They don't say what started the fire. Interesting. I've heard and lived next to many people over the years who (whine) "can't afford _______" and yet can but cigs, videos, beer, candy, order out for pizza and subs (delivered), etc. I highly doubt that he really couldn't afford it. At the risk incurring the ire of people who live in trailer homes, we have a friend who lived in an old trailer that caught on fire and there was not much left of it even though the FD got there in reasonable time. It burned like a torch. This article doesn't say what was left after the first time it was put out. Could be that by the time they got there again, there wasn't anything worth saving. Also, I've heard that even with a house fire, if there's one wall still standing, the ins. co. doesn't consider it a total loss and won't give you the full value of the house, so sometimes if it's bad enough they let it finish so the owner can get the full insurance payment. Anyone know any more about this?
The local building inspector determines total loss. The State will come down on boneheaded crooks attempting to operate as a legitimate business.