Which of the following best describes char in a fire scenario?

Char is best described as a substance that indicates partial combustion. During a fire, materials can undergo various stages of combustion, and charring occurs when organic materials, such as wood or fabric, begin to decompose thermally but not completely combust. This process leaves behind a carbon-rich residue, or char, which signifies that some portion of the material has not fully oxidized.

Char is an important indicator in fire investigations because its presence can help forensic analysts determine the intensity and duration of a fire, as well as the types of materials that burned. It suggests that certain conditions led to incomplete combustion, which allows investigators to gather insights about the fire's behavior and the environment in which it occurred.

Understanding this aspect of char is essential for fire investigators, as it provides critical clues about the dynamics of the fire and informs them about potential causes and contributing factors.