Which indicators might suggest arson at a scene?

• A. Absence of debris and clean surfaces.
• B. Accelerant residues, multiple points of origin, unusual or suspicious circumstances, and signs of forced entry or accelerant residue patterns.
• C. Only one point of origin and no residues.
• D. Early arrival of neighbors.

Answer: (B)

Indicators of arson at a scene involve signs of deliberate ignition and specific forensic patterns. Accelerant residues point to the use of a flammable substance to start or spread the fire. Multiple points of origin suggest the fire was started in more than one location, which is uncommon in accidental fires. Unusual or suspicious circumstances and signs of forced entry can indicate someone manipulated the scene or attempted to conceal arson. Accelerant residue patterns help investigators trace how the fire was fed and how it spread.

The other options don’t fit arson indicators well. A clean surface with no debris isn’t typical of arson, which usually leaves debris, burn patterns, and char. Having only one point of origin and no residues argues against arson and toward a non-deliberate cause. Early arrival of neighbors doesn’t imply arson by itself; it’s a situational detail, not evidence of deliberate ignition.