When is it necessary for fire investigators to collect physical evidence?

Fire investigators are tasked with understanding the origin, cause, and circumstances surrounding a fire, which is critical regardless of whether the fire is deemed accidental or suspicious. Collecting physical evidence is an essential part of this process, as it helps establish a comprehensive understanding of the event.

In every situation, whether it’s a suspected arson, accidental fire, or unknown cause, the physical evidence can provide crucial insights. For instance, it may reveal the presence of accelerants in arson cases or indicate possible electrical faults in accidental ones. Physical evidence can include things like samples from the scene, photographs, and witness statements that help reconstruct the events leading up to and during the fire.

Relying solely on the availability of witnesses or the extent of damage could lead to incomplete investigations. Similarly, handling evidence differently based on the potential cause could result in significant oversights. Therefore, thorough evidence collection is necessary in all fire investigations to ensure a complete and unbiased assessment.