What should a firefighter do upon discovering evidence at a fire scene?

Upon discovering evidence at a fire scene, it is crucial for firefighters to prioritize preserving the integrity of the evidence. The best course of action involves not interfering with or manipulating the evidence, as it is essential for an accurate investigation of the fire's cause. Evidence can include physical remnants, personal items, or materials that may provide vital information; tampering with them could compromise the investigation and hinder efforts to determine how the fire started.

Proper procedures typically require trained professionals, such as investigators from the fire department or law enforcement, to handle and analyze the evidence to ensure it is preserved correctly and remains admissible in legal proceedings if necessary. This makes it important for firefighters to refrain from collecting or documenting it as it could lead to contamination or misinterpretation of the evidence. Thus, leaving the evidence alone allows for a more effective and reliable investigation to take place.