A Note to Helena Fire Evacuees - Check Your Policies To See If You Are Entitled To Reimbursement For Evacuation-Related Expenses
As of September 3, 2017, the continuing fire situation in the Helena, Trinity County area has caused at least 2,000 evacuations, has destroyed 72 homes and 61 out-buildings, and has damaged 4 homes and 4 out-buildings. Over 1400 firefighters are working on the fires. Evacuation notices have been sent to persons located between Helena and the Oregon Mountain summit.
Home owners and renters are reminded to check their insurance policies which may provide for reimbursement of evacuation related expenses including temporary shelter and meals, in addition to coverage for fire damage to your property.
For those of you who are concerned about wild fire risks (especially those of you who live in fire prone areas where insurance coverage may be difficult to obtain), see my blog posts on:
Wildfires and Homeowners Insurance - What you Need to Know (July 31, 2015),
The California FAIR Program: A Possible Solution to Wild Fire Risks (May 28, 2014),
and California FAIR Plan: Insurance for Homeowners in Brush Fire Areas (February 22, 2014).
You will find useful information about wildfire coverage generally, and about a California Program (FAIR) specifically designed to help homeowners obtain fire coverage in hazardous areas. And for those of you with an interest in the potential effect of climate change on wildfires in California, see my blog post “Climate Change and Wildfire Risk - A California Perspective” (October 14, 2016).