What is the primary purpose of identifying burn patterns at a fire scene?

Identifying burn patterns at a fire scene is crucial primarily for determining the cause of the fire. Burn patterns can reveal a lot about how and why a fire started, as they may indicate the direction of the fire's spread, the materials involved, and even the point of origin. By studying these patterns, investigators can infer whether the fire was accidental, intentional, or a result of some malfunction, providing essential information for concluding the investigation.

While assessing damage levels, estimating the time of the fire, and locating fire exits are important aspects of fire investigations, they do not directly relate to understanding the cause of the fire in the same way that burn patterns do. The analysis of burn patterns is foundational in establishing a clear narrative about the ignition source and the circumstances surrounding the fire event.