Nevada Caughlin Ranch Fire Claims Exceed $16 Million

Nevada’s insurance carriers have reported they have received around 600 claims as a result of the Caughlin Ranch Fire resulting in more than $16 million in claims, Nevada’s insurance commissioner said on Friday.

The losses from the fire, which forced close to 10,000 to evacuate, destroyed 32 homes and destroyed nearly 2,000 acres, was mostly due to fire, wind or smoke damage, according to Nevada Insurance Commissioner Scott J. Kipper.

In the aftermath of the fire, both Kipper and Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval praised the rapid response from the insurance community, and Sandoval said it was a “miracle more homes weren’t lost.”

One of the worst fires in Nevada’s history was stoked by a “nearly perfect storm” of unfavorable conditions and circumstances, according to the Reno fire department. Winds gusted to 70 mph, and flames up to 100 feet tall snaked though narrow canyons and ravines. At one point the fire burned at 20 to 30 mph with flying embers touching off new starts a mile away

During the fire Sandoval declared a state of emergency, qualifying the state for federal assistance.

In Kipper’s statement on the damages caused by the fire on Friday he urged homeowners to take inventory of their homeowner’s policies.

“The Caughlin Ranch Fire is a reminder to us all to call our insurance agent or company and ask for an annual policy review,” Kipper said. “This will ensure appropriate and adequate coverage is in place to protect our assets. That’s why I’m asking you to join me in making a New Year’s resolution to perform an annual policy review of your home or renters insurance policy.”

Topics Claims Nevada