Insured losses in wildfires climb to $ 1 billion

The total is likely to grow for the Valley and Butte blazes.

Two deadly Northern California wildfires that scorched more than 140,000 acres, ravaged homes and devoured f irefighting resources in September have amounted to at least $ 1 billion in insured losses so far, according to a state Insurance Department report.

The Valley and Butte f ires chewed through homes, farms, vehicles and personal belongings, giving rise to a large number of claims, the California Department of Insurance reported. The preliminary $ 1billion estimate did not include damage to roads and utilities, so the total figure is likely to grow.

“A year- round fire season is California’s new reality,” Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones said in a statement. “Residents and communities, especially those in high- risk f ire areas, must take precautions now before the next devastating wildfire strikes.”

In Lake, Napa and Sonoma counties, the Valley f ire consumed 1,958 structures, resulting in $ 700 million in insured losses.

The blaze became the third- most- damaging wildfire in California’s history.

Four people were killed in the 76,067- acre blaze, which started Sept. 12 in southern Lake County and lasted a little more than a month.

The 70,868- acre Butte fire ran through Amador and Calaveras counties. The blaze was the seventh- most destructive wildfire in the state’s history, destroying 818 structures and resulting in $ 300 million in insured losses.

Two deaths were attributed to the Butte fire. Mountain Ranch residents Mark McCloud, 66, and Owen Goldsmith, 82, had refused to evacuate.

Pacific Gas & Electric Co. said the blaze may have started when a power line came into contact with a tree.

Insurers are still processing claims and have paid out more than $ 500 million. They have received 5,600 claims and are expected to pay out an additional $ 500 million after all applications have been processed.

“The Valley and Butte fires were sober reminders of the dangers residents can face in rural areas of the state,” Jones said.

Marcus Yam Los Angeles Times THE VALLEY FIRE, which began Sept. 12 and burned for more than a month, consumed 1,958 structures across Lake, Napa and Sonoma counties.