Which form of evidence is most commonly submitted in fire investigations?

In fire investigations, solid debris and volatile liquids are crucial forms of evidence collected and analyzed. This is because solid debris can provide essential insights into the materials that burned, the structure's integrity, and potential causes of the fire, while volatile liquids, often indicating the presence of accelerants, can point toward arson.

Collecting samples of solid debris allows investigators to conduct chemical analysis, leading to the identification of substrates and residues that can tell a story about the fire's origin and development. Similarly, volatile liquids are significant as they can indicate intentional ignition or the use of accelerants, which is critical for determining whether a fire was set purposefully.

While liquid samples, fingerprints, and witness statements can also be valuable in various scenarios, the combination of solid debris and volatile liquids is particularly integral in establishing the technical cause of a fire, making this the most commonly submitted form of evidence in arson investigations.