What is char in fire investigation terminology?

Char in fire investigation terminology refers to burned or pyrolyzed carbonaceous material. This substance is formed when organic materials, such as wood or fabric, are exposed to heat and combustion. The process of charring involves the breakdown of these materials through the loss of volatile components, leaving behind a carbon-rich residue.

Understanding char is crucial for fire investigators as it provides important clues about the fire dynamics, including the intensity of the fire and the types of materials involved. The presence and characteristics of char can help determine the point of origin and the materials that burned, contributing to the overall analysis of how the fire developed and spread.

The other options do not accurately define char; instead, they represent different aspects of fire investigation that are not specifically related to the definition of char. For instance, identifying fire patterns, extinguishing methods, or observing color changes in materials post-fire provide useful information during investigations, but they do not encapsulate the definition and significance of char itself.