Evidences tell the truth: A Case of Fire

Abstract

One of the greatest challenges for forensic scientists lies in investigating fire incidents, as the examination sites are often severely disturbed by firefighting efforts or attempts by individuals to save property. Obtaining substantial clue materials becomes particularly difficult due to the complexity of fire behavior and the alterations caused by suppression activities. Accurately reconstructing the sequence of events is therefore essential to determine both the cause and the origin of the fire. This paper presents the basic and fundamental methodology used in fire and arson investigations, illustrated through a real case involving a fire outbreak at the Rajasthan Patrika Daily Newspaper office in Jaipur. The investigation revealed that the fire originated from a wall-mounted on/off switch, where a short circuit was identified as the primary cause of ignition.