What is a common indicator of arson when examining hardwood floors after a fire?

A common indicator of arson when examining hardwood floors after a fire is low level charring. This type of damage occurs when the fire has been intentionally set, as it often results in an unusually uniform and shallow charring pattern across the surface of the wood. In cases of arson, one might observe minimal heat exposure due to the accelerants used, leading to charring that is not extensive but rather consistent and localized.

In contrast, natural fires tend to create more variability in damage, with different areas affected depending on the materials in the vicinity and the fire's intensity. Minimal damage throughout would suggest that the fire was confined or not highly aggressive, which could be the case in an accidental fire rather than arson. Light smoke residue would typically indicate a cooler or more controlled fire scenario, again more suggestive of a non-arson environment. Consistent burn marks might suggest arson, but they often reflect specific burning patterns rather than the low-level charring indicative of the fire's controlled and targeted application through accelerants.