What causes heat shadowing?

Heat shadowing occurs when an object obstructs the path of radiated heat. In a fire scenario, when a fire burns intensely, it generates heat in the environment. If there are objects in the area, such as furniture, structural supports, or other barriers, they can block the direct transfer of heat from the flames to other surfaces. This obstruction results in areas that experience significantly less heat exposure, referred to as "heat shadows."

For instance, if a wall or a beam is positioned close to a flame, the side of that object facing the fire will heat up, while the side furthest from the fire will remain cooler, creating a heat shadow effect. This phenomenon can lead to varying degrees of damage within a structure, as unexposed surfaces may remain relatively intact while those adjacent to the heat source suffer more significant damage.

Understanding heat shadowing is critical for fire investigators as it can influence the assessment of fire patterns and the identification of the origin and spread of the fire.