What should every report an investigator completes include?

In fire investigation, it is crucial that reports are thorough and systematically document the investigative process. A complete report should ideally encompass a structured approach, which often includes a comprehensive application of the scientific method. By detailing each stage of this method, investigators provide clarity on how they reached their conclusions, ensuring the report's validity and reliability.

This comprehensive approach not only enhances the report's credibility but also serves as a reference for future investigations or legal proceedings, allowing others to follow the logic and reasoning behind the findings. Including a detailed description of the scientific method demonstrates the investigator's adherence to established protocols, making the findings more defensible in court.

While summaries of incident locations, overviews of fire safety protocols, and lists of witness statements are important components of fire investigation reports, they do not encapsulate the structured investigative framework necessary for a robust report. Therefore, focusing on the steps of the scientific method is paramount for a complete and professional fire investigation report.