What should an evidence technician consider when identifying volatile substances at a fire scene?

When identifying volatile substances at a fire scene, the presence of burn patterns is a critical factor for an evidence technician to consider. Burn patterns can provide significant clues about the materials that were present, the sequence of events during the fire, and whether any accelerants were used. For example, specific burn patterns might indicate that a fire started in a particular location or that it was fueled by a substance that created a distinct pattern, such as pooled accelerants.

Understanding the burn patterns can assist in reconstructing the fire's origin and helping to determine whether a fire was accidental or intentionally set. This analysis is essential for evidence technicians as they work to gather and document vital information that may be scrutinized in investigations or legal proceedings.

In contrast, while factors like temperature, color of ashes, and hardness of surfaces may provide some insights into the condition of the scene, they do not specifically point to the identification and analysis of volatile substances in the same way that evaluating burn patterns does.