When should evidence be handled by firefighters?

Firefighters should handle evidence only if it's necessary to preserve it. This is crucial because evidence in a fire scene can be easily destroyed or contaminated by factors such as heat, water, and exposure to the elements. The preservation of evidence is essential for any subsequent investigation, allowing arson investigators and law enforcement to gather reliable information about the fire's cause and origin.

Choosing to handle evidence only when necessary ensures that firefighters prioritize safety and the integrity of the scene. It prevents unnecessary actions that might compromise crucial information related to the fire incident. Firefighters often focus on immediate response tasks like extinguishing the fire and ensuring the safety of individuals, which means that evidence preservation may not always be their priority unless it impacts the investigation directly.