Big Grass Wildfire: What To Do If Your Cattle is Killed in a Wildfire

August 10, 2026

Big Grass Wildfire: What To Do If Your Cattle is Killed in a Wildfire

BOISE, ID - The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) urges farmers and ranchers who lose livestock in the Big Grass Fire to contact their insurer immediately.

"Lives and homes are not the only things at risk in a wildfire. Unfortunately, the Big Grass Fire burning in Southwest Idaho is killing and threatening livestock grazing on the grassland," said Lyn Elliott, APICA vice president, state government relations. "Farmers and ranchers who lose livestock in a wildfire should contact their insurer immediately, document all losses, maintain herd and inventory records, and keep receipts related to emergency response and recovery efforts. Commercial insurers are ready to help you file a claim and access your coverage."

Livestock coverage varies by policy, so policyholders should work closely with their insurer or agent to understand available benefits and ensure claims are processed as quickly as possible.

"Agriculture, farm and ranch related insurance coverage is very specific," said Elliott. "Coverage for wildfire-caused cattle deaths depends entirely on the specific farm or ranch policy, endorsements purchased, and state insurance regulations. Farmers should review their policy and consult their insurer regarding the scope of available coverage."

In most cases, cattle are not covered under the same part of a farm policy that covers barns, homes, or equipment. Livestock are typically insured under separate livestock, farm personal property, or livestock mortality coverage endorsement, depending on the insurer and policy form.

If cattle are killed in a wildfire, the farmer or rancher should:

1. Notify the insurer immediately and open a claim as soon as it is safe to do so.
2. Document losses by taking photographs, videos, and GPS locations where possible.
3. Maintain records of the animals lost, including herd inventories, brands, tags, veterinary records, breeding records, and sales records.
4. Keep receipts and records for emergency expenses such as evacuation, temporary feeding, veterinary care, carcass disposal, fencing repairs, and transportation of surviving livestock.
5. Do not dispose of evidence prematurely. Work with the adjuster regarding documentation requirements before removing carcasses when feasible and safe.
6. Separate and identify injured animals that may require veterinary treatment and maintain veterinary records related to the wildfire loss.
7. Work with the adjuster to determine whether losses are covered under livestock mortality coverage, farm property coverage, business interruption coverage, or another applicable policy provision.

Coverage varies significantly by policy. Some policies may cover:

• Death of livestock from wildfire.
• Injury requiring euthanasia.
• Veterinary expenses.
• Loss of use of breeding stock.
• Damage to fencing, corrals, and other farm structures.
• Additional expenses incurred to protect livestock.

"The Big Grass Wildfire is threatening critical livestock as it has burned over 553,000 acres," said Elliott. "Insurers are ready to help farmers and ranchers. This is an unfortunate de ja vu of the 2024 Smokehouse Creek Fire when 12,000 - 15,000 cattle were lost."

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