Which of the following is a potential source of evidence in a fire investigation?

Burn patterns and debris are critical sources of evidence in a fire investigation because they provide valuable insights into the origin and progression of a fire. Analyzing burn patterns helps investigators determine the areas of the fire that were most intense and where the fire may have started. Various factors, such as the materials involved and the construction of the space, influence these patterns.

Debris can also offer important clues about the fire's characteristics and potential accelerants used, as different materials will burn and contribute to fire spread in unique ways. By examining both the physical evidence of debris and the nature of the burn patterns, investigators can piece together a more comprehensive narrative of how the fire occurred, ultimately helping to ascertain whether it was accidental, intentional, or due to other factors.

The other options do not provide as comprehensive a picture as burn patterns and debris can. Eyewitness statements, though important, can be subjective and may not always accurately represent what occurred during the fire. Similarly, while insurance papers may support a financial aspect of the investigation, they do not directly indicate the cause of the fire. Thermal imaging data is useful, but it is just one tool in the broader context of evidence assessment—it does not stand alone as a sufficient source when investigating the complexities of a fire