What is the first step in identifying collected physical evidence at a fire scene?

Photographing the evidence is essential as the first step in identifying collected physical evidence at a fire scene. This action serves multiple purposes: it creates a permanent visual record of the scene and the items within it, conveys the context of the evidence, and helps to document the scene before anything is altered or removed. Photographs capture the condition, location, and relationships between different pieces of evidence, which is critical for later analysis and in court presentations.

Taking photographs first ensures that all details, including those that might not be immediately apparent, are recorded clearly. This includes factors such as the overall scene layout, any unique identifiers on evidence items, and areas of potential interest or damage that could assist in understanding the cause and origin of the fire. Once documented through photography, the physical handling of evidence can proceed without losing the contextual understanding provided by the images.