In an arson fire scene, what should responders be vigilant for?

In an arson fire scene, responders should be particularly vigilant for suspicious persons in the area. This is crucial because the presence of suspicious individuals may indicate potential witnesses, perpetrators, or others who pose a risk to the investigation. Identifying and monitoring these individuals can help law enforcement gather necessary information and evidence related to the crime. Suspicious behavior might include loitering around the scene, displaying an unusual level of interest in the fire, or trying to evade the attention of responders.

Keeping an eye on the surrounding environment for these individuals is vital for ensuring scene security and integrity, which is key in any investigation related to arson. Phases of the investigation will often require detailed accounts of who was present at the scene and any actions or behaviors that could help clarify the circumstances surrounding the fire.

The other aspects, while important in their own right, do not directly contribute to the immediate needs of a fire scene investigation in the way monitoring for suspicious persons does.