Where are linear fire patterns usually found?

Linear fire patterns are typically observed on horizontal surfaces, where they may manifest as distinct lines of demarcation. These patterns result from the way burning material interacts with surfaces during a fire. For instance, lighter materials may burn away or char more quickly, leaving behind visible demarcation lines on the surface.

When a fire spreads along a horizontal plane, the heat may create these linear patterns due to the differing rates of combustion and heat transfer. The presence of such patterns can indicate the direction of the fire's movement and can be crucial in determining the origin of the fire during an investigation.

In contrast, other options focus on specific surfaces like vertical surfaces, ceilings, rooftops, or doors and windows, which do not accurately represent the typical locations where linear fire patterns are primarily found. Linear characteristics are less common in those areas compared to horizontal surfaces, reinforcing why they are more prominently noted on the latter.