What kind of evidence do fire and arson investigators look for at a fire scene?

Fire and arson investigators focus on burn patterns and accelerants as crucial pieces of evidence at a fire scene. This is because these investigators analyze how the fire spread, which can provide insights into the cause of the fire. Burn patterns, which indicate the behavior and origin of the fire, can reveal whether it was accidental or intentionally set. Additionally, the presence of accelerants—substances that can enhance the intensity or spread of fire—can help determine if arson was involved.

While photographic evidence, fire safety protocols, and surveillance footage can be useful in a broader context, they do not specifically address the core aspects of analyzing the fire's origin and cause as burn patterns and accelerants do. Photographs may document the scene, and surveillance footage could capture the events leading up to the fire, but they do not provide the direct physical evidence needed to ascertain how the fire occurred or whether it was deliberately ignited. Fire safety protocols might be relevant in assessing compliance or prevention measures but are not vital for determining the fire's cause on-site.