True or False: Rapid fire growth is a reliable indicator of an incendiary fire.

Rapid fire growth is not a reliable indicator of an incendiary fire because various factors can influence the rate of fire spread, making it difficult to attribute rapid growth solely to intentional ignition. Typical influences on fire growth include the nature of the materials involved (such as their flammability and arrangement), the availability of oxygen, and environmental conditions like wind and humidity.

Incendiary fires may exhibit rapid growth, but it is essential to consider that accidental fires can also grow quickly under similar conditions. For instance, a well-ventilated area with readily combustible materials can lead to fast fire development regardless of the cause. Therefore, while rapid fire growth can be observed in incendiary fires, it cannot be definitively used as an indicator without examining other evidence or circumstances surrounding the fire. This complexity emphasizes the need for thorough investigation in determining the cause of a fire rather than relying solely on signs like rapid growth.