Wildfires in the U.S. destroy millions of acres and thousands of structures each year. They have killed or injured thousands of people in the last decade alone.

Wildfires are typically associated with California and other western states, but they can happen anywhere in the U.S. When a large wildfire occurs, it can move as fast as 14 miles an hour and destroy everything in its path. And, unfortunately, it appears the number of wildfires will only increase.

Incredible Numbers

The statistics in regard to U.S. wildfires are staggering. An average of more than 100,000 occur each year and burn anywhere from 4-5 million acres. They have destroyed more than 30,000 structures and killed or injured thousands of people since 2010 alone. And the financial losses associated with wildfires are also incredible. It is estimated that annual losses due to wildfires in the U.S. run anywhere from about $64 billion to $285 billion. It can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to replace not only a home destroyed by a fire, but also the possessions that were inside the home.

Why Wildfires Occur

A raging wildfire can develop from seemingly harmless sources. It can be a spark from a piece of machinery or a lit cigarette carelessly dropped in a field. Wildfires can also occur after a bolt of lightning. In many tragic instances, wildfires are the result of arsonists.

And it appears that this horrible problem won’t be going away any time soon. In fact, there is evidence wildfires will only increase in numbers in the coming years. Research indicates that increasing populations in rural areas could lead to even more devastating fires in the future. According to one study, more than 30 percent of homes in the U.S. are located in what are known as “wildland-urban interface areas.” These are areas near forests and grasslands that are at risk for wildfires.

When to Contact an Attorney

If you ever suffer losses due to a wildfire, you should contact an attorney to make sure your rights are protected. Wildfire Recovery Attorneys have represented scores of residents affected by this type of disaster, helping them obtain the compensation they needed in order to get their lives back on track. If you ever need to reach out to us, you can use our convenient online contact form or call 866-579-5554.