To aid in fire investigations and ascertain the cause of a fire, firefighters should do what?

Furniture placement within a structure plays a critical role in fire investigations, making it essential for firefighters to recall where specific items were located before the fire occurred. Understanding the original configuration of furniture can help investigators in several ways. For instance, it can provide insights into the fire's origin and how it spread. Certain materials may ignite more easily or generate more smoke, which can impact the fire's behavior.

Additionally, knowing the arrangement of furniture helps determine if it obstructed exit pathways or if it was in close proximity to potential ignition sources, such as electrical outlets or heating equipment. This information can be vital in evaluating the circumstances under which the fire started and in collecting evidence needed for determining liability or fire cause. By establishing the initial state of the environment where the fire occurred, firefighters and investigators are better equipped to piece together the sequence of events leading to the fire.