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The forest fire that destroyed 48 properties in the village of Lake aldeahau in October is one of the costliest insurance claims in recent history.
Figures released by the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) on Sunday make the $ 34.8 million Ōhau fire more expensive than the 2017 Port Hill fires in Christchurch, which cost insurance of $ 18.3 million, and the 2019 Tasman District Fires, which reached $ 3.98 million.
A spokesperson for Fire and Emergency NZ said the full cost of fighting the fire was not yet known.
“The invoices are still being received and collated, and it has not yet been determined where all the costs will fall,” the spokesperson said.
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“The invoices are expected to be received for several months.”
In September, South Canterbury Rural Fire Chief Officer Rob Hands said Things the cost of fighting the August Pukaki Downs fire is likely to be around $ 800,000.
ICNZ said insurers have so far handled 154 home and contents claims, 19 commercial and commercial claims and 24 vehicle claims as a result of the fire.
BEJON HASWELL / Things
An aerial view of the charred remains of the Ōhau Lake village. (File photo)
They said a final loss figure would be reported next year.
ICNZ CEO Tim Grafton said the fire “shows us how important it is to properly insure against unexpected events that can have such a significant impact.”
Bejon Haswell / Things / Things
The New Zealand Insurance Council has revealed that $ 34.8 million in insurance claims have so far been paid to victims of the Lake Ōhau forest fire. (File photo)
“The fire has devastated the dehau community, leaving many to rebuild their homes and lives from scratch.”
Bejon Haswell / Stuff
Rubble and debris are being removed from Lake Ōhau village more than a month after the massive fire devastated the village. (File photo)
The Ōhau Lake Fire is the second major fire in Mackenzie this year, after the Pukaki Downs fire in August.
Grafton warned people to be vigilant this summer.
“The impacts of climate change mean that we will see more extreme weather; we can expect more droughts and more floods. With areas forecast to be hotter during the summer, there is an increased risk of fires, and we all play a role in reducing this risk.
Bejon Haswell / Stuff
The fire alarm that was used the morning of the Lake Ōhau village fires to evacuate residents. (File photo)
