Which of the following are the most desirable collection areas for liquid accelerants?

The most desirable collection areas for liquid accelerants are the lowest areas and seams or cracks. This is primarily due to the physical properties of liquid accelerants, which tend to be heavier than air and will naturally pool in lower areas. When an accelerant is present in a structure, it may seep into cracks, seams, or any depressions in the surface, making those areas critical for detection during an investigation.

Additionally, liquid accelerants are volatile substances that can easily evaporate, so collecting samples from lower areas minimizes the likelihood that the accelerant has dispersed or evaporated over time. Investigators focus on these zones to ensure the best chance of finding and analyzing residual traces of accelerants that may have been used in a fire setting.

While other areas may potentially contain accelerants, such as those near exits or higher locations, they are less likely to yield significant evidence compared to the lowest points where liquids are most likely to settle after being applied.