Certified Fire Investigator Practice Exam

What is char?

1. Unburned fuel in combustion

2. Carbonaceous material that has been burned or pyrolyzed

3. A type of fire retardant

4. A gas produced during combustion

The correct answer is: Carbonaceous material that has been burned or pyrolyzed

Char refers to carbonaceous material that has undergone the process of burning or pyrolysis. During combustion, organic materials such as wood, fabric, or other carbon-containing substances can decompose when exposed to high temperatures, resulting in the formation of char. This material is typically black or dark brown and composed mainly of carbon. It is distinct from the original material due to the loss of volatile compounds and the reduction of overall mass. Understanding char is essential in fire investigation because it provides important clues about the fire's intensity and behavior. By analyzing char patterns and characteristics, investigators can deduce the materials involved and how the fire spread. Char can indicate complete or partial combustion and help to determine the heat source, making it a critical element in fire forensic analysis.