Adjuster’s Glossary of Fire Investigation Terms Guide

It takes a certified investigator to fully evaluate the origin and cause of many fires, and the investigation may include jargon you aren’t familiar with. Adjusters shouldn’t have to wade through the vocabulary when referencing a report or deciding on a claim, and we’ve created a glossary to help.
We’ve categorized frequently used fire investigation terms by where they’re most likely to be used:
- The Event: terms related to how the fire may have started, such as the difference between incendiary fires and arson
- The Investigation: words related to evidence investigators look for, including competent ignition sources and ignition sequences
- The Scene: phrases related to the overall scene, such as flash points or flashovers
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Alpine Intel’s content is meant to inform and educate readers using general terms and descriptions. They do not replace expert evaluations that determine facts and details related to each unique claim.
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