Which area is typically not assumed to be the area of origin in a fire?

The area with the least damage is generally not assumed to be the area of origin in a fire. Fire behavior typically dictates that the greatest damage occurs at or near the origin point, which is where the fire begins and has access to its primary fuel source, leading to more intense heat and destruction. The area with the least damage is often a result of either being unaffected by flames or possibly being shielded by obstacles, making it unlikely for this area to be where the fire originated.

In contrast, other areas such as the one with the greatest fire damage, the area that was most recently burned, and the area with the highest concentration of flammable materials are all factors that could contribute to where a fire may have originated. Each of these areas shows signs of intense fire activity or is likely to have contained elements that could maintain a fire, making them more plausible candidates for the area of origin. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for fire investigation and determining fire causation.