What is a significant consideration when determining the cause of a fire?

Determining the cause of a fire involves understanding the factors that contributed to its ignition and spread. The presence of combustible materials is a critical consideration because these materials are essential for a fire to ignite and sustain itself. Identifying combustible materials at the fire scene helps investigators determine how the fire started and the potential sources of ignition. For instance, if a fire broke out in an area filled with flammable liquids or materials, it indicates that these elements could have played a significant role in the fire's initiation.

Weather conditions, while relevant to fire behavior and spread, do not directly indicate the cause of ignition. Past fire incidents can provide context regarding patterns or recurrent issues but are not direct indicators of the cause of the current fire. School building codes may influence safety measures and construction materials but are not a primary factor when investigating the ignition cause of a fire. Therefore, focusing on the presence of combustible materials gives investigators vital clues in identifying how a fire originated.