What is the role of an accelerant in fire investigations?

In fire investigations, an accelerant is defined as any substance that is utilized to initiate or enhance the spread of fire. This can include a variety of flammable liquids such as gasoline, lighter fluid, or alcohol, which, when introduced to a fire, can significantly increase its intensity and speed of spread. Understanding the role of accelerants is critical for investigators, as the presence of such substances can indicate that a fire was intentionally set rather than being accidental.

Identifying accelerants during an investigation assists in reconstructing the fire's origin and determining whether foul play may have occurred. By recognizing how these substances interact with other materials in a fire scenario, investigators can gather crucial evidence that supports their findings and conclusions about the incident.