What is a common method of investigating fire incidents?

Analyzing fire patterns and evidence is a fundamental method in fire investigation because it provides critical insights into the origin and cause of the fire. Fire patterns can reveal how the fire spread, the materials involved, and can help identify potential points of ignition. By examining burn patterns, smoke damage, and the distribution of debris, investigators can piece together the sequence of events that led to the fire.

This analytical approach is essential because it combines physical evidence with scientific principles of fire behavior. Investigators often use techniques such as looking for V-patterns or char patterns to determine the fire's point of origin. Moreover, gathering evidence helps establish a narrative about the fire incident, which can be crucial for legal considerations, insurance claims, and preventing future incidents.

In contrast, methods such as surveying buildings alone, conducting witness interviews, or reviewing security footage, while useful, do not provide the same depth of understanding regarding fire behavior and causation as the analysis of fire patterns and evidence does. Therefore, option B stands out as a comprehensive and effective approach in fire investigation.