What are trailers or streamers in the context of an incendiary fire?

In the context of an incendiary fire, trailers or streamers refer specifically to fire patterns that are created when ignitable substances are deliberately trailed along a path to promote the spread of fire. This technique is often used by arsonists to direct flames to specific areas or to facilitate the rapid spread of fire over an extended area.

The purpose of using trailers is to ensure that the fire spreads quickly and effectively, often making detection and control more difficult. These substances might include flammable liquids that create a visible or invisible line of fire progression.

Understanding this concept is crucial for fire investigators, as identifying the presence of trailers can indicate an intentional act of arson, which can lead to the identification of a suspect or motive behind the fire.