What does the term 'incendiary fire' refer to?

The term 'incendiary fire' specifically refers to a fire that is intentionally ignited. This classification of fire involves human intervention where a person deliberately sets the fire with the intent to cause destruction, damage property, or harm individuals. Understanding this definition is crucial for fire investigators as it helps distinguish between various types of fires, particularly when determining the cause and origin in fire investigations.

In contrast, the other definitions do not align with the meaning of 'incendiary fire.' Faulty wiring would indicate an electrical cause, a naturally occurring wildfire is the result of environmental conditions, and an accidental fire stems from unintentional ignition sources. Recognizing the distinct characteristics of incendiary fires is essential for conducting thorough fire investigations and applying appropriate investigative techniques in line with NFPA 921 guidelines.