Originally posted by NJ Wireman:
12 years firefighting never heard of such a thing. its either a accident or its arson
Right with you on that one. It's intentional, accidental, or negligence. Insurance pays for the last two...
This feeble 'determination' by the Fire Marshal sounds like, at best, a personal grudge gone wrong. By your mention of electrical work, did this FM/AHJ have it out for your friend... maybe over a past inspection?
It's up to the insurance company's claim adjuster. Very rarely do they completely rely on the AHJ for a C&O determination. Ususally they will meet with the investigator, and comapre notes, but it's up to the insurer to make a "pay or not" call.
I'd tell your friend to contact his insurance company and explain the situation... also, call the Office of the State Fire Marshal, and request an "independent" investigator. You might also try
http://www.firearson.com - the International Association of Arson Investigators, and see if they can connect your freind to an independent, professional investigator for a "second opinion" to counter this mope.
Anyone remember "Fire Marshal Bill" on the old "In Living Color" show? This sounds like him, in person...
