Certified Fire Investigator Practice Exam

What defines Arrow Patterns in fire investigation?

1. A fire pattern displayed on the cross-section of a burned wooden structural member

2. A pattern formed by smoke movement in the air

3. A trace left by the heat source at the ignition point

4. A pattern indicating multiple points of origin

The correct answer is: A fire pattern displayed on the cross-section of a burned wooden structural member

Arrow Patterns in fire investigation are specifically characterized as fire patterns that are visible on the cross-section of a burned wooden structural member. These patterns effectively reveal the direction of fire spread. The arrow shapes formed in the wood indicate the path the flames took through the material, often reflecting how the fire moved from one side of the beam to the other, influenced by factors such as ventilation and the construction features of the building. The other choices do not accurately describe Arrow Patterns. The pattern formed by smoke movement in the air is significant to fire analysis, but it doesn’t pertain to the structural integrity of the material itself like Arrow Patterns do. Similarly, while trace left by the heat source at the ignition point is valuable information, it does not define Arrow Patterns. Lastly, a pattern indicating multiple points of origin speaks to a different investigative concern, often related to arson investigations, rather than the specific directionality and structure-related evidences provided by Arrow Patterns. Therefore, the selection reflects an understanding of how fire interacts with materials and the resulting patterns this interaction can create.