What does the term 'saddle burn' refer to in fire investigation terminology?

The term 'saddle burn' describes a specific burn pattern that is typically found on floor joists. This pattern is characterized by a U-shaped burn that occurs when a fire creates a unique heat exposure profile on the surfaces involved. In this scenario, the burn develops due to the fire's proximity and heat intensity, primarily around structural elements such as floor joists.

The U-shape of the burn pattern is indicative of the way that heat rises and is channeled in a confined area, leading to more severe burning directly beneath supporting structures. This pattern can provide valuable information to investigators about the fire's behavior, the materials involved, and how the fire spread within the structure. Understanding saddle burns is crucial for determining the origin of a fire and reconstructing the sequence of events that led to the damage observed in the aftermath.

Other terms might describe burn patterns found on walls, techniques to extinguish flames, or effects of smoke on furniture, but they don't accurately capture the specific characteristics of a 'saddle burn' as it relates to floor joists in fire investigations.