Is fire considered a natural disaster?

No. This must be so as it arises almost invariably from some act of man or by human means. It does not fall within the category of an act of God unless caused by lightning or by other natural disaster or calamity. It may even be caused by the actual fault or privity of the carrier (Eastern Shipping Lines v. IAC, G.R. No. L-69044, May 29, 1987).

Note: In case that the goods have been already deposited in the warehouse of Bureau of Customs then the goods was destroyed by fire, the carrier is not anymore liable (Sevando vs. Philippine Steam Navigation, G.R. No. L-­‐36481-2, October 23, 1982).