When it comes to wildland fire investigations, one of the most challenging aspects is collecting and preserving physical evidence across a vast, unpredictable landscape. Unlike structural fires confined to buildings, wildland fires can span thousands of hectares, involve multiple ignition points, and be influenced by wind, terrain, and fuel sources. Despite these complexities, accurate evidence collection and scene preservation are crucial to determining the fire’s origin and cause, especially when lives, property, insurance claims, and legal outcomes are at stake.
At Clearwater Fire Forensics, our investigators are trained in recognized wildfire origin and cause protocols. Our methodology combines scientific rigour, advanced technology, and regional experience to ensure no critical detail is overlooked.
The Importance of Early Scene Preservation
Preserving a wildland fire scene begins the moment the flames are extinguished and the site becomes safe for entry. Wildland fire scenes are dynamic, open-air environments where evidence can degrade rapidly due to wind, rain, human activity, and animal interference. Even the presence of suppression crews or media can unintentionally disturb telltale signs at or near the point of origin.
Establishing a secure perimeter is essential. Investigators must balance the need to preserve evidence with the realities of working in remote and often hazardous terrain. Early access is critical because key indicators—such as grass tufts that show fire direction, partially burned materials, or fragmentary debris—can be lost within hours or days.
Identifying the Area of Origin
In any wildfire investigation, the first goal is to identify the area of origin, a process that requires a meticulous analysis of burn patterns, fuel loads, wind direction, and terrain features. Investigators begin at the perimeter and work inward using a systematic approach to track fire spread backwards.
Within this area, the point of origin is determined based on subtle clues: V-patterns in vegetation, protection zones behind objects, and spatter marks or charring on rocks and surfaces. These clues often lead to potential ignition sources, such as discarded smoking materials, powerlines, or evidence of human activity like campfires or vehicles.
This phase relies heavily on scientific methodology and trained observational skills, especially in large wildland incidents where the area of origin can span multiple square metres and where fires may have been influenced by spot fires or wind shifts.
For a deeper understanding of how our team approaches these early phases, explore our post on Investigating Wildfires: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Process, which outlines the full scope of field procedures, lab analysis, and reporting involved in fire origin investigations.
Techniques for Evidence Collection After Wildfire
Once the point of origin is identified, evidence collection begins. Wildland fire scenes are often remote and expansive, requiring strategic planning and specialized techniques to gather and preserve critical clues.
Investigators may use tools such as aerial drones to document the broader landscape before disturbing the scene. High-resolution photography and GIS mapping can assist with precise scene documentation and reconstruction.
To protect fragile evidence, investigators typically wear protective gear and follow contamination control protocols. Items such as burned matches, metal fragments, or suspected accelerant containers are collected using forensic procedures and logged for chain of custody. In some cases, soil or vegetation samples may be taken for laboratory analysis.
Given the scale of wildland fires, digitized scene mapping can provide an integrated view that supports comparisons with weather data, terrain features, and vegetation types, enhancing the accuracy of the investigation.
Collaborative and Multidisciplinary Approaches
Large wildland fires often require a multidisciplinary investigation approach. At Clearwater Fire Forensics, our team collaborates with land management agencies to ensure a thorough understanding of the affected area. We also work with specially trained canine detection teams to help locate critical evidence in remote or rugged terrain, supporting our commitment to accurate and efficient fire origin determination.
All investigations follow the PMS 412 Guideline for Wildfire Origin and Cause Investigations, a standardized and methodical framework used across North America. Our investigators hold certifications from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC), including FI-210 and FI-310, ensuring that every case is handled with recognized expertise and professionalism.
These standards enable us to provide clear and reliable findings for legal, insurance, and risk management purposes throughout Western Canada.
Challenges and Legal Importance
In large-scale wildland fires, especially those that cause property damage or require mass evacuations, accurate cause determination becomes a legal and financial necessity. Fires caused by negligence or arson may lead to criminal charges or civil suits. Meanwhile, insurance providers depend on factual evidence to validate or deny claims.
Any failure to preserve the fire scene—or to follow forensic best practices—can undermine the investigation and leave critical questions unanswered. This is why professional fire investigation teams like Clearwater’s are called upon for unbiased, defensible findings.
Serving Western Canada with Trusted Wildfire Expertise
At Clearwater Fire Forensics, we are dedicated to delivering thorough, evidence-based investigations across Western Canada. We understand the regional variables that impact wildfire behaviour and bring the tools and expertise needed to collect and preserve evidence under the most challenging conditions.
To learn more about how we approach wildland fire investigations and how we support insurance and legal teams with expert reporting, contact us today.
