Before removing evidence from the fire origin area, what must be done?

To ensure the integrity of the evidence collected from the fire origin area, it is critical that the evidence is thoroughly documented before any physical removal occurs. This includes analyzing the evidence for its relevance to the investigation, photographing the scene to capture its initial state, and diagramming the area to provide a clear visual representation of the layout and relationships between various pieces of evidence.

By photographing and diagramming the scene, investigators create a permanent record of the evidence and its context. This documentation serves numerous purposes, from aiding in the analysis of the fire’s causes to providing crucial information that may be needed in court. Once this documentation is complete, the evidence can be removed without losing valuable information about its original state and position, which is essential for an accurate investigation.

The other options do not address the procedural need to document evidence before it is disturbed or removed, which is pivotal in maintaining a chain of custody and ensuring that the evidence collected is admissible in legal proceedings.