What’s New: In Brief (August 07, 2009)

Thus far, the current wildfires burning in British Columbia have not caused nearly as much property damage as the 2003 fires, experts say.
Greg Thierman, manager of Crawford & Company (Canada)’s Kelowna branch, says that while the fires have come very close to densely populated areas, efforts by the firefighters and a bit of cooperation from Mother Nature have prevented the fires from spreading into residential areas.
Public awareness increased following the 2003 fires, he says.
For example, B.C. residents have apparently undertaken risk-mitigation measures such as reducing fuel load — i.e. reducing debris on lawn, cleaning up dead branches — around property to reduce the risk of the fire spreading.
Additionally, firefighters are using ‘structural protection units’ that are capable of protecting entire rows of houses at a time, Thieman adds.
IBC says it’s too early for a claims cost tally, but damage to infrastructure is very limited to date.
The industry’s trade body says it foresees claims arising from business interruption due to people being evacuated.

CARSTAR Automotive Canada Inc. has signed an exclusive partnership with Canadian Hail Repair Inc. in response to the increasing frequency of hail and extreme weather conditions.
The national agreement allows CARSTAR first-response capabilities to serve the needs of its insurance partners and consumers after a hailstorm hits, a release says.
Canadian Hail Repair is a division of The Auto Dentist Inc. and was established more than 10 years ago to provide specialized repairs for damage caused by hail.