Eight Wildfires Burn in Arizona, Evacuations Ordered

Arizona is currently ablaze with eight wildfires burning thousands of acres of land and property and causing evacuations from some areas, according to the National Interagency Coordination Center. While most of the fires are burning in national forest areas, some evacuations and road closures have been ordered.

“Each year, thousands of families, homes and businesses are threatened by wildland fires,” said Ron Williams, executive director for Arizona Insurance Council (AIC). “This summer alone, the economic losses could be in the millions of dollars as autos, boats and other personal property are also at risk.

The AIC has posted insurance and wildfire prevention tips on its Web site (www.azinsurance.org/WFLinks.html) to assist residents, and is encouraging insurance agents to speak with their customers to ensure they have appropriate coverage for their belongings.

To date, NICC reported $26.51 million in claims, although no structures have been lost.