What is a key factor in effective fire investigations?

Documenting the sequence of events leading to the fire is crucial in effective fire investigations because it allows investigators to reconstruct the incident and understand how it unfolded. This detailed timeline can reveal critical details about the fire's origin, development, and any potential contributing factors. Accurate documentation helps establish a clear narrative, which is essential for identifying the cause of the fire, whether it was accidental, natural, or intentional. Furthermore, this information can be invaluable for legal proceedings, insurance claims, and implementing fire prevention measures in the future. It serves as a foundational aspect of the investigative process, ensuring that all relevant details are compiled and analyzed systematically.