What does the term "rekindle" refer to in fire investigations?

In fire investigations, the term "rekindle" refers to the phenomenon where a fire returns to flaming combustion after it has been thought to be extinguished, but not fully. This can occur due to residual heat igniting combustible materials that were not adequately put out during the initial extinguishment efforts. It is crucial for investigators to recognize this event, as it can influence their analysis of the fire's cause and origin.

Understanding this term is particularly important in the context of fire investigations because it highlights the challenges faced when determining whether a fire has been fully extinguished. Investigators must be cautious about making assumptions based solely on visible signs of extinguishment, such as smoke or lack of flames. If investigators overlook the possibility of rekindling, they might misinterpret the circumstances surrounding the fire's behavior and potentially miss vital evidence or connections to its cause.