What does the pattern of charring called alligatoring primarily help determine?

The pattern of charring known as alligatoring primarily assists in determining the type of accelerant that may have been used in a fire. Alligatoring refers to the distinctive, rough pattern of the charred surface of materials that resembles the skin of an alligator. This pattern occurs due to variations in heat exposure, often influenced by the presence of accelerants. Different accelerants can produce characteristic charring patterns that forensic experts can analyze to infer which substances may have been present during the fire. This insight is crucial for arson investigations, as it helps identify whether the fire was intentionally set and what materials might have contributed to its rapid spread.

The approximate time of the fire involves other factors and physical evidence beyond charring patterns, making it less directly related to alligatoring. Determining the ignition material used requires different forensic analysis like residue tests rather than solely relying on visual patterns. Similarly, while the point of ignition of a fire can be critical for investigations, it typically requires a different set of evidence and methodologies for pinpointing rather than just evaluating the burn patterns.