What is a correct statement regarding lividity in relation to fire scene investigations?

Lividity, or postmortem hypostasis, refers to the pooling of blood in the lowest parts of the body due to gravity after the heart has stopped beating. This process typically starts within one to two hours after death, making it a pivotal factor in determining the time of death during investigations, including those at fire scenes.

The mention of victim movement is particularly relevant because lividity can change if a body is moved after death; blood may shift to new areas, altering the appearance and distribution of lividity patterns. This can provide crucial insights to investigators about what transpired after the individual has died, especially at a fire scene where various factors may come into play.

Other statements don't align with the nature of lividity. For example, lividity does not provide an exact temperature of death or the precise time of death; rather, it signifies a range since several variables can influence its appearance. Additionally, environmental factors such as heat or cold can greatly affect lividity, contrary to the suggestion that it is unaffected. Understanding these aspects helps fire investigators gather more context around the circumstances of a victim's death.