jigs_n_fixtures
Veteran Member
Whoever was the incident commander should have written it in their report.
doneill127
Gold Member
So even if you are fully responsible for an issue, you deny it and say it’s not my fault then hand it over to an attorney for resolution. I’ll make sure I teach that to my grandkids
paulsharvey
Elite Member
Yes. If you apologize, you have admitted guilt. Why would you apologize? It doesn't change the outcome for the "victim" and can be used against you.
So, let say, you rear-end someone, and apologize, you accepted fault, even though they may have joint responsibility. So, in this case of the fire, the neighbor might be able to argue an act of God or that the OP bares some added responsibility, do to lack of maintenance, or whatever. He apologizes, and he's 100% at fault. The OP doesn't magically have the fire go away, but our neighbor's money just might magically go away...
As soon as a problem has a couple zeros after it, I dont know you, and you wouldn't know me either. You start looking at paying for neighbors house, and you would be wishing you just shut up, and let the two insurance companies fight it out.
paulsharvey
Elite Member
I want to say on our vehicle accident reporting policy card, it says to never apologize. Call authorities first, check for injuries if safe to do so (but of coarse don't treat), avoid making any statements that imply guilt, exchange insurance, and take pictures showing position of vehicles and the enemy vehicles tag.
So, for the OP I would absolutely try to document what he can, but if i was the neighbor, I would hope he doesn't, and basically claim, the fire started in OPs storage building and spread to me, I want paid. Thats why this should handled by the insurance, as they will gather the info and documentation needed.
So, for the OP I would absolutely try to document what he can, but if i was the neighbor, I would hope he doesn't, and basically claim, the fire started in OPs storage building and spread to me, I want paid. Thats why this should handled by the insurance, as they will gather the info and documentation needed.
paulsharvey
Elite Member
BTW, I'm Not arguing for the neighbor, I'm really surprised people expecting an apology, when that is clearly a bad move. Neighbor should be looking after His interests, and the OP should be looking out for his own.
paulsharvey
Elite Member
If a fire accidentally spreads and damages a neighbor's property, it's important to handle the situation responsibly and carefully. Here are the steps you should take:
### 1. **Ensure Safety**
- Make sure everyone is safe and call emergency services (fire department) immediately if the fire is still active or poses a danger.
- Evacuate the area if necessary.
### 2. **Notify Your Neighbor**
- Inform your neighbor about the situation as soon as possible. Be honest and empathetic about what happened.
- Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be interpreted as an admission of liability.
### 3. **Document the Incident**
- Take photos or videos of the damage to both your property and your neighbor's property.
- Write down details about how the fire started and how it spread, including any relevant circumstances (e.g., weather conditions, equipment involved).
### 4. **Contact Your Insurance Company**
- Notify your homeowner's or renter's insurance provider about the incident as soon as possible.
- Provide them with all the necessary details and documentation.
- Ask your insurance company about coverage for damage to your neighbor's property.
### 5. **Cooperate with Authorities**
- If the fire department or other authorities investigate, cooperate fully and provide any requested information.
- Obtain a copy of the fire report if one is filed.
### 6. **Communicate with Your Neighbor**
- Maintain open and respectful communication with your neighbor throughout the process.
- Let them know you are working with your insurance company to address the damage.
### 7. **Avoid Admitting Fault**
- While it’s important to be empathetic, avoid making statements like "It's all my fault" or "I’ll pay for everything," as these could be used against you in a legal or insurance claim.
- Let your insurance company and legal professionals handle liability determinations.
### 8. **Consider Legal Advice**
- If the damage is significant or if there is a dispute about liability, consult a lawyer to understand your rights and responsibilities.
### 9. **Prevent Future Incidents**
- Take steps to ensure a similar accident doesn’t happen again, such as improving fire safety measures on your property.
By acting responsibly and promptly, you can help resolve the situation in a way that minimizes conflict and ensures proper compensation for any damages.
### 1. **Ensure Safety**
- Make sure everyone is safe and call emergency services (fire department) immediately if the fire is still active or poses a danger.
- Evacuate the area if necessary.
### 2. **Notify Your Neighbor**
- Inform your neighbor about the situation as soon as possible. Be honest and empathetic about what happened.
- Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be interpreted as an admission of liability.
### 3. **Document the Incident**
- Take photos or videos of the damage to both your property and your neighbor's property.
- Write down details about how the fire started and how it spread, including any relevant circumstances (e.g., weather conditions, equipment involved).
### 4. **Contact Your Insurance Company**
- Notify your homeowner's or renter's insurance provider about the incident as soon as possible.
- Provide them with all the necessary details and documentation.
- Ask your insurance company about coverage for damage to your neighbor's property.
### 5. **Cooperate with Authorities**
- If the fire department or other authorities investigate, cooperate fully and provide any requested information.
- Obtain a copy of the fire report if one is filed.
### 6. **Communicate with Your Neighbor**
- Maintain open and respectful communication with your neighbor throughout the process.
- Let them know you are working with your insurance company to address the damage.
### 7. **Avoid Admitting Fault**
- While it’s important to be empathetic, avoid making statements like "It's all my fault" or "I’ll pay for everything," as these could be used against you in a legal or insurance claim.
- Let your insurance company and legal professionals handle liability determinations.
### 8. **Consider Legal Advice**
- If the damage is significant or if there is a dispute about liability, consult a lawyer to understand your rights and responsibilities.
### 9. **Prevent Future Incidents**
- Take steps to ensure a similar accident doesn’t happen again, such as improving fire safety measures on your property.
By acting responsibly and promptly, you can help resolve the situation in a way that minimizes conflict and ensures proper compensation for any damages.
paulsharvey
Elite Member
Whether a fire spreading in bad weather is considered an **"act of God"** by insurance companies depends on the specific circumstances, the terms of your insurance policy, and local laws. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know:
---
### **What is an "Act of God"?**
An "act of God" refers to a natural event that is beyond human control and could not have been prevented by reasonable foresight or care. Examples include:
- Lightning strikes
- Earthquakes
- Floods
- Hurricanes
- Tornadoes
If a fire is caused by such an event (e.g., a lightning strike during a storm), it may be classified as an act of God.
---
### **When a Fire Might Be Considered an Act of God**
1. **Natural Causes**: If the fire was directly caused by a natural event (e.g., lightning, spontaneous combustion due to extreme heat, or wildfires fueled by high winds and drought), it may be considered an act of God.
2. **No Human Negligence**: If the fire spread due to uncontrollable natural forces and not because of human actions or negligence, it is more likely to be classified as an act of God.
---
### **When a Fire Might NOT Be Considered an Act of God**
1. **Human Involvement**: If the fire started or spread due to human actions (e.g., unattended campfires, faulty wiring, or improper disposal of flammable materials), it would likely not be considered an act of God.
2. **Negligence**: If the property owner failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent the fire (e.g., not clearing dry brush or maintaining equipment), the insurance company may argue that the damage was preventable and not an act of God.
---
### **How Insurance Policies Handle Acts of God**
- **Coverage**: Many insurance policies cover damage caused by acts of God, but this varies by policy. For example, standard homeowner's insurance typically covers fire damage, even if the fire was caused by a natural event.
- **Exclusions**: Some policies may exclude certain natural disasters (e.g., floods or earthquakes) unless you have additional coverage. Wildfires, however, are generally covered under most standard policies.
- **Deductibles**: If the fire is deemed an act of God, you may still need to pay a deductible before your insurance covers the rest.
---
### **What to Do If a Fire Spreads in Bad Weather**
1. **Document the Cause**: Gather evidence (e.g., weather reports, fire department reports) to show how the fire started and spread.
2. **File a Claim**: Contact your insurance company promptly to report the damage.
3. **Cooperate with Investigations**: Provide all requested information to your insurer and any authorities investigating the fire.
4. **Review Your Policy**: Check your insurance policy to understand what is covered and whether acts of God are included.
---
### **Key Takeaway**
If the fire was caused by natural forces beyond your control (e.g., extreme weather conditions), it may be considered an act of God, and your insurance may cover the damage. However, if negligence or human actions contributed to the fire, your insurer may deny the claim. Always review your policy and consult your insurance provider for clarification. If necessary, seek legal advice to ensure your rights are protected.
---
### **What is an "Act of God"?**
An "act of God" refers to a natural event that is beyond human control and could not have been prevented by reasonable foresight or care. Examples include:
- Lightning strikes
- Earthquakes
- Floods
- Hurricanes
- Tornadoes
If a fire is caused by such an event (e.g., a lightning strike during a storm), it may be classified as an act of God.
---
### **When a Fire Might Be Considered an Act of God**
1. **Natural Causes**: If the fire was directly caused by a natural event (e.g., lightning, spontaneous combustion due to extreme heat, or wildfires fueled by high winds and drought), it may be considered an act of God.
2. **No Human Negligence**: If the fire spread due to uncontrollable natural forces and not because of human actions or negligence, it is more likely to be classified as an act of God.
---
### **When a Fire Might NOT Be Considered an Act of God**
1. **Human Involvement**: If the fire started or spread due to human actions (e.g., unattended campfires, faulty wiring, or improper disposal of flammable materials), it would likely not be considered an act of God.
2. **Negligence**: If the property owner failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent the fire (e.g., not clearing dry brush or maintaining equipment), the insurance company may argue that the damage was preventable and not an act of God.
---
### **How Insurance Policies Handle Acts of God**
- **Coverage**: Many insurance policies cover damage caused by acts of God, but this varies by policy. For example, standard homeowner's insurance typically covers fire damage, even if the fire was caused by a natural event.
- **Exclusions**: Some policies may exclude certain natural disasters (e.g., floods or earthquakes) unless you have additional coverage. Wildfires, however, are generally covered under most standard policies.
- **Deductibles**: If the fire is deemed an act of God, you may still need to pay a deductible before your insurance covers the rest.
---
### **What to Do If a Fire Spreads in Bad Weather**
1. **Document the Cause**: Gather evidence (e.g., weather reports, fire department reports) to show how the fire started and spread.
2. **File a Claim**: Contact your insurance company promptly to report the damage.
3. **Cooperate with Investigations**: Provide all requested information to your insurer and any authorities investigating the fire.
4. **Review Your Policy**: Check your insurance policy to understand what is covered and whether acts of God are included.
---
### **Key Takeaway**
If the fire was caused by natural forces beyond your control (e.g., extreme weather conditions), it may be considered an act of God, and your insurance may cover the damage. However, if negligence or human actions contributed to the fire, your insurer may deny the claim. Always review your policy and consult your insurance provider for clarification. If necessary, seek legal advice to ensure your rights are protected.
Yander
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2022
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- Mine - Yanmar SA425 - Kubota G6200 GT. Wife's LLC - Massey Ferguson 1750M - JD 3010, All Diesel
I burn **** all the time with a no burn order. F'em I live in the country for that reason. A lot of people do. I don't live near dense forests—just a lot of open farm ground. If I lived in dense forest areas it would be a different story. I'm not an idiot and I know when and when not to burn crap. When I was much younger and dumber, I set a field on fire while trying to burn off weeds in my fence row. That was the best thing that could have happened to that field of weeds. The next spring, it was the most lush and green part of the field.
I put the fire out myself, but it probably burned 4 acres before I could get it all out. No FD was called. I honestly don't even know who owned the field.
I put the fire out myself, but it probably burned 4 acres before I could get it all out. No FD was called. I honestly don't even know who owned the field.
paulsharvey
Elite Member
So, it looks like Negligence vs act of God, and he (his insurance) may want to argue lack of Negligence. I'm sure he (and his insurance) don't want to give up a valid defense.
So, our OP, should get ahead of things, photograph (from his property, not trespass), show the starting point, his damages, ect, and any incident report (that may not be available for 7 days, but a case number should be available right away), and give all that to his insurance folks.
Hurt feelings don't enter the conversation, this is strictly a money issue, not personal.
So, our OP, should get ahead of things, photograph (from his property, not trespass), show the starting point, his damages, ect, and any incident report (that may not be available for 7 days, but a case number should be available right away), and give all that to his insurance folks.
Hurt feelings don't enter the conversation, this is strictly a money issue, not personal.
paulsharvey
Elite Member
I also burn all the time, but try to do it in good weather. However, nothing causes a wind gust faster than lighting up a dozen of the wife's Amazon boxes. I also keep an eye on it, But don't fool yourself, once they get out of control a shovel and hose aren't going to stop it
