How is heat shadowing caused?

Heat shadowing occurs when an object obstructs the path of radiant heat. When a fire produces heat, that heat travels in all directions. If an object—such as a wall, furniture, or any physical barrier—blocks this radiant heat, it creates a shaded area behind the obstruction where the temperature remains lower compared to the surrounding areas. This phenomenon is crucial in fire investigations because it can lead to misleading interpretations about the extent of fire damage or the original location of the fire.

In the context of fire investigation, understanding heat shadowing is fundamental as it can affect the analysis of burn patterns, helping investigators determine how and where a fire spread. The shaded area may not show the same level of damage as surrounding areas, which can indicate the presence and shape of obstructions during the fire's progression. Thus, recognizing heat shadowing assists in piecing together the events that occurred during the incident.