ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

What kind of evidence does "charred part" or "alligatoring" suggest about the fire?

1. The fire was quickly extinguished

2. The fire was controlled and contained

3. The fire burned at an extreme temperature

4. The fire originated from a natural source

The correct answer is: The fire burned at an extreme temperature

The term "charred part" or "alligatoring" refers to a specific pattern of damage that is indicative of the intensity of heat experienced during a fire. Alligatoring describes the cracking and curling of a surface that results from extreme heat, resembling the skin of an alligator. When fire burns at very high temperatures, it can create significant damage to materials like wood and other combustibles, leading to these distinct marks and patterns. The presence of alligatoring suggests that the fire reached temperatures that were not just typical but on the extreme end of the spectrum. This type of evidence is crucial for investigators when determining the nature and behavior of the fire—specifically, that the heat was intense enough to create these unique thermal signatures on the affected surfaces. Understanding this allows investigators to assess what materials were present during the fire and how they reacted, which can be vital in determining the fire's origin and cause.