US wildfires: economic cost estimates

A report released by the U.S. Congress indicates that the economic losses caused by wildfires in the United States are estimated at between 394 and 893 billion USD each year. These figures represent between 2% and 4% of US GDP.

This cost includes insurance claims, higher insurance rates, reduced property values, loss of income, property and infrastructure damage, electricity, evacuation and fire suppression costs, tourism loss, etc.

The report urges the U.S. government to take the necessary measures to limit the impact of wildfires.