FDNY Arson Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

Arson investigators focus on specific physical evidence at a fire scene to determine the cause and origins of the fire. The key factors that they closely examine include patterns of burn, which reveal how the fire spread and help identify areas of greatest intensity. The analysis of burn patterns can indicate whether a fire was accidental or intentionally set.

In addition, the presence of accelerants—substances that can increase the rate of combustion—can be a telltale sign of arson. Investigators often use chemical tests to identify such materials, which can further substantiate the theory of intentional ignition. The point of origin, or the location where the fire started, is crucial in arson investigations. It can provide insight into how the fire was initiated and whether it was connected to any suspicious activity.

Examining these elements gives investigators the necessary information to draw conclusions about the fire's cause, making it a fundamental part of fire scene analysis.