What type of evidence is crucial for identifying the cause of a suspicious fire?

Witness testimonies are crucial for identifying the cause of a suspicious fire because they can provide firsthand accounts of events leading up to and during the fire. Eyewitnesses may have observed unusual behavior or circumstances that could provide significant clues regarding how and why the fire started. Their observations can help investigators establish a timeline, understand the context of the incident, and identify potential suspects or motives.

While other types of evidence, such as firefighter reports, personal belongings of victims, and previous fire codes, can offer valuable information during an investigation, they do not directly contribute as effectively to understanding the human elements or suspicious activities involved in the fire. Firefighter reports may detail the fire's progression and tactics used to combat it, personal belongings might indicate victim profiles or circumstances surrounding their presence, and previous fire codes could highlight compliance issues but would not necessarily indicate intent or cause. Thus, witness testimonies stand out as particularly vital for unraveling the mystery of a suspicious fire.