In fire investigations, one should work from which area to which area?

In fire investigations, a commonly accepted approach is to work from least damage to most damage. This method allows investigators to identify the origin of the fire more effectively. By starting in areas with minor damage, investigators can gather evidence and establish a baseline of where the fire might have begun. As they analyze and eliminate areas of lesser damage, they can focus on the more damaged areas, which are more likely to reveal clues about the fire's source and the sequence of events leading up to the incident.

Working from least to most damage also helps in preserving evidence and preventing further contamination of the scene. In contrast, starting from most damaged areas could potentially disturb crucial physical evidence or overlook indicators of how the fire spread and evolved over time. This systematic approach aligns with proper investigative techniques that prioritize gathering and analyzing evidence accurately and thoroughly.