What does a fire investigator do after determining the area of origin?

After determining the area of origin, a fire investigator typically begins to analyze potential causes of the fire. This step is critical because understanding the cause allows investigators to piece together how the fire started, whether it was accidental or intentional, and provides essential information for fire prevention and safety measures in the future.

The process involves examining the materials burned, the fire patterns, and various factors that could have contributed to the ignition of the fire. Investigators will look for signs of electrical malfunctions, signs of arson, and any other environmental factors that could explain the fire's start.

This analysis is foundational for establishing the fire's causation, which can have significant implications for criminal investigations, insurance claims, and preventing future incidents. Although submitting findings to authorities, collecting witness statements, and drafting reports can be important steps in the investigative process, they typically follow the initial analysis of potential causes. Understanding the origin and cause of the fire is the priority before concluding other investigative duties.