When determining the fire rate for commercial property insurance, which factor is NOT considered by underwriters?

In determining the fire rate for commercial property insurance, underwriters assess various factors that could impact the risk of fire. These factors include the size of the building, which can influence the potential magnitude and spread of a fire; the type of occupancy, which dictates how the building is used and the associated fire hazards; and the location of the property, which affects accessibility for fire services and the local risk environment.

The number of employees in the insured's business, while it may relate to other operational risks, is not typically a direct consideration when specifically evaluating the fire risk. The reason this factor is excluded is that the actual fire risk is primarily tied to building characteristics and usage rather than staff levels. Employee numbers might indirectly influence the awareness of fire safety practices or evacuation strategies, but they do not inherently change the fire risk associated with the physical premises.