Which factor can hinder the assessment of fire damage?

Inadequate lighting can significantly hinder the assessment of fire damage for several reasons. First, poor lighting can obscure critical details about the extent of damage, the patterns of the fire's spread, and the locations of any potential evidence that could aid in the investigation. Investigators rely on visibility to identify burn patterns, materials involved, and other critical factors that help determine the fire's cause and origin.

Furthermore, shadows and dimly lit areas can complicate the identification of structural damage and the assessment of how fire impacted different materials within the environment. When visibility is compromised, the potential for overlooking important clues increases, which could negatively affect the investigation’s outcome or lead to inaccurate conclusions. Therefore, ensuring adequate lighting during the assessment is crucial for a thorough evaluation of fire damage.