What color on a victim would indicate that they were alive at the time of the fire?

The indication that a victim was alive at the time of a fire is denoted by the presence of a pink to cherry red coloration of the skin. This specific hue suggests that the victim had adequate circulation and oxygenation prior to exposure to the fire and smoke.

The presence of carbon monoxide in the blood, due to inhalation of smoke and fumes during a fire, can lead to a condition known as carboxyhemoglobinemia. This results in a bright cherry red appearance of the skin and internal organs, which is a natural reaction when carbon monoxide binds with hemoglobin in place of oxygen. If a victim was alive, their body would be experiencing these physiological effects, manifesting in this pink to cherry red coloration.

Other colors mentioned would signify different conditions. For instance, pale yellow would likely indicate a lack of blood flow or that the person was already deceased. Blue to purple tones generally reflect asphyxia or hypoxia, where there is a lack of oxygen in the blood. Lastly, green to brown coloration can indicate decomposition or exposure to chemicals, which further signals that the victim was not alive at the point of exposure to flames or smoke. These physiological responses are critical in forensic examinations to help determine the circumstances surrounding a victim's demise