What is left when using an accelerant?

When an accelerant is used in a fire, the primary consequence is the presence of ignitable liquid residues. Accelerants are flammable substances that are intentionally used to start or enhance the speed and intensity of a fire. When they evaporate or combust, they leave behind chemical signatures that can be identified as ignitable liquid residues. These residues can be crucial for forensic investigations, as they help fire investigators determine whether an accelerant was used to facilitate arson or to investigate the cause of the fire.

In contrast, while soil residue may be present in the surroundings, it does not provide specific insights into the use of accelerants. Water traces might appear if firefighting efforts involved dousing the flames after an accelerant fire, but they do not indicate the original presence of an accelerant. Burned materials refer to the remnants of the object or area that burned but do not specifically showcase the effects of accelerants themselves. Understanding ignitable liquid residues is key to unraveling fire-related incidents and distinguishing between accidental fires and potential arson cases.