Which condition may contribute to the occurrence of incendiary fires?

The occurrence of incendiary fires can be influenced by various contributing factors, and over-insurance is one such factor that may increase the likelihood of intentional fires being set. When individuals or businesses have insurance that exceeds the actual value of the property, they might be more inclined to commit arson as a means of benefiting financially from a fire loss. This financial motivation stems from the potential to receive a large payout compared to what the property is worth, thus leading to a higher risk of incendiary fires.

In contrast, regular maintenance checks generally promote safety and can help prevent conditions that might lead to a fire. Late-night power outages are often unplanned events that do not inherently create a desire for someone to start a fire deliberately. Neighborhood watch programs aim to enhance community vigilance and can deter criminal activities, including arson, rather than contribute to them.