The preliminary assessment of fire spread focuses on which factors?

The correct focus for the preliminary assessment of fire spread is on the type of fuel and ignition source. Understanding the fuel involved is critical because different materials burn at different rates and temperatures, impacting how quickly a fire can spread. The ignition source is equally important as it identifies how the fire began and can influence the fire's behavior. This assessment is essential for determining fire dynamics and helps investigators establish the fire's origin and potential causes of spread.

While there are various factors that impact fire spread, options that suggest broader or less relevant scopes, such as destruction levels or specific concerns like power and water damage, do not align well with the primary objectives of a preliminary fire spread assessment. The focus should remain on the materials that fueled the fire and the method through which it was ignited, as these directly dictate the nature and pace of the fire's expansion.