Georgia Property & Casualty Practice Exam

In a commercial property policy, which of the following would NOT be considered a hostile fire?

1. Fire that burns a kettle hanging in a fireplace

2. Fire from a fireplace that ignites draperies in the living room

3. Flames on a gas stove that set the ceiling on fire

4. Fire in an outdoor pit that ignites a nearby tree

The correct answer is: Fire that burns a kettle hanging in a fireplace

In the context of a commercial property policy, a hostile fire is classified as one that has spread beyond its intended or controlled location, causing damage to property. The scenario that involves a fire burning a kettle hanging in a fireplace represents a situation where the fire is contained within its designated space - the fireplace - and is being used as intended. This fire does not spread or cause damage beyond the control of the person managing it, thus it is considered a non-hostile fire. In contrast, the other scenarios involve fires that have escaped their intended boundaries or have caused damage by igniting surrounding materials. The fire in the fireplace that ignites draperies, the flames on the gas stove that set the ceiling on fire, and the fire in an outdoor pit that ignites a nearby tree all exemplify conditions where the fire is no longer limited to its original or controlled area, thereby classifying them as hostile fires. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing coverage issues in property insurance policies and assessing risk management practices accurately.