Industry prepares for claims from Jasper wildfire as town re-opens
As residents of Jasper, Alta., prepare to return home following evacuation orders stemming from a wildfire that destroyed about one-third of the town, Canada’s P&C insurance industry is likewise gearing up for a rebuild after what may become one of the country’s costliest wildfires.
As it stands, there will be a limited opening of the town on Friday, CRU Group CEO David Repinski tells Canadian Underwriter. The Canadian Press reported Monday people who live in Jasper will be allowed to return Friday, “but wildfire officials say they should not expect to spend the night in their homes.”
“Do not assume or expect that your home is ready to occupy,” the Municipality of Jasper says in its re-entry guide. “The damage to our town has been sporadic and not contained to one area.”
Repinski says CRU hopes to meet with clients as soon as possible and foresees “early next week as residents start the process of moving home.”
Although adjusting firms can use drones and/or satellite imagery to assist them in claims investigations, CRU hasn’t yet deployed them for the Jasper wildfires, Repinski says.
He notes wildfires this significant — Morningstar DBRS said in a report in late-July wildfires could cause up to $700 million in insured damages, with likely extra claims from tourism business interruption — generate a wide range of claims. This includes everything from total fire losses of property to smoke and soot intrusion and damage, as well as additional living expense (ALE) claims. “We anticipate dealing with claims covering the full spectrum of damage and impacts.”
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) will also be on the ground Friday, deploying its in-person Community Assistance Mobile Pavilion (CAMP) at the Municipality of Jasper’s Re-Entry Centre. CAMP will bring together local insurers and adjusters as well as IBC’s trained insurance professionals to help address consumer questions related to auto, home and business coverage.
“When returning to a home or business after a wildfire, it is best to take extra safety precautions and follow the guidance of local officials,” says Aaron Sutherland, vice president of IBC’s Pacific and Western regions, in a statement. “Unseen dangers may linger, so using caution can help reduce the chance of injury. When in doubt, seek advice from an expert.”
Residents can access the latest information about wildfire activity in Jasper on Parks Canada’s Jasper Wildfire Complex webpage. For the latest updates on re-entry and additional information for evacuees, visit the Municipality of Jasper’s re-entry guide.
Feature image: Firefighters work in Jasper, Alta., on Friday, July 26, 2024. Wildfires encroaching into the townsite of Jasper forced an evacuation of the national park and have destroyed over 300 of the town’s approximately 1100 structures, mainly impacting residential areas. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amber Bracken
