Why must firefighters be trained in methods of fire-cause determination and evidence preservation?

Firefighters must be trained in methods of fire-cause determination and evidence preservation primarily because evidence can be lost during suppression and overhaul activities. When a fire occurs, immediate action is required to control and extinguish it. However, this can disturb potential evidence related to the fire's origin and cause. Techniques for preserving evidence are crucial, as they allow investigators to maintain the integrity of the scene, ensuring that valuable information about the fire is not lost during the response efforts. This training enables firefighters to recognize and treat the scene as a crime scene if necessary, thereby protecting evidence that can assist in determining how the fire started and whether any criminal activity was involved. This understanding plays a vital role in ensuring that proper investigations can be carried out and conclusions drawn to prevent future incidents.