By Peter Gillon and Ashley Cowgill ( October 25, 2017, 2:29 PM EDT) -- Northern California is in the midst of what is anticipated to be one of the costliest collections of wildfires in history. Cal Fire estimates that 217,566 acres of property have burned, including 5,700 structures, not to mention the tragic loss of 40 lives to date. The cause or causes of this conflagration remain under investigation, with reports of arson combined with dry conditions and extremely high winds (gusting at speeds in excess of 75 mph). How the investigations play out may affect how carriers respond — with possible arguments over the actual cause of loss and thus applicable limits or deductibles....