What are the two basic types of fire patterns?

The correct choice identifies movement patterns and intensity patterns as the two basic types of fire patterns. Movement patterns refer to the way the fire spreads and its direction influenced by factors like airflow, fuel availability, and obstacles in the environment. Understanding how fire moves is crucial for investigators to determine the origin and the sequence of events during a fire incident.

Intensity patterns relate to the varying degrees of heat and combustion that can be observed across the area affected by the fire. Areas of greater heat exposure will often show more severe damage or charring compared to less affected areas. This differential damage provides valuable clues about the fire's behavior and can indicate where it may have originated.

Together, these two types of patterns help fire investigators reconstruct the fire dynamics, leading to a better understanding of the ignition source and the fire’s growth. Knowledge of these patterns is fundamental in effectively assessing fire scenes and determining causes.