Los Angeles fires catch renters unprepared

I'm sure all of you have heard about the fires that have been raging out in Southern California. These wind swept blazes have destroyed hundreds of homes and thousands of acres of land. With news reports now saying that the blaze was started because of a bonfire (i.e. man made) it makes the tragedy much harder to swallow. I wonder, though, how many of those who lost homes were renters and weren't carrying renters insurance?


I've seen at least one news story where this happened. This couple was apparently renting their home and were well-known as video gamers, computer techies, and comic book aficionados. They were apparently caught in a flash fire and were lucky to escape with their lives. They suffered burns while trying to escape and managed to drive themselves to a local fire station for assistance. Unfortunately, their home, and all their belongings, were destroyed. A call for donations was put out among the gaming community to help them try and recover.

I feel bad for them but I can't help but wonder how much better shape they would have been in if they had bought one less video game a month, or perhaps a few less comic books, and invested in renters insurance instead.