What peril is covered under the ensuring agreement of the standard fire policy?

The standard fire policy primarily covers perils that are directly associated with fire. Among the options presented, the peril that is explicitly covered under the ensuring agreement of this policy is fire itself. This means that if a fire causes damage to the insured property, it would typically be covered by this policy.

While smoke damage can be related to fire and may sometimes be covered under broader property insurance policies, it is not the primary peril identified within the standard fire insurance policy's ensuring agreement. In contrast, wind and lightning, while potentially damaging elements, are considered separate perils that often require their own specific coverage provisions. Thus, understanding the core focus of the standard fire policy highlights why fire is the accurate answer.