Experts Detail Process for Determining Cause of Massive Wildfires

Forensic fire investigation is a meticulous process that combines technical analysis with police work to determine the cause of large-scale blazes. According to fire expert Tony Opbrouck, the investigation has two main components: technical and police.

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The one cannot exist without the other. One is indeed an added value for the other.

The initial response is typically handled by firefighters and police, who provide a preliminary assessment of the fire's origin. They can indicate whether the cause is clear, unknown, or if there are signs of arson. While some fires, like a kitchen fire from a faulty appliance, have obvious causes, others remain undetermined or show indicators of deliberate ignition, such as multiple starting points.

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Think, for example, of a deep fryer fire, where a fryer is on the stove and causes a kitchen fire. The cause is immediately known.

The technical investigation delves deeper, reconstructing the fire's spread by analyzing factors like the amount of combustible material and ventilation. "Ventilation has a significant influence on how a fire develops," Opbrouck noted. Researchers meticulously sift through the fire scene, searching for evidence such as electronic components that might suggest a technical cause.

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A classic sign of an intentional fire is the presence of multiple ignition points.

Simultaneously, the police conduct their investigation, gathering statements from witnesses and involved parties, and reviewing surveillance footage from security cameras or even smart doorbells. Opbrouck emphasizes that merging the findings from both the technical and police investigations is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the fire's origin. The recent fire in the Hoge Venen, which scorched over 3,000 hectares, highlights the importance of these detailed investigations.

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In other words, it is determined how a fire could have spread.