Which of the following would be classified as a peril?

The correct choice is fire because it represents a specific event that can cause damage to property. In insurance and property contexts, a peril is any cause of loss that can result in property damage or destruction. Fire is a common peril covered under homeowners’ insurance policies as it can lead to significant loss or damage to buildings and contents.

Gambling, smoking, and driving too fast do not qualify as perils in the context of property insurance. Instead, they represent behaviors or actions that may lead to risks but are not direct causes of property damage in themselves. For example, while smoking could potentially lead to a fire, the action of smoking itself is not classified as a peril; it's the fire that could result from it that is considered a peril if damage occurs.