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Guy Carpenter flags worsening Spokane wildfires with 0% containment
The reinsurance broker said evacuations for the fires in eastern Washington remained in effect, with insured losses still dependent on final damage and containment progress.
Reinsurance broker Guy Carpenter said three major wildfires in Spokane County near Spokane, Washington, have collectively burned 7,000 acres and destroyed more than 700 structures, with containment at 0% and the fires expected to spread further later this week, according to a new Guy Carpenter report.
Guy Carpenter pointed to severe fire weather, noting Spokane was under Critical fire weather conditions on August 1, and adjacent parts of Eastern Washington were reportedly under Extremely Critical conditions on Sunday, the highest rating from the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center.
Marsh’s reinsurance broking firm added that evacuations remain in effect as suppression efforts continue, with damage assessments ongoing. The outlet also said insured losses will depend on which structures are ultimately impacted and on how much progress is made on containment.
The report also cited that authorities arrested a 37-year-old man on suspicion of arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, and said the suspect is being held on a $1 million bond. Guy Carpenter warned that above normal significant wildfire potential persists across much of the West as persistent drought, critically dry fuels, and hot, windy weather support elevated wildfire activity.