News - Local
Insurer sent private firefighters to Boulder blaze
Posted: Sep 21, 2010 2:26 PM by Bea Karnes, News First 5
Updated: Sep 21, 2010 2:27 PM
Some homes threatened by a Colorado wildfire were protected by a private team of firefighters hired by an insurance company.
The Boulder Daily Camera reported Tuesday that the crew hired by Chubb Corp. was operating under an agreement the insurance company has with Boulder County.
The agreement limits them to fire-prevention work, such as spraying fire-suppressing gels on homes and setting up sprinkler systems. They aren't allowed to fight fires if the homes ignite.
The newspaper says three homes insured by Chubb were destroyed and 10 others in the fire zone were spared.
The fire destroyed 169 homes and caused an estimated $217 million in damage. It's believed to be the first time a private crew responded to a Colorado fire.
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