Imagine that you are called in to investigate a body that was found in a fire. What evidence would you look for to determine if this was a poisoning, murder, or an accidental death in the fire?

A body subjected to fire effects can tell the investigator about the fire (and/or explosion), as well as about what occurred before, during, and after the fire. These facts may be crucial to fire origin and cause determination, as well as responsibility and motive in an incendiary fire. Fire injuries and deaths can be related to other crimes, including arson, homicide, and robbery. When investigating a scene, it is not possible to know if, and when, the case may come to civil and/or criminal trial. It may be years before the fire investigator is called to testify, therefore it is imperative to document properly and process evidence properly so the case can be recalled years later and successfully follow the judicial process. More than other fires, fatal fires can create substantial media interest and scrutiny of the investigation by outside parties. The investigative methods and actions must stand up to this scrutiny.