What is defined as a friendly fire?

The concept of "friendly fire" in the context of fire insurance typically refers to a situation where a fire remains in its intended place, meaning it is a controlled fire that does not escape its designated area. This could relate to instances such as a fire burning in a fireplace or a controlled burn conducted by fire management for purposes like land clearing or ecological restoration.

In insurance terms, a fire that is considered “friendly” would not lead to liability claims or coverage issues because it is managed properly and does not result in unintended damage to surrounding properties. Therefore, this definition aligns with the notion of safety and control, reducing the risk of loss from uncontained or uncontrolled fire scenarios.

In contrast, fires that escape or cause unintended damage do not fit into the category of friendly fire, as they represent risks that insurance policies are specifically designed to address, often leading to claims due to losses incurred.