The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has activated its Virtual Community Assistance Mobile Pavilion (V-CAMP) to specifically serve those affected by British Columbia (BC) and Northwest Territories wildfires. 

The V-CAMP is staffed with trained insurance industry personnel who can answer general policy questions via the IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC (1-844-227-5422), says an IBC news release. 

After catastrophe strikes, insurers can become second responders for thousands of residents that are impacted. Communities touched by fires are reporting damage to both homes and commercial structures, and IBC says its priority is to support those heading toward recovery. 

Related: Insurance Bureau of Canada issues statement for wildfire evacuees returning home 

Related: Intact assesses the cost of catastrophic losses at $421M in the last quarter 

“This unprecedented wildfire season has already exceeded all records in terms of area burned in BC and across Canada. Our hearts go out to the individuals and families impacted and who have been forced to evacuate or whose property may have been damaged or destroyed,” says Aaron Sutherland, vice president, Western and Pacific at IBC. “While the focus remains on public safety and firefighting efforts, anyone forced to evacuate or whose property has been damaged can contact their insurance representative when they are ready to start the claims process." 

However, while fires rage on, it’s too early to provide any estimates of insured damages, adds the release.