What type of patterns does a fire investigator analyze to determine the cause of a fire?

Fire investigators analyze inverted cone patterns to determine the cause of a fire because these patterns indicate the movement and behavior of the flames and smoke as they rise from the point of origin. The inverted cone shape is significant as it often represents how the heat radiates upward and outward from the ignition source. This geometry can provide insights into the fire’s origin, its intensity, and the materials that may have contributed to the fire's spread.

Understanding these patterns helps investigators establish where the fire started and how it progressed, which are crucial elements in determining causation. The shape and size of the inverted cone can suggest factors such as ventilation conditions and the fuel involved, thus assisting in the overall analysis of the fire event.