Wildfires raging through Southern California so far do not pose a threat of significant insured losses, according to one property-casualty insurance trade group.

The blaze in the San Jacinto Mountains, which authorities said was due to arson, has blackened nearly 24,000 acres, or almost 38 square miles, and already forced hundreds to evacuate, according to wire service reports.

Sam Sorich, president of the Sacramento-based Association of California Insurance Companies, said that a few homes have been destroyed, but the fires have, for the most part, avoided populated areas.

The flames have destroyed at least five homes, and firefighters had to evacuate additional areas overnight, including a small community south of Banning, about 20 miles west of Palm Springs.

Mr. Sorich did note that fire officials are worried that strong winds could shift and blow flames toward populated areas west of Palm Springs. At one point, hundreds of mountain residents took refuge in a campsite for recreational vehicles where crews could protect them.

The wildfire, the nation's deadliest in five years, was only 5 percent contained early today, as more than 1,100 firefighters worked to protect homes and build fire lines.

"I am sure the major carriers have their catastrophe teams on alert," Mr. Sorich said.

Special Reports /

Insurers See No Big Threat From Calif. Fires

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