Which of the following is an example of an initiating device in fire investigation?

An initiating device in fire investigation refers to any equipment or mechanism that detects the presence of fire or smoke and subsequently alerts occupants or a monitoring system. Smoke and heat detectors are specifically designed to sense changes in the environment, such as the presence of smoke or excess heat, which indicates that a fire may be present.

These devices play a critical role in fire safety and investigation as they help in the early detection of a fire, providing vital information that can help investigators understand the conditions that led to the fire, how it spread, and potentially the source of ignition.

In contrast, flame throwers, while related to fire, are not used for detection or initiating alerts; rather, they are mechanisms for starting or directing fire. Fire alarms act to alert occupants or officials but are often triggered by initiating devices such as smoke detectors. Manual call points serve as a means for individuals to manually report a fire, but they do not detect fire themselves. Hence, smoke and heat detectors are the primary example of an initiating device, as they directly sense and initiate the response to a potential fire situation.