What does a baked-on appearance in a structure indicate during investigation?

A baked-on appearance in a structure is often indicative of significant heat exposure, commonly associated with the phenomenon of flashover. Flashover occurs when the temperature rises rapidly, causing combustible materials to ignite simultaneously across the space. This intense and uniform heat can lead to a baked-on finish on surfaces, such as walls, ceilings, and furnishings, as moisture is driven out, and materials like paint char or discolor.

This appearance can help fire investigators recognize that a fire reached high enough temperatures to produce flashover, which is critical in understanding the fire's intensity and spread. Therefore, when a baked-on appearance is observed, it points towards severe thermal conditions that align with flashover events, helping to inform the investigator's conclusions about the fire's development and behavior.