Remains of home destroyed by wildfire. Remains of a home destroyed by wildfires seen Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017, in Glen Ellen, Calif. California fire officials have reported significant progress on containing wildfires that have ravaged parts of Northern California. The fires that swept through parts of seven counties starting Oct. 8 were the deadliest and most destructive series of blazes in California history. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

California and other Western states suffered historically severe wildfires following years of significant drought.

Estimates of damage for California alone were $9.4 billion as of early December 2017, and that figure is destined to rise as all damages are finally assessed and claims are completed.

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Christine G. Barlow, CPCU

Christine G. Barlow, CPCU, is Executive Editor of FC&S Expert Coverage Interpretation, a division of National Underwriter Company and ALM. Christine has over thirty years’ experience in the insurance industry, beginning as a claims adjuster then working as an underwriter and underwriting supervisor handling personal lines. Christine regularly presents and moderates webinars on a variety of topics and is an experienced presenter.