NEW YORK, October 22, 2007 — Reporters wanting to place the current southern California wildfires in historical context, or seeking information on how homeowners should file claims, can review editorial content on both matters on the Insurance Information Institute’s (I.I.I.) Web site: http://www.iii.org .

Seven of the 10 most expensive wildfires in U.S. history have occurred in California, as defined by insured losses. Facts and stats statistics on wildfires can be found at: http://www.iii.org/media/facts/statsbyissue/wildfires/ .

In the latest wave of fires, more than 11 major wildfires have already been reported and Governor Schwarzenegger proclaimed a State of Emergency last night in seven California counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Ventura. The governor’s action enabled California’s Office of Emergency Services to deploy emergency personnel, equipment and facilities to the affected regions of the state in accordance with California’s Disaster Assistance Act. More than 30,000 acres have already burned.

Standard homeowner and business insurance policies cover fire-related losses. The I.I.I. has information on how to file a claim at http://www.iii.org/individuals/homei/help/howclaim/ . In addition, the Institute for Business & Home Safety has tips at http://www.ibhs.org/newsroom/view.asp?id=547 .

Reporters seeking an insurance expert for wildfire-related interviews can contact the I.I.I.’s New York City Press Office at 212-346-5500 or the Insurance Information Network of California’s toll-free media relations number at 800-397-1679.

For additional information about insurance, go to the I.I.I. Web site: http://www.iii.org .



The I.I.I. is a nonprofit, communications organization supported by the insurance industry.