In 1981, about $1.1 million was lost due to fires. in 1988, the loss was about $ 9 . 6 million.
what is the percent change and how?

Amount that was lost in the year 1981 due to fires = $1.1 million
Amount that was lost in the year 1988 due to fires = $9.6 million
Then
Change in the amount of loss between the two years = 9.6 - 1.1
                                                                                     = 8.5 million
Percentage change in the amount
of loss between the two years = (8.5/1.1) * 100
                                                 = 772.73 percent.
I hope that the procedure is clear enough for you to understand.