Which type of sketch is most commonly used at a fire scene?

A floor plan sketch is the most commonly used type of sketch at a fire scene because it provides a detailed, two-dimensional representation of the layout of the structure involved. This sketch is essential for fire investigators as it captures the arrangement of rooms, exits, windows, and other key features within the building. Such a layout facilitates understanding of how fire may have spread and assists in determining points of origin and areas of significant damage.

Additionally, the floor plan can be easily annotated with observations, locations of evidence, and fire patterns, making it a practical tool for documenting the scene. It allows investigators to convey complex information clearly and efficiently, which is important for both initial reporting and later analysis.

While elevation sketches, site sketches, and 3D perspective sketches have their uses, they do not provide the same level of detail and clarity regarding the internal structure as the floor plan does. Elevation sketches focus more on vertical elements, site sketches give an overview of the entire property, and 3D sketches can sometimes complicate the representation of detailed layouts. Therefore, the floor plan sketch stands out as the primary tool for capturing crucial information at a fire scene.