Claims News Service, Oct.14, 4:29 p.m. EST -- A state of emergency has been declared in conjunction with a wildfire that is burning in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, billowed by Santa Anna winds.
As of Oct. 14, 2008, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said that the Marek Wildfire had been 70 percent contained, thanks in part to a brief reprieve of overnight winds. Also contributing to containment efforts were 1,300 firefighting personnel, 188 fire engines, and 18 helicopters.
More than 4,800 acres have been burned, and 44 buildings have been destroyed. It is estimated that nearly 3,800 structures are still at risk for burning. Governor Schwarzenegger said that 1,800 were told to evacuate, but some were already being allowed to return. Authorities plan to continue structure protection efforts by constructing and improving containment lines where possible. Patrols and mop-ups around structures and along containment lines also are expected.
So far in 2008, 26,800 acres have burned in California, and 64 structures have been destroyed.
Insurers are expected to begin receiving and handling additional living expense claims based on evacuation orders and damage caused to residential dwellings. Business interruption claims can also be expected.
The Marek Wildfire comes on the heels of the one-year anniversary of the California Witch Fire, which caused $1.3 billion in insured losses and ranks among the three most damaging wildfires since 1970, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Interested in more catastrophe news and in-depth articles? Head over to Claims' catastrophe channel for more information.
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