Once the origin of a fire is identified, what should the investigator determine next?

Once the origin of a fire is determined, it is crucial for the investigator to ascertain the cause of the fire. Understanding the cause is essential for multiple reasons: it helps in establishing whether the fire was accidental, intentional, or a result of negligence. This assessment provides insight into the circumstances that led to the event, which is vital for both legal processes and preventing future incidents.

Knowing the cause also contributes to various aspects of fire investigation, including analyzing patterns in fire behavior, evaluating liability, and establishing the effectiveness of fire safety measures. Additionally, determining the cause can help hold responsible parties accountable and facilitate insurance claims and potential civil action.

While knowing details like the nearest fire hydrant or the fire's temperature may be useful in various scenarios, they do not directly influence the investigation's primary objective, which is to identify how and why the fire occurred. Understanding the cause lays the foundation for establishing best practices in fire safety and prevention moving forward.