Update 6 May 2009
Investigations by CalFire and the state Public Utilities Commission found Sempra Energy owned San Diego Gas & Electricity (SDG&E) caused the wildfires as a result of power lines malfunctioning during Santa Ana winds. Media reports suggest Sempra Energy is moving toward settlement of claims by 26 insurance companies of close to US$900 million. |
The Insurance Services Office (ISO) reported that of the estimated total insured fire losses 58% related to homeowners insurance. The Insurance Information Institute indicated fire losses associated with commercial multiple peril and fire insurance claims each accounted for 21 percent of total insured fire losses.
California's insured losses were reported by ISO as US$1.1billion.
The details that follow have been compiled from monitoring news reports and Press Releases from the Office of the Governor of the State of California.
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NASA Satellite Comparison Images on 21
October 2007. Left 11.35am, right 2.50pm
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Sunday, 21 October 2007
Governor Schwarzenegger issued a statement advising:
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There are a number of fires in Southern California being driven by Santa Ana winds.
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Several homes have been destroyed.
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The "Canyon fire" in Los Angeles County poses a serious threat to the community.
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Evacuation centres have been established for those who have been displaced.
A State of Emergency was declared in the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura as a result of some eleven major wildfires. This activated the deployment of emergency personnel, equipment and government assistance.
Some 20,000 hectares have burned and more areas threatened. Dwellings and businesses have been destroyed and roads closed.
Four helicopters operated by the California National Guard (CNG) are made available for extinguishment and evacuation missions.
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MH-60S Seahaw Helicopter
in San Diego County
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Monday, 22 October 2007
Office of the Governor in the State of California: -
At this stage some 250,000 residents have been evacuated. There are now over 20 wildfires burning over 267,000 acres. Over 650 homes and many businesses and public landmarks have been damaged or destroyed. Some 10,000 displaced Californians are being sheltered in evacuation centres.
Tuesday, 23 October 2007
To date more than 500,000 people have been evacuated from their homes.
Some 750 homes from Malibu to San Diego have been destroyed or damaged. Fairgrounds are made available to shelter livestock.
Additional aerial resources are deployed to assist with the fire extinguishment.
Governor Schwarzenegger forwards correspondence to President Bush which inter alia states that more than 1,100 structures have been destroyed or damaged and preliminary estimates suggest the costs will substantially exceed US$75 million. Medical teams are deployed to the affected areas.
A toll-free hotline 1-800-750-2858 is established for donations for the victims.
Governor Schwarzenegger sends a letter to the US Secretary of Labour notifying of his intention to apply for National Emergency Grant Funds.
Wednesday, 24 October 2007
Governor Schwarzenegger issued a second declaration. This is a Major Disaster Declaration. The first was a declaration of a State of Emergency. This second declaration activates financial assistance to families and businesses. Local assistance centres are opened in San Diego, Ramona, Fallbrook, El Cajon and Santa Clarita.
The Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner declares an “Insurance Emergency”. This allows out-of-state insurance adjusters into California to process claims to expedite claims.
Governor Schwarzenegger offers a US$50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for starting the Santiago fire.
Thursday, 25 October 2007
Governor Schwarzenegger requests the Small Business Disaster Assistance Loan Guarantee Program to be activated. This provides some US$7 million to those who have suffered damage or economic loss due to the wildfires.
Friday, 26 October 2007
News reports suggest over 2,000 homes were evacuated, some 500,000 residents were displaced and the financial cost of the fires will be well in excess of US$1 billion. The fires are now being contained but the risk of further damage remains. Lodgement of insurance claims and applications for government assistance are being made.
Saturday, 27 October 2007
The Californian Government opened a Consumer Protection hotline for fire victims [1-800-952-5210]. It also launched an accompanying website to assist fire victims to rebuild their lives.
Author
Claim Solutions Pty Ltd
Insurance Policy
Country: - U.S.A.
Policy Description: - Various
Insurer: - Various
External Links
Office of the Governor of the State of California
ISO
