During a fire scene investigation, what is the first step that should be taken?

Securing the scene to prevent contamination of evidence is a critical first step in any fire scene investigation. This action ensures that the area remains intact and that any potential evidence remains undisturbed. By establishing a secure perimeter, investigators can protect the scene from outside influences that could compromise evidence, such as weather conditions, unauthorized individuals, or even unintentional actions by first responders and bystanders.

Securing the scene allows for a thorough examination and documentation process to take place safely and systematically. It is crucial to maintain the integrity of the evidence for accurate analysis and to uphold its credibility in any subsequent legal proceedings. Only after the scene is secured can investigators effectively move on to the subsequent steps, such as documenting witness statements, interviewing first responders, and collecting physical evidence. These actions are all dependent on having a secure and controlled environment to ensure the reliability of the findings.