Hundreds file insurance claims in the Spokane area after homes were destroyed in wildfires

Cleanup and recovery efforts are underway in Spokane as residents assess the damage from what state leaders and first responders are calling the most destructive wildfires in Washington history. The fires have damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes across the eastern region.

The destruction includes properties lost in the Old Trails Fire, where many structures were reduced to rubble and ash. Thousands of people now face a long and difficult rebuilding process as insurance claims continue to rise.

Caitlynn and Keenan Burt, homeowners whose house was destroyed in the Old Trails Fire, returned from a vacation to find their property reduced to rubble.

“You start to see reels of people driving by and think that might be our house,” the couple said.

They lost personal items ranging from hospital mementos to artwork created by their children.

“A lot of memories we had made along the way of being together and having our kids and artwork you can’t get back, from little ones to first memories from the hospital,” they said. The family noted the difficulty of the loss, stating, “So having that just gone … is a lot.”

The rebuilding effort involves thousands of residents across the Spokane area. Roszell Gadson, a spokesperson for State Farm, said Monday the company has already received more than 550 home and auto claims related to the wildfires.

Gadson said claim numbers are expected to increase as officials gain access to additional areas.

“We expect that number, of course, to continue to rise,” Gadson said. “There are neighborhoods that are still inaccessible.”

Gadson explained that while basic home and auto policies typically cover wildfire damage, limits may apply to specific items, such as jewelry.

He encouraged policyholders to review their coverage before a disaster occurs rather than assuming they are fully protected.

“Don’t just set it and forget it,” Gadson said. “Make sure you know what exactly is going to be covered on your policy.”

The Burts emphasized the necessity of maintaining active insurance policies.

“I was like, if we are renting or owning a home, I’m not living without that,” Caitlynn Burt said. “And it’s very vital.”

Despite the loss of their home, the family said support from the community has helped them process the event.

“Even our family to strangers we don’t know … as you said, it kind of gave me faith in humanity again,” they said.

State Farm is currently involved in a lawsuit in California regarding the alleged mishandling of wildfire claims. When asked about the litigation, Gadson stated that the company is currently focusing on the recovery efforts for residents in Spokane.

A GoFundMe has been set up for the Burt family to help them rebuild.