What sources can provide relevant information related to a fire's origin?

Initial assessment and hypothesis development are crucial steps in fire investigation that help establish the fire's origin. During the initial assessment, investigators gather preliminary information, inspect the scene, and determine areas of most significant damage. This early evaluation is vital because it allows investigators to form initial hypotheses about how and why the fire started.

By assessing the physical evidence—such as burn patterns, the location of the ignition source, and the presence of any accelerants—investigators can begin to piece together the events leading to the fire. This initial hypothesis will guide further investigation, including identifying specific evidence to collect and refining the lines of inquiry based on the information gathered.

While sources like social media updates, witness interviews, and news articles can provide additional context or insights, they are often secondary to the immediate physical evidence and observations made during the initial stages of the investigation. Therefore, focusing on the initial assessment and hypothesis development is fundamental for establishing clear and reliable information about the fire’s origin.