Which of the following best describes "hostile fire"?

"Hostile fire" refers to a situation where a fire escapes from its designated or controlled area, becoming a hazard that is difficult to manage. This term is commonly used in insurance and fire safety to differentiate between manageable fires and those that pose a threat due to their uncontrolled nature.

In this context, a fire that is confined to its source does not pose an immediate risk as it is contained and controlled. Similarly, controlled burns, which are intentionally set fires meant for ecological or agricultural purposes, are also managed and not considered hostile. Lastly, a fire that is intentionally set and controlled is, by definition, not hostile, as it is supervised and contained to achieve a specific outcome.

Therefore, identifying a fire as hostile primarily hinges on its ability to escape zones of control, making "a fire that escapes from its normal area" the most accurate description of hostile fire. This definition is essential for understanding liability and coverage issues in relation to fire damage in insurance policies.