What causes heat shadowing in a fire investigation?

Heat shadowing occurs when an object obstructs the path of radiated heat from a fire. When a fire burns, it generates heat that radiates outward in all directions. If an object, such as furniture or structural components, is positioned between the heat source and a surface, it can block the heat from reaching that surface. As a result, the areas that are shielded from the radiated heat will show less charring or damage compared to surrounding areas that were exposed. This phenomenon is significant in fire investigations because it can help investigators determine the sequence of events during a fire and identify the potential locations of heat sources. Recognizing these heat patterns can provide critical insights into the dynamics of the fire.