Why Do Humans rush to the site of a fire to watch a burning house?

Question

..and stick around until the paramedics take the body away, etc..??

Could that be a theme for a story?

Answer 1

most of the people are living their life being bored most of the time. things like this give them something to do, some action.

Answer 2

Some people think that humans have a natural attraction to perpetual motion, one of the things we can't do ourselves, and fire always does (until, of course, it is extinguished).  I can work with that idea.

Others think we delight in the tragedy of others -- some might, but not everyone does.

I think that it may be part instinct (see the cavemen comment), but it is instinct that leads us to a power that leaves us in awe of it's force.  Remember fire can be used for good as well -- cooking, heating, signaling, and all.

And it would be a great theme for a story.

Answer 3

Cavemen used to gather around the fire; it's instinct.