Which incident is covered under a homeowners policy?

A homeowners policy typically covers damages resulting from what is referred to as a "hostile fire." This term indicates a fire that has escaped its intended confines and is burning in an uncontrolled manner, as opposed to a controlled fire (such as one that might be used for heating or cooking).

In the context of the options provided, a hostile fire would include situations where the fire spreads to unintended areas—like a home or surrounding property—causing damage. This is in line with the coverage provided by most homeowners insurance policies, which protect against sudden and accidental losses.

On the other hand, controlled fires, as in the case of burning trash in the backyard, may not necessarily be covered, especially if they are done in violation of local laws or ordinances. Similarly, fires caused by negligence or malfunctioning appliances can present challenges regarding coverage; for instance, negligence might lead to liability issues rather than straight property damage coverage. Appliances may be covered under specific conditions, but typically would not be included if the malfunction didn't fall under the definitions provided by the policy. Thus, the definition of a hostile fire aligns with the coverage parameters typically set by homeowners insurance policies.