What is the importance of collecting witness statements in a fire investigation?

Collecting witness statements in a fire investigation is crucial for establishing a timeline of events. Eyewitness accounts can provide insight into when the fire started, how it progressed, and witness observations that may indicate what caused the fire or the actions taken by individuals present at the scene. This information helps investigators piece together a sequence of events leading up to and during the fire, which is vital for understanding the incident and can assist in determining liability and contributing factors.

While estimating firefighter response time and evaluating structural integrity may be necessary components of a fire investigation, these tasks focus on different aspects of the investigation and do not rely primarily on witness statements. Similarly, while complying with insurance requirements is important, it is a secondary outcome of the investigation rather than a direct reason for collecting witness statements. The ability to create an accurate timeline allows investigators to synthesize all information, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the fire incident.