What characterizes a "hostile fire"?

A "hostile fire" is characterized as a fire occurring where it should not exist, indicating that it poses a risk to property and life. This type of fire is uncontrollable and threatens the safety of the environment around it. In contrast, a beneficial fire—such as one that is contained in a fireplace or used for cooking—is not considered hostile because it is managed and occurs in a safe location.

Controlled fires, whether for cooking or other purposes, are distinguished by their containment and absence of threat to surrounding areas. The essence of a hostile fire lies in its potential to spread, typically arising in unintended settings such as wildfires or structure fires that escape their intended boundaries. This understanding is crucial in risk assessment and loss prevention strategies within the field of insurance, particularly in commercial casualty contexts. Knowing what constitutes a hostile fire helps in understanding coverage implications and risk management for properties and businesses.