What is the significance of identifying burn marks on an individual's forehead or cheeks?

Identifying burn marks on an individual's forehead or cheeks is significant as it points to the location of direct flame contact. These burn marks can provide crucial information regarding the circumstances surrounding the fire, indicating that the person was exposed to flames, which can help investigators determine the nature and intensity of the fire. Such identification is essential in fire investigations as it can assist in reconstructing the events leading to the fire and understanding how the individual was caught in the fire's path.

The presence of burn marks can help differentiate between injuries caused by direct heat from flames versus those from other sources such as smoke inhalation or radiant heat. This understanding plays a key role in establishing a clearer picture of what transpired during the fire event and can aid in legal or investigative proceedings related to the incident.