Examines the effect on businesses of fires in the context of two cases that have legal consequences in relation to all-risks-insurance. In Scottish & Newcastle PLC v GD Construction Ltd a subcontractor had set light to a straw-thatched roof which destroyed large parts of the building. Here the appeal court found that although the contractor was liable for loss or damage caused by negligence this excluded loss of damage caused by any negligence in carrying out the works. In Co-operative Retail Services Ltd v Taylor Young Partnerships Ltd a new office block was damaged by fire. Here the judgment included a helpful analysis on the consequences of a successful claim on an all-risks policy. Overall, it is recommended that checks are made that a development has adequate and appropriate all-risks insurance cover and it needs to be noted that such insurance may not protect fully against risks involving time and cost.