The Nature Conservancy purchases insurance designed to cover personal injury or property damage in many situations. Whether the Conservancy or any of its Representatives might be held legally or financially liable for a particular damage claim arising out of a fire, and whether any claim would be covered by one of the insurance policies depends on the specific facts and circumstances of the incident involved. Specific questions regarding liability and insurance coverage should be addressed to your Conservancy attorney and to the Insurance Coordinator at the Worldwide Office.

It is important to remember that the Conservancy has been able to obtain insurance to cover our prescribed burning activities because we have requirements and guidelines governing these activities. Failure to adhere to these standards could result in loss of this coverage and an end to our fire management activities.

Conservancy staff should not inform others that the Conservancy's insurance coverage assures their protection. Only an insurance company can settle a claim or approve a settlement. In the event of an accident or damage, Conservancy staff can notify those present that we will promptly notify our insurance carrier of the matter.

See the section on wildfire reponse planning for a discussion of insurance to cover fire fighting service charges.

Workers' Compensation

The Conservancy carries workers' compensation insurance that provides medical care and disability income benefits for all Conservancy employees who are injured or become ill in the course and scope of their employment. The Conservancy's workers' compensation insurance policy does not provide benefits for independent contractors or for volunteers. Independent contractors must have insurance coverage for themselves and their employees.

All fire personnel should have appropriate language included in their job descriptions describing their fire roles and responsibilities, including prescribed burning and suppression. Human Resources can help you with specific language if needed.

At times, Conservancy fire personnel engage in suppression activities and are paid directly by a federal or state agency (A.D., or Administratively Determined). In this case, the Conservancy's worker's compensation will not cover injuries sustained while on the fire detail. If you are planning on participating in a fire suppression crew outside of your home state, contact your Human Resources department regarding your coverage.

Supervisors should check with their Human Resources Department if they have any questions regarding workers' compensation coverage.

Personal Health and Accident Insurance for Volunteers

The Conservancy provides limited health and accident insurance for the benefit of its volunteers. For more information about insurance for volunteers, see the Insurance section of the Conservancy's Intranet. You should inform volunteers of this coverage. Volunteers are not covered by the Conservancy's worker's compensation insurance.

Liability Insurance and Insurance for Smoke-Related Accidents

The Conservancy carries liability insurance covering certain personal injury and property damage claims, including claims arising from work on non-Conservancy lands. This liability insurance does not, however, cover personal injuries or property damage caused by smoke from a prescribed fire. We have a separate policy designed to protect us from claims resulting from smoke-related accidents. The premium to be paid on the smoke insurance policy is determined each year by the number of acres burned during the fiscal year (July 1 - June 30). See Fire Administration for information on yearly reporting requirements.

Additional Information

More information on personal liability, liability insurance, insurance for smoke-related accidents, and liability waivers for volunteers can be found in the legal section of the Conservancy's Global Fire Team intranet site.

Last updated April 30, 2008.