What is the definition of "snags" in the context of fire investigation?

In the context of fire investigation, "snags" refer specifically to standing dead trees. These trees are often left standing due to various ecological reasons, even after they have died, and can provide significant clues during a fire investigation. Their condition, location, and the surrounding environment can give investigators insights into fire behavior, intensity, and the phenomenon of fire spread.

Understanding snags is crucial because they often contribute to the fuel loading in a forest area, influencing how a fire may behave. The presence of snags can alter airflow and canopy cover, affecting both the ignition and the spread of fire. Comprehensive investigation of snags allows fire investigators to reconstruct events leading to a fire incident, making them essential elements of the analysis.

In contrast, fallen branches, cuts in the forest floor, and areas of soil disturbance represent different features in a forest or fire scene that may also provide valuable information but do not encapsulate the specific definition of "snags."