When identifying the fuel that was first ignited, which additional factor must also be considered?

When identifying the fuel that was first ignited, it is crucial to consider the form of the fuel involved. The form refers to the physical state in which the fuel exists—solid, liquid, or gas. Different forms of fuel have distinct combustion characteristics and behaviors during a fire. For example, solids like wood may ignite at a different temperature compared to liquids like gasoline, which can vaporize and ignite more easily.

Understanding the form of the fuel helps investigators determine how the combustion began, how the fire spread, and can influence the strategies used for suppression. It provides insights into the fire's behavior and the fire triangle—fuel, heat, and oxygen—allowing for a more accurate analysis of the fire dynamics and potential causes.

Other factors, such as the source of ignition, location, or temperature, are also important, but the form of the fuel directly relates to ignition patterns and how various materials interact in a fire scenario.