What might indicate that a fire was intentionally set?

Unusual burn patterns and multiple points of origin can be strong indicators that a fire was intentionally set. When examining a fire scene, investigators look for specific characteristics in the burn patterns. Fires that start in multiple locations simultaneously, especially when those locations are not typical for accidental causes, can suggest that someone has intentionally ignited the fire. For instance, if investigators notice that a fire has several distinct points of origin rather than a single source, it raises suspicion that the fire was deliberately started rather than occurring naturally or accidentally.

This pattern contrasts with what might be expected in accidental fires, where there is typically a single point of origin related to a malfunctioning electrical device, a discarded cigarette, or similar hazards. Therefore, the presence of multiple points of origin and unusual burn patterns becomes a focal point for investigators to classify a fire as potentially arson-related, directing their inquiry towards the intention behind the fire's inception.