FIRES
Aon: 243 Structures Destroyed So Far in Southern California Mountain Fire
OLDWICK, N.J. //BestWire// - Southern California's Mountain Fire has already burned about 20,000 acres and destroyed at least 240 buildings and total losses are expected to reach into the hundreds of millions of dollars, according to Aon.
The fire began Nov. 6 in southern California and was preceded by extreme wind gusts exceeding 75 mph (120 kph) and very dry air, Aon said. While the fire is not fully contained, Aon said recovery and damage assessment has already started and is likely to soon result in insurance claims and "notable losses."
"These conditions originated from a Santa Ana wind event, which is a situation that brings hot and dry air from nearby mountainous terrain, resulting in ideal conditions for wildfire development," Aon said in a catastrophe report. "These conditions were likely compounded by the minor to severe drought that has persisted in the Santa Clarita area."
The mountain fire remains active and has destroyed 243 structures and damaged 127 along with causing five civilian injuries and another one to a firefighter, according to an update from the California Department of Forestry and fire Protection. It's size was listed as 19,904 acres and is 91% contained, according to the update.
According to Aon's report, nearly 40,000 residents and 3,800 structures remain at risk due to the fire.
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara earlier issued one-year nonrenewal and cancellation moratoriums for home policyholders affected by the Shelly Fire in Siskiyou County and Bear Fire in Sierra County (BestWire, Nov. 11, 2024).
A similar moratorium is expected to be issued for Ventura County residents impacted by the Mountain Fire, the regulator said in a statement.
(By Terrence Dopp, senior associate editor, Best’s Review: Terry.Dopp@ambest.com)