What is typically the primary goal of the fire investigation process?

The primary goal of the fire investigation process is to identify the cause and origin of the fire. Understanding why and how a fire started is essential for multiple reasons, including preventing future incidents, ensuring public safety, and providing important information to various stakeholders, including insurance companies and law enforcement. By determining the cause, fire investigators can identify whether the fire was accidental, due to human error, or if it was intentionally set (arson).

Identifying the origin helps in pinpointing the initial source of the fire, which is critical in analyzing the circumstances surrounding the incident. This foundational knowledge informs not only legal and insurance claims but also community safety measures and fire prevention strategies.

While assessing injuries, determining monetary losses, and collecting evidence for prosecution are important aspects of fire investigations, they all stem from the broader objective of understanding the cause and origin of the fire.