What is the goal of a fire investigation?

The primary goal of a fire investigation is to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Understanding where and how a fire started is crucial for multiple reasons, including enhancing public safety, preventing similar incidents in the future, and providing accurate information for legal proceedings. By identifying the fire's origin, investigators can uncover patterns that might indicate whether the fire was accidental, intentional, or resulted from negligence.

This knowledge is pivotal not only for accountability but also for improving firefighting techniques and strategies. It allows fire departments to analyze fire behavior and make informed decisions about fire prevention measures. Aspects such as construction materials, building occupancy patterns, and fire safety regulations can also be reviewed based on the findings from fire investigations, thereby aiding future training for firefighters and improving community safety.