Wildfires Destroyed Almost Nine Million Acres

In 2018, wildfires destroyed 8.76 million acres of land in the United States, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Wildfires are most common in the west where heat, drought and thunderstorms create favorable wildfire conditions. However, uncontrolled fires can and have occurred in most of the 50 states.

“Wildfires can burn acres of land in a few minutes, devouring everything in its path – trees, cars and homes,” said Eric A. Cioppa, National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) President and Superintendent of the Maine Bureau of Insurance. “That is why it is important to do what you can to lessen your risks and to make sure that you are financially prepared to rebuild should a catastrophe strike.”