What defines a 'total burn' at a fire scene?

A 'total burn' at a fire scene is defined as a situation where most combustibles have been consumed by the fire, leading to the fire self-extinguishing due to a lack of available fuel to sustain it. In this context, 'total burn' implies that the fire has progressed to a point where the majority of the materials that could burn have already been ignited and used up, leaving little to no combustible material remaining. This indicates that the fire has reached its peak and is no longer capable of maintaining itself.

The other options describe different scenarios in fire response and management:

• The choice regarding remaining extinguishable fuel after active suppression refers to a scenario where firefighters have successfully controlled the fire but there are still materials that could potentially ignite again.

• The description of a scene that continues to burn without intervention indicates an uncontrolled fire scenario, where the fire is still active and being fed by available fuel, contrasting sharply with a 'total burn.'

• Lastly, a scene that is actively suppressed but has high residual heat presents a situation where firefighting efforts are ongoing, and while some materials might have been extinguished, hot spots may still pose a risk for reignition.

Understanding the concept of a 'total burn' is crucial for fire investigation,