_______________________________________________
Adjusters
and insurance company representatives are now permitted to enter all areas
affected by the Okanagan Mountain Park Fire in the Regional District of the
Central Okanagan and the City of Kelowna, for the purpose of assessing losses
and addressing hazards on private property.
Documentation showing evidence of
insurance company representation will be required at road blocks and security
check points.
Insurers are urged to
coordinate with their clients regarding management of insured losses.
All persons, including
insurance professionals, in the fire-affected areas are reminded hazards may be
present, especially in burned structures and in treed areas.
Extreme caution should be exercised in all fire-affected areas.
Insurance professionals are strongly advised to take these hazards into
consideration and proceed appropriately.
Fire tape is
in place in many locations in the impacted areas.
The fire tape is there as a visual indication of hazards but no security
is in place to restrict access. Safety
and security of private property remains the responsibility of property owners.
It is
recommended that property owners and insurers only grant access to those persons
with a need to be on the affected property.
The fire
tape may be removed at the discretion of the property owner, however it is
recommended that the tape remain in place as a visual reminder of the potential
danger. It may be appropriate for property owners to consider other means of
securing their properties.
Property
owners are advised to retain the services of a certified arborist to evaluate
the safety of all trees on private property, and to consult building
professionals to assess structural hazards resulting from fire-impacted
buildings.
Typical
hazards that result from wildfire and structure fires include:
·
Danger trees (trees without
branches that fall silently, other falling trees)
·
Dangerous structures (chimney
remains and other structural
components)
·
Non-visible collapse risk areas
such as ash pits and compromised septic systems
·
Visible open holes and pits
·
Hot or burning materials (hot areas
may continue for several weeks following a fire the magnitude of the Okanagan
Mountain Park fire)
·
Downed electrical lines
·
Hazardous materials
·
Sharp objects
·
Wildlife and reptiles (pushed out
of their normal habitat into the City including bears and rattle snakes)