What is a hostile fire?

A hostile fire is defined as a fire that spreads beyond its intended boundaries, which is exactly what option B describes. This type of fire can lead to unintentional property damage and poses significant risks to life and safety, as it can quickly escalate and impact areas that were not meant to be affected by the flames.

In contrast, a controlled fire, such as those that are lit in a fireplace or a controlled burn for land management, would not fit the definition of a hostile fire because it is deliberately confined to a specific area. Likewise, beneficial fires that offer warmth or serve practical purposes also do not meet the criteria of a hostile fire, as they do not pose uncontrolled risks. Finally, a fire that is deliberately started may indicate arson or intentionality but does not inherently describe whether it is contained or spreading. Thus, B accurately captures the essence of what constitutes a hostile fire.