What does the term "pyrolized" refer to in fire investigation?

The term "pyrolized" specifically refers to the chemical breakdown of material through heat without the presence of oxygen. This process occurs when organic materials are heated to a high temperature, causing them to decompose and produce gases, char, and volatile compounds. In fire investigation, understanding the pyrolization process is crucial because it helps investigators determine the conditions under which a fire started and how materials in the environment contributed to the fire behavior.

When materials undergo pyrolization, they lose mass and may leave behind residues that can be analyzed to gather information about a fire’s origin and development. This breakdown is essential for determining ignition sources, fuel types involved, and the overall dynamics of the fire.

The other options do not accurately capture the definition of pyrolization. For instance, the burning process of metals suggests a different context, while extinguishing flames with chemicals doesn't relate to the breakdown of materials through heat. The behavior of flames in oxygen-rich environments, while important to fire dynamics, does not refer to the specific thermal breakdown defined by pyrolization.