How is an accidental fire characterized?

An accidental fire is characterized as one where the cause does not involve human intent. This definition encompasses various scenarios where fires ignite due to unintended circumstances, such as equipment malfunctions, natural causes, or negligence, but not due to willful actions by individuals.

For instance, a fire might start due to a faulty electrical system, a cooking mishap, or a wildfire sparked by a lightning strike. The key aspect of accidental fires lies in their unintentional nature—meaning no person intended for the fire to occur. This differentiates them from other types of fires, such as those caused by arson, where there is clear intent to cause the fire. Understanding this distinction is crucial in fire investigation, as it helps determine the appropriate classification of the fire and guides how incidents are assessed and managed.