What is the primary purpose of a fire investigation team?

The primary purpose of a fire investigation team is to analyze fire scenes. This critical function involves gathering evidence, determining the cause of the fire, and examining the circumstances surrounding the fire incident. Fire investigations seek to uncover whether a fire was accidental, intentional, or due to negligence, which helps in understanding fire behavior and patterns, improving safety measures, and preventing future incidents. By thoroughly analyzing fire scenes, investigators can provide insights necessary for building codes, fire safety education, and law enforcement actions where needed.

The other choices reflect important fire service functions but do not align with the specific role of a fire investigation team. For example, extinguishing fires is the primary duty of firefighting crews, educating the public involves outreach by fire departments to promote safety awareness, and performing fire drills is a practice to prepare for emergency situations, rather than investigating after a fire has occurred.