Massive wildfires threaten lives

As wildfires remain a concern to many across the country, others have been able to seek compensation for their losses following similar disasters.

New research is also shedding some light on just how many people may be in the path of wildfires in the future. 

A Western Washington University study has found that, nationwide, nearly 12 percent of all homes in the lower 48 states are at risk. Those properties are considered "wildland-urban interference" ??" or WUI - because they have been built too close to potential fuels for fires, such as grasses, trees and dry forests.

Meanwhile, another study from Harvard University found that higher average temperatures will result in more wildfires across the U.S. in the future. The findings noted that the probability of large fires could double or even triple by 2050.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, there were more than 67,000 wildfires across the country in 2012 that destroyed more than 9.3 million acres of land.

Because wildfires may be caused by a number of things, including utility problems and human error, some victims have successfully sued or been able to settle with the responsible party. However, the assistance of an attorney may be necessary should there be a denial of benefits or loss of due compensation from either the insurance company of the faulty party or the insurance company of the party suffering the loss. 

While in many cases the exact causes of the fires have never been determined, people should know they can seek the compensation they deserve if they have lost property or loved ones due to the carelessness of others.