Defining the Question

The purpose of the investigation generally leads directly to the definition of the question or problem. The “question” in vehicle fire investigation can commonly be broken down into several individual questions: location of fire origin, ignition source and initiating fuel source. Depending on the purpose(s) of the investigation, there may be other questions as well. For example, if the investigation is being conducted to research the effect of a particular component on fire propagation into the passenger compartment, then propagation path will be an additional question added to the list.

Each question will require a methodical process of consideration using scientific methods. Of course, in the field and in practice, the approach to all the questions will overlap at least some of the time. Gathering data about the location of fire origin and the initial fuel may well be conducted at the same time.