What observation indicates that a fire had a slow heat build-up and was remote from the point of origin?

Heavy smoke stains and large crazing on intact glass suggest a slow heat build-up and indicate that the fire was remote from the point of origin. When a fire develops slowly, it typically produces significant smoke over time, which is capable of staining surfaces, including glass. Crazing on glass occurs when it is subjected to prolonged exposure to heat, causing it to expand and contract, leading to cracks without shattering. These signs point to a fire that had time to smolder and develop before reaching a more active burning stage, reflecting a slow heat build-up.

This contrasts with the other observations, which could indicate different fire dynamics. Charred wood near the entry point implies a more intense or direct exposure to flame, typically associated with a fire that ignited rapidly at that location. Bare walls near the origin of the fire would suggest that there was not enough heat or burning material to significantly affect those surfaces, indicating a very different fire event. The presence of liquid accelerants is a strong indicator of an intentionally set fire, suggesting an immediate and violent ignition rather than a gradual build-up of heat.