California Wildfire News

Mercury Insurance to Return to Fire-Ravaged Paradise, California

Mercury Insurance announced this week that the company will begin writing new homeowners insurance policies in the town of Paradise, California. Mercury says it is the first major insurance company to begin offering policies to Paradise homeowners since the town …

California Winds Drive Severe Fire Danger in Rain-Starved LA

Exceptionally powerful, dry winds expected across Southern California this week are set to send wildfire risk skyrocketing in a region that’s endured more than eight months without significant rain. Forecasters predict the strongest Santa Ana wind event of the season …

Top West Region Insurance Journal Stories of 2024

Wildfires and their effect on the California’s homeowners insurance crisis dominated Insurance Journal’s West headlines this year. Other popular stories included big lawsuits, and stories on fraudsters and bad actors being caught and punished. Top Insurance Journal West Stories of …

Firefighters Getting Handle on California Blaze That Threatened Malibu

Firefighters are getting a better handle on a California wildfire that was threatening the city of Malibu as the winds that fanned the flames begin to subside. The Franklin Fire is now 30% contained and has burned 4,037 acres, according …

Malibu Firefighters Make Gains on Blaze as Wind Warnings Persist

Firefighters made some gains containing a raging wildfire that threatens Malibu, California, even as the burn area doubled in size in a day and high-wind warnings are forecast to persist through much of Wednesday. The Franklin Fire, which has burned …

Malibu Fire Explodes in Size, Forces Thousands to Evacuate

A Southern California wildfire whipped by “particularly dangerous” winds destroyed homes, shut schools and spurred the evacuation of thousands of people near Malibu. The Franklin Fire has now scorched about 2,600 acres after starting late Monday and remains out of …

California Wildfire Destroys 243 Structures, Cancellation Moratorium Issued

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued a mandatory one-year moratorium on insurance companies to preserve residential insurance coverage for more than 200,000 policyholders affected by the Mountain Fire, which has destroyed 243 structures. The order shields those living within the …

Containment Increases on California Fire That Has Destroyed 168 Structures

Firefighters battled strong winds driving a fast-moving Southern California wildfire that forced the evacuations of thousands of people and destroyed at least 168 structures. Containment of the Mountain Fire in Ventura County increased to 48%. The fire has now burned …

California Commissioner: 1-Year Moratorium on Cancellations for Wildfire Victims

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued a mandatory one-year moratorium on insurance companies to preserve residential insurance coverage for more than 11,000 policyholders affected by the Shelly Fire located in Siskiyou County and the Bear Fire located in Sierra County. …

Wind-Driven Southern California Blaze Has Destroyed at Least 132 Structures

A Southern California wildfire that was driven by high winds has destroyed at least 132 structures and forced more than 10,000 people to evacuate. The fire in Ventura County has burned 20,596 acres and is 7% contained. The Mountain Fire, …