Which areas are typically referred to as “protected areas” in a fire scene?

The term "protected areas" in a fire scene refers to those areas that have remained relatively unaffected or less damaged due to shielding or obstruction from heat or flames, often by furniture or other objects. These areas can preserve evidence that might otherwise be lost in more severely burned sections, such as remnants of materials that can help in determining the cause or origin of the fire.

In contrast, areas that experienced extensive burning, were close to heat sources, or have the highest damage typically lack the protective features that allow preservation of evidence; they are more likely to have been consumed by the fire or significantly altered, making it harder to gather accurate information from them. Hence, areas shielded by furniture can provide critical insights into the fire behavior and potential causes while maintaining the integrity of evidence for investigation.