July 17--Insurance claims from the Waldo Canyon fire are estimated to total more than $352.6 million according to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, making the blaze the most expensive in Colorado history.

"The 2012 wildfire season is a heartbreaking reminder to Coloradans that the wildfire threat is very real in our state and can exact a price that is both personally devastating and costly in terms of insurance damage," said Carole Walker, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association. "Insurance catastrophe adjusters have been on the ground in our state since early June, and the industry is prepared to help impacted residents recover and communities rebuild."

More than 4,300 claims have been filed for losses associated with the Waldo Canyon fire.

With the new estimate, the fire eclipses 2010's $224 millionFourmile Canyon fire.

The High Park Fire near Fort Collins, which burned 259 homes, is estimated to cost insurers $97.1 million. So far in 2012, wildfires have cost $449.7 million in Colorado, already making this the most expensive wildfire year for the state.

___

(c)2012 The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.)

Visit The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.) at www.gazette.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services