What type of information should be collected for each appliance?

Collecting information about the manufacturer of each appliance is essential for several reasons. Knowing the manufacturer helps investigators understand the quality and design of the appliance, and it allows them to determine whether there are any known defects or recalls associated with that brand. It also can lead to insights regarding the appliance’s construction, materials used, and safety features, which can play a significant role in determining how the appliance may have contributed to a fire incident. Additionally, understanding if the manufacturer has a history of safety violations or issues can aid in pinpointing potential causative factors in an investigation. This data is critical in forming a comprehensive analysis of the appliance's role in the incident.

While the location of installation, function of the appliance, and current usage are also valuable pieces of information, they do not provide the same depth of context regarding the potential manufacturing factors that could influence a fire investigation.