MMA Blog

Wildfires raging in Oregon

 

Due in part to its arid climate, California is known for wildfire activity, as not a summer goes by that dry conditions don't result in vast swaths of acreage consumed by flame. While these conditions are typical in the Golden State, Oregon has also been under the gun for much of the summer.

Since mid-July, wildfire has occupied the attention of area firefighters, after a lightning strike sparked a blaze in the upper reaches of Willamette National Forest, according to multiple local and national news outlets. So far, more than 500 square miles have burned, forcing well over 4,000 area homeowners to flee their properties due to safety risks, The Register-Guard reported.

"Wildfires have led to road closures and evacuations."

Since July 12, when the rogue bolt struck, several other wildfires in Oregon have ignited, resulting in traffic issues for commuters because stretches of road have necessitated closures, including portions of U.S. 20.

Terry Krasko, spokesman for the U.S. Forest Service, noted that generally, Southern Oregon tends to have more moist air in August, but it's been just the opposite this year, noting barometric pressure readings have been in the single digits.

"That is very, very dry," Krasko told the Register-Guard.

Scott Sherbourne, sales director at Marsh McLennan Agency, says homeowners can be proactive by setting up a defensible space surrounding their residence.

"By creating a defensible space, homeowners can mitigate and reduce the impact of wildfire damage," Sherbourne advised. "Insurance companies sometimes help in this regard by spraying homes with fire retardant, delivering alternative water sources and cutting back on brush as a benefit."

Containment problematic in portions of Oregon
Although fire crews are doing their best to get control of the wildfires, containment is proving to be an issue in certain areas. For example, on Aug. 12, more than a dozen blazes ignited due to a severe lightning storm, The Associated Press reported. While the resulting flames were put out before they had time to spread, their occurrence sapped emergency personnel from dealing with other blazes. As of Aug. 30, the Brookings wildfire was only 5 percent contained, according to the AP.

Oregon is hardly the only state where wildfire is prevalent. At the end of August, nine states were reporting wildfire activity to the National Interagency Fire Center. These include five in Idaho, six in Washington and 18 in Montana, among others.

Fire crews are charged with keeping the public safe from wildfire risk. Homeowners insurance provides the protection your belongings need when disaster strikes. If you have a question about your policy or making a claim, Marsh McLennan Agency is here to help.

"Don't wait until the wildfire happens to find out you don't have the coverage that can force you to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket," Sherbourne warned. "Call to review your policy today."

Visit our wildfire claim information page for more.

Keep Up To Date

Subscribe to our blog for all the latest news, updates, and events from MMA and our partners

Subscribe

Tell us what you need. We’ll take it from there.

Get a Quote


    YesNo











        First, tell us about you:






        EmailPhone


        Next, tell us about your business:





        Now tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


        Commercial InsuranceEmployee BenefitsHealth InsuranceSuretyOther



        NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a Marsh McLennan Agency representative advising that your request has been processed.

        You are ready to submit the form:

          First, tell us about you:






          EmailPhone





          Next, tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


          AutoHomeIndividual HealthUmbrellaRecreationalWatercraftRenter’s InsuranceLife InsuranceWedding Insurance



          NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a Marsh McLennan Agency representative advising that your request has been processed.

          Now you are ready to submit the form:

            First, tell us about you:






            EmailPhone





            Next, tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


            AutoHomeIndividual HealthUmbrellaRecreationalWatercraftRenter’s InsuranceLife InsuranceWedding Insurance



            NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a Marsh McLennan Agency representative advising that your request has been processed.

            Now you are ready to submit the form:

              First, tell us about you:






              EmailPhone


              Next, tell us about your business:





              Now tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


              Commercial InsuranceEmployee BenefitsHealth InsuranceSuretyOther



              NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a Marsh McLennan Agency representative advising that your request has been processed.

              You are ready to submit the form:

                First, tell us about you:

                Contact Form

                -->




                    First, tell us about you:






                    EmailPhone





                    Step 1 of 2Next

                    Next, tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


                    AutoHomeIndividual HealthUmbrellaRecreational

                     

                    WatercraftRenter’s InsuranceLife InsuranceWedding Insurance



                    NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a Marsh McLennan Agency representative advising that your request has been processed.

                    Now you are ready to submit the form:

                      First, tell us about you:






                      EmailPhone


                      Step 1 of 3Next

                      Next, tell us about your business:





                      Step 2 of 3Next

                      Now tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


                      Commercial InsuranceEmployee BenefitsHealth InsuranceSuretyOther



                      NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a Marsh McLennan Agency representative advising that your request has been processed.

                      You are ready to submit the form:

                        First, tell us about you:






                        EmailPhone





                        Step 1 of 2Next



                        NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a Marsh McLennan Agency representative advising that your request has been processed.

                        Now you are ready to submit the form:

                          Review Form

                            First, tell us about you:






                            EmailPhone







                            NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a Marsh McLennan Agency representative advising that your request has been processed.

                            Now you are ready to submit the form:

                              First, tell us about you:






                              EmailPhone





                              Next, tell us about your claim:






                              NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a Marsh McLennan Agency representative advising that your request has been processed.

                              Now you are ready to submit the form:

                                First, tell us about you and your business:







                                EmailPhone


                                Next, tell us about the surety bond you need:







                                NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a Marsh McLennan Agency representative advising that your request has been processed.

                                Now you are ready to submit the form:

                                  Contact us for a quote:

                                    First, tell us about you:






                                    EmailPhone





                                    Next, tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


                                    AutoHomeIndividual HealthUmbrellaRecreationalWatercraftRenter’s InsuranceLife InsuranceWedding Insurance



                                    NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a Marsh McLennan Agency representative advising that your request has been processed.

                                    Now you are ready to submit the form:

                                      First, tell us about you:

                                      Contact Form

                                      -->

                                      cross linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram