In the fire investigation process, what is the first step that must be taken?

In the fire investigation process, securing the scene to prevent evidence contamination is essential because it establishes a controlled environment where the integrity of the evidence can be preserved. This step is crucial for ensuring that all potential physical and testimonial evidence remains undisturbed, allowing investigators to accurately assess what occurred during the incident. By securing the scene first, investigators can prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the area and potentially altering evidence or introducing new elements that could compromise the investigation.

Without securing the scene initially, subsequent steps such as documenting witness statements, examining the fire's origin, and collecting physical evidence could lead to unreliable findings or the loss of critical information. Therefore, this foundational step sets the stage for a thorough and effective investigation, ensuring that investigators can proceed with confidence in the integrity of the evidence they collect and analyze.