fires or could set one off. Sadly, as most — as we know — are human caused.

Lots of fires are in the works in the 10 PIA Western Alliance states:

• Over than 20 active fires are burning in Washington

• Oregon has over 30

• California is fighting 17

• Idaho is working on 10

• 7 are burning in Montana

• 12 active fires are ongoing in Nevada

• Arizona has 13

• At least 8 are being battled in New Mexico

• There are 443 being monitored in Alaska

• No active fires are reported in Hawaii

The fires of the biggest concern in Washington are the three in Spokane that destroyed more than 700 homes and buildings, and sent 65,000 people fleeing for their lives.

Many saw their homes, and everything in them, destroyed.

Property-casualty insurers have mobilized in Spokane with a significant catastrophe response. Claims professionals and other resources are there to help individuals, families and businesses impacted by the Spokane Complex Wildfires.

The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC), and NW Insurance Council (NWIC) emphasized the industry's commitment to providing immediate assistance and support to the affected communities.

Mark Sektnan, the APCIA vice president, state government relations, said insurers are activating catastrophe response plans, deploying specialized claims personnel, establishing mobile claims operations and working closely with state and local officials to assist policyholders as recovery efforts begin.

"Property-casualty insurers are moving quickly to help Spokane-area policyholders begin rebuilding their lives and businesses following these devastating wildfires,” Sektnan said. "Insurers are committed to providing prompt, compassionate service and helping customers access the benefits and resources available under their policies as quickly as possible.”

Kenton Brine, the president of the Northwest Insurance Council said claims representatives can help customers understand their coverage, document damages, initiate claims and access additional living expense benefits covered under their policies.

"Washington's insurance industry is deeply committed to supporting the communities we serve, especially during times of crisis,” Brine said. "Many of the claims professionals arriving in Spokane have extensive experience helping families recover after catastrophic disasters around the country. They understand the urgency of these situations and are prepared to help policyholders navigate the claims process, answer questions and obtain the assistance they need during this difficult time.”

AM Best and the reinsurance broker, Gallagher Re say the potential loss in the Spokane area alone could hit $1 billion. If the price tag goes that high it will be the most expensive wildfire in Washington State history.

“At its current damage level, the losses do not appear to be in the same order of magnitude as the 2025 California wildfires and likely will have minimal impact on the current softening prices in the reinsurance market,” the AM Best report noted. “However, there could be a reassessment in localized areas and where reinsurers feel they have to re-evaluate some of their models.”

In other words, homeowner insurance policy rates will likely rise.

Source link: Realtor.com — https://bit.ly/4cjtCmX

Source link: Artemis — https://bit.ly/4chpOm9