Which of the following is an example of documentary evidence?

Documentary evidence refers to any material that can be presented as proof regarding a particular fact or situation, typically included in a written or recorded format. Insurance policies serve as a clear example of documentary evidence because they are official documents that outline the terms and conditions of an insurance agreement, including coverage details which may be relevant during fire investigations. Such documents can provide essential information regarding the insurance status of a property, claims made, and the responsibilities of both the insurer and the insured, all of which can play a critical role in understanding the context of an incident.

In contrast, witness testimonies are oral accounts provided by individuals who were present during an event, but they do not fall under documentary evidence as they are not recorded in writing or in a fixed format. Fire scene photographs, while they can visually document evidence and the scene conditions, represent a form of visual evidence rather than documentary evidence in a strict sense. Physical marks on a surface are tangible evidences that can provide clues but are not documented materials themselves. Thus, among all the choices, insurance policies are the only option that qualifies as documentary evidence due to their formal, written nature.