The cost of wildfires will reportedly reach into the billions this year after a record amount of the West Coast has already been scorched in unprecedented blazes.

Indeed, one expert reportedly told the New York Times that he expects the cost of wildfires still raging in California and the West Coast to surpass the $20 billion mark this year, with the same or more costs in the coming years.

Further, Tom Corringham, a researcher at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, told NYT reporters that the $20 billion only takes into account the direct costs of fire fighters and firefighting equipment, along with damage to property.

Other costs include decreased property values, the costs associated with disrupted business, and lost tax revenue. In addition, the smoke still choking West Coast communities will carry increased health costs and affect tourism in the areas, noted Corringham. Travel to areas affected by wildfire and wildfire smoke takes a double hit. Not only do people stop visiting, but people leaving the area to escape fire and smoke can act as “reverse tourism” in affected areas, Corringham told NYT reporters.

According to the New York Times, studies show these indirect costs can add up to even more than the direct ones. Additionally, costs related to record-breaking heat waves that set the stage for fires are substantial as well, report experts.

Current Status of West Coast Wildfires

While rain has been a welcome relief to some areas of the West Coast, there are still major wildfires raging throughout California, Oregon, and Washington. According to CNET, thousands of homes have already been destroyed and fire still threatens many more. Entire communities have reportedly been destroyed and thousands are under evacuation orders.

Further, the rains may also trigger flash flooding and rock slides in burned-out areas warn forecasters. In addition, thunderstorms that do not produce a sufficient amount of moisture may lead to lightning strikes and the potential for more wildfire in an already record-breaking season.

Millions of acres have reportedly burned and major West Coast cities face “hazardous” air quality warnings. The National Interagency Fire Center estimates that 10 million acres have burned so far during the 2020 season. In fact, smoke from West Coast wildfires has stretched as far as the Eastern United States and beyond.

Unfortunately, relief may not come soon. CNET reports that the area is still prone to ignition. Vast swaths of the West Coast, as well as inland areas, are bone dry from decades of drought. Heat and wind could combine with a lightning strike or other spark and lead to additional devastating wildfires this year alone.

Cost of Wildfires Increases as Major Blazes Happen Yearly

Expert Tom Corringham told New York Times reporters that, while this year has been unprecedented, California and other communities on the West Coast can expect similar wildfire seasons to happen more frequently in the future.

According to a report by CAP Radio, climate change has provided the perfect environment for explosive wildfire seasons. The warming climate has driven extended droughts across the West. As a result, plants have dried and died, creating fuel for any type of spark, whether from a lightning strike or human-caused. In addition, decades of “fire suppression” policies where naturally occurring smaller and less hot wildfires were extinguished have increased fuel in the form of dry and dead plants, making current fires larger, hotter, and harder to stop.

“Outdated policies and human-caused climate change [have] increased burn area [by] 900% across the western U.S. since 1984,” UC Berkeley forest ecologist told reporters. “These fires are burning more severely and increasing the carbon emissions that drive climate change.”

Indeed, DW reports that the top ten most expensive wildfires have occurred in California. Before this fire season, the costliest wildfire was the 2018 Camp Fire. However, experts pointed out to reporters that the Camp Fire was just one fire. The current fire season includes multiple blazes that have destroyed thousands of structures just in California. Further, the fires are still burning, and fire season is far from over.

Will Homeowners Insurance Cover the Damage?

Homeowners in wildfire affected areas now face the task of putting together a homeowners insurance claim. Additionally, DW reports that many structures are under or uninsured.

In the aftermath of a wildfire, it can be difficult for a homeowner to assess the damage and navigate the claims process. Unfortunately, more homeowners are projected to be at risk for wildfire in the future.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.