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US Wildfire Damage Tracking Gaps Spark Fear of Rising Costs

Los Angeles, California, USA

May 14, 2025 0 Negative General

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Los Angeles, California: Wildfires have scorched tens of thousands of acres in 2025, yet it’s getting harder to tally just how devastating they are financially. A former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) researcher says he was told to stop publishing detailed cost estimates for wildfire and storm damage. Soon after, the NOAA database tracking economic impacts of major climate disasters was decommissioned. Officials claim the tool was outdated, but environmental groups suspect political motives, since the data historically showed skyrocketing climate-related expenses. This development leaves insurers and homeowners with fewer public resources to assess risk.

What this means for you:

•	If you live in a fire-prone or storm-prone zone, be proactive—research private risk assessment tools and stay informed about local fire safety protocols.
•	Compare homeowners insurance from multiple carriers; some are pulling out of high-risk areas, leaving fewer (and pricier) options.
•	In the meantime, explore open-source climate data repositories. Independent universities and nonprofits often have user-friendly platforms.

Key Entities

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – A US federal agency focused on weather, oceans, and climate. Formed in 1970, it previously tracked billions in climate disaster damages.
• California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) – State agency that responds to fires and enforces prevention guidelines in California.
• NBC News – A major broadcast news outlet that reported on NOAA staff resignations and data silencing.

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US Wildfire Damage Tracking Gaps Spark Fear of Rising Costs

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