In fire investigation, what signifies a potential incendiary fire?

The presence of a volatile liquid in a fire investigation can serve as a strong indicator of a potential incendiary fire. Volatile liquids, such as gasoline or kerosene, are flammable substances that can easily ignite and enhance the spread of fire. Their presence helps to suggest that the fire may have been intentionally set, as they can be used to accelerate the fire's growth and influence burn patterns.

While the presence of smoke, burn patterns, and witness testimonies can provide additional context or clues during an investigation, they do not directly indicate intentionality in the way that volatile liquids do. Smoke is a byproduct of combustion and does not, by itself, imply deliberate action. Burn patterns can indicate the direction of heat and fire spread but may not definitively point to an incendiary cause without the presence of chemical accelerants. Similarly, witness testimonies can provide insights into what happened, but they may not be reliable or conclusive without corroborating physical evidence.

Therefore, the presence of a volatile liquid stands out as a clear indicator of possible arson or an intentionally set fire in the context of fire investigations.