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INSURANCE INFORMATION INSTITUTE
Contact: Press Offices
New York: 212-346-5500; media@iii.org
Florida: 813-480-6446

NEW YORK, May 14, 2008 - The wildfires occurring in central Florida, which have damaged or destroyed more than one hundred homes, represent an increasing problem in the state, according to the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Information Institute (I.I.I.). In fact, Florida ranked fourth in the U.S. for the number of wildland fires in 2007.

"People typically don't associate Florida with wildfires; they often think of California. Yet this is the second straight year that the Sunshine State has had severe wildfires in May," said Lynne McChristian, the I.I.I.'s Florida representative. "Last year Florida was the site of almost 5,000 wildfires and ranked eighth overall in the number of acres burned because of wildfires," she added.

Damage caused by fire and smoke are covered under standard homeowners, renters and business insurance policies and under the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. Generally, there is also coverage for water or other damage incurred by fire fighters in the course of extinguishing a fire.

For general information about wildfires, visit the .

For wildfire protection tips, visit the .

The I.I.I. is a nonprofit, communications organization supported by the insurance industry.