San Diego County estimates costs, losses from recent wildfires at nearly $60 million
5/23/2014SAN DIEGO — Authorities say last week’s Southern California wildfires cost taxpayers and residents nearly $60 million in losses, firefighting and other costs.
San Diego County announced the estimate today. The county has submitted a preliminary figure to the state and is seeking additional financial aid to cover the costs.
About a dozen wildfires in the northern and eastern county destroyed 44 houses, an 18-unit apartment complex and several businesses. The cause of the most destructive fires hasn’t been determined.
The county says it cost local governments nearly $28 million to respond to, fight and recover from the fires. That includes costs for evacuating thousands of homes.
Private property owners suffered about $30 million in losses.