Oregon Public Broadcasting

Insurance companies have increased the number of home inspections in Eastern Washington and Oregon in response to wildfire damage.

The agencies are demanding more fire breaks, fire-proof roofs and brush-clearing. Correspondent Anna King reports.

Insurance inspectors are spending a lot more time in the field lately. That's according to Darrin Sanger, the spokesman for the Northwest Insurance Council.

He says the firms he represents are urging their Northwest customers to take a few clear steps: Clean out gutters, move flammable lawnmower gas out of the garage and make sure your house number is visible for firefighters and police.

Darrin Sanger: “Because of the level of fires that have occurred over the last couple of years, insurance companies again want to work very closely with their customers in these high risk areas.”

Sanger says in some cases insurance companies are requiring their customers to make certain home improvements within a deadline of 90 to 180 days.

Sanger says it's also important for homeowners to keep an inventory of their possessions, appliances and furniture just in case their home is destroyed.