When fire damage is inconsistent with the fire load, what is the appropriate action?

When fire damage is inconsistent with the fire load, further investigation is essential to understand the underlying causes and circumstances surrounding the fire incident. This step is crucial because inconsistencies may indicate potential irregularities such as arson, the presence of accelerants, or other factors that could significantly impact the investigation's outcome.

Conducting a thorough investigation enables the investigator to gather more evidence, analyze patterns, and determine the fire's origin and cause. It involves examining the scene comprehensively, interviewing witnesses, assessing the sequence of events, and collecting any relevant physical evidence. This methodical approach is necessary to establish a clear and factual understanding of the incident.

While chemical testing, documenting observations, or reporting findings are important aspects of fire investigations, they do not substitute for the need to delve deeper into the inconsistencies noted. Advancing the investigation can uncover critical information that helps identify the true nature of the fire damage and establish the motivations or conditions that led to it.