The determination of origin begins with which process?

The determination of the fire’s origin begins with the initial scene assessment process because it involves a systematic examination of the fire scene to gather key information about the fire's behavior, patterns, and any potential evidence of its starting point. During this phase, investigators look for indicators such as burn patterns, the location of fire damage, and the presence of ignitable liquids or other materials that could clarify where the fire may have started.

This process is crucial as it sets the foundation for all subsequent investigative efforts. It allows investigators to formulate hypotheses about the origin of the fire and guides them on where to focus their efforts in collecting physical evidence or conducting interviews. Properly assessing the scene at the outset can help in identifying any potential witnesses and determining whether a review of surveillance footage would be beneficial later, but the initial scene assessment is essential for making informed decisions as the investigation progresses.