What might spalling on floors indicate in an investigation of a fire?

Spalling on floors during a fire investigation often suggests the possible use of accelerants. Spalling is the flaking or chipping of a material's surface, typically concrete, which can result from the extreme heat generated by a fire. When accelerants are used, they can create higher temperatures than those achieved from ordinary combustibles, leading to more significant spalling. This phenomenon indicates that the temperature reached during the fire was unusually high, raising suspicions about the presence of an accelerant that contributed to the fire's intensity.

Other factors such as insulation, material fragility, or moisture do not directly correlate with the specific fire behavior indicated by spalling. While excessive moisture can affect certain materials, it does not usually cause the severe spalling seen in high-heat fire scenarios. In summary, spalling is a critical indicator in fire investigations and is often linked to the possibility of accelerants being present.