What does calcination refer to in fire investigation?

Calcination in fire investigation specifically refers to the process of removing moisture from materials through the application of heat. This thermal decomposition is significant in understanding how certain materials behave under fire conditions; it often involves the transformation of substances, such as wood or other organic materials, as they dry out and undergo chemical changes due to elevated temperatures.

In the context of fire investigations, recognizing calcination can provide valuable clues regarding the intensity and duration of the fire, as different materials have specific moisture content and evaporation characteristics. As materials lose moisture, they can also change in mass and structural integrity, which can influence the investigator's assessment of fire spread and damage patterns. Understanding this process helps investigators piece together a timeline of events during a fire incident, leading to a more comprehensive analysis of its origin and development.