How Fire Investigation Works

Fire investigators begin with a thorough exterior examination to establish the direction and extent of fire spread, then move inward toward the area of origin. They look for V-pattern burn marks on walls and surfaces, which indicate the fire's path.

Electrical fires leave characteristic indicators: copper wiring that has melted and resolidified, aluminum wiring that has oxidized, and circuit breaker panels that show signs of arcing. Investigators use these indicators to distinguish electrical fires from other causes.

Investigators document findings through photographs, diagrams, and samples collected for laboratory analysis. The conclusion is based on the weight of evidence, not a single indicator. Causes are classified as accidental, natural, or incendiary (deliberately set).