What is not included in the analysis of the cause of a fire?

The analysis of the cause of a fire typically focuses on three key elements: the ignition source, the fuel, and the oxidizer. Understanding the ignition sequence, identifying the fuel that was first ignited, and determining the presence of an oxidizer is critical in reconstructing how the fire started.

The ignition sequence refers to the process by which a fire begins, detailing the specific steps that led to the fire’s ignition. The fuel is the material that burns, and determining which fuel ignited first helps in tracing the fire's origins. The presence of an oxidizer is significant because it is essential for combustion to occur; common oxidizers include oxygen and other chemical compounds that facilitate burning.

While statements from witnesses can provide valuable information about the conditions surrounding the fire and corroborate findings, they are not a direct component of the physical analysis of the fire's cause itself. Rather, witness statements can supplement the investigation by offering insights or observations, but they do not form part of the core elements that investigators analyze to determine the cause of the fire. This distinction explains why the presence of witnesses is not typically included in the primary analysis of a fire's cause.