What is the primary goal of fire investigation?

The primary goal of fire investigation is to determine the cause and origin of a fire. Understanding these elements is essential for several reasons. First, establishing the cause can help identify whether the fire was accidental or intentional, which has significant implications for legal proceedings and insurance claims. Second, pinpointing the origin of the fire allows investigators to analyze how it spread and its impact, which can inform future fire safety measures and protocols.

This focus on causation and origin directly contributes to improving fire safety and prevention measures in the community, but the core objective remains the determination of what ignited the fire and how it progressed. This knowledge is foundational to preventing similar incidents and enhancing overall fire safety protocols.