Fire Investigation is the process of determining the origin, cause, and development of a fire or explosion.
A fire or explosion investigation is a complex endeavor involving skill, technology, knowledge, and science. The compilation of factual data, as well as an analysis of those facts, should be accomplished objectively, truthfully, and without expectation bias, preconception, or prejudice. The fire investigation's basic methodology should rely on a systematic approach and attention to all relevant details. Using a systematic approach often will uncover new factual data for analysis, which may require reevaluation of previous conclusions. With few exceptions, the proper methodology for a fire or explosion investigation is to first determine and establish the origin(s), then investigate the cause: circumstances, conditions, or agencies that brought the ignition source, fuel, and oxidant together.