Can You File a Fire Damage Insurance Claim for the North Complex Fire?

If you have lost property to the North Complex Fire, read on to learn about how you can file a California wildfire damage insurance claim.

North Complex Fire

The North Complex fire began on Aug. 17, 2020, reportedly from several lightening strikes. The North Complex was formed when two fires, the Claremont and Bear, merged. High winds fanned the blaze, that grew to over 300,000 acres, according to local news source, the Redding Record Searchlight. The fire reportedly burned in Butte, Plumas, and Yuba counties.

Sadly, the fire claimed sixteen lives, most recently a Pumas county man who suffered burns trying to flee the flames. The Los Angeles Times reports that the 54-year old was transferred to a hospital, but succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 21, 2020, making him the 31st victim of wildfires in California this year.

The North Complex fire was reportedly tied with 2003 and 1953 fires for the fifth most destructive in California’s history. The 2018 Camp Fire holds the top spot for destruction and death, according to the Record Searchlight.

Plumas County Fire News

The Plumas County fire map shows that relief may be on the way. Ninety-six percent of the Plumas County wildfire has been contained, according to Plumas National Forest.

“The fire is expected to be 98% contained within a day or so with full containment a week or two off, weather & operations dependent; there is significant heat remaining in lower elevation areas not covered by snow,” states the Forest Service website.

According to Plumas News, more precipitation in the near future should help containment efforts. Unfortunately, the fire has reportedly left nearly 2,500 buildings destroyed in its wake, along with sixteen fatalities.

The LA Times reports that victims of the Pumas County fire ranged from 16 to 79 years old. Fire officials said that the fire moved quickly and unpredictably due to high winds.

“Some of the fire behavior that we have observed this year has been more intense than people have seen, ever,” a Cal Fire spokesperson told LA Times reporters. “When you have 70-mph winds pushing flames down a slot canyon, that’s pretty unusual, and that fire is going to behave and move in ways that folks haven’t seen before, or wouldn’t be able to predict.”

Making a Fire Damage Insurance Claim

Property owners looking at making claims for fire damage in the aftermath of the North Complex fire, should take action as soon as possible, say insurance experts. Realtor.com notes that most homeowner insurance policies cover fire damage no matter the source, from a wildfire to an unattended candle. On average, says the publication, claims pay out approximately $12,000.

Local news source, ABC 7, notes that even evacuees who did not experience a fire damaged house can make a claim for expenses incurred.

“You may have extra expenses,” a representative for the Insurance Information Institute told reporters. “If you’re staying in a hotel or having to buy food that you wouldn’t have normally bought.” However, there may be a cap on reimbursement for these expenses, warned an expert who also reminds consumers to also keep receipts.

If you have lost your home to a wildfire, the Insurance Information Institute urges consumers to take the following steps:

• Assess the damage
• Contact your insurance provider
• Determine whether your home is a total loss
• Work with an independent insurance adjuster to determine your claims
• Develop a Scope of Work with the claims adjuster
• Contact your mortgage holder and continue to pay your mortgage, taxes and insurance if possible
• Track payments you receive from your insurance company
• Review your insurance needs for the future
• Find a contractor

California Homeowners Face Cancelation of Insurance

According to ABC 7, California property owners may face another obstacle as wildfire increases – finding homeowners insurance that will cover fire damage. Reportedly, 167,000 homeowners were told their insurance company would not review their policy just last year, a six percent increase.

Homeowners told reporters that they have been informed by their insurance agents that they will not provide coverage for the upcoming year. Reportedly, insurance companies must give at least 45 days notice that they will not renew a policy. Californians who cannot find insurance can also turn to a state-run insurance program called FAIR, says ABC 7.

The Future of Wildfires in California

Experts say that continued climate change may contribute to more devastating fire seasons in California. Some say the changes are already here.

Indeed, fire officials commenting on the North Complex fire pointed out the role of drought on fires this year.

“When we’ve gone months without rain, we have longer periods of time in which vegetation can dry out and more time that it becomes critically flammable,” a CalFire spokesperson told LA Times reporters pointing out that climate change has led to a longer fire season in the state.

Join a Free California Wildfire Property Damage Lawsuit Investigation

If you experienced property damage or tree damage during the California wildfire 2020 season, your insurance company should cover your losses.

If you believe your insurer underpaid you for your losses, or if you were underinsured, it is not too late to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

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