In arson categorisation, what does doubtful mean?

In arson categorisation, what does doubtful mean?

• A. The cause is unknown
• B. The cause is suspicious
• C. The fire is accidental
• D. Arson is proven

Answer: (B)

Doubtful means there are suspicious circumstances around the ignition, but there isn't enough evidence to confirm arson. This label flags a case for further investigation because something about the fire suggests it could be deliberate, yet no conclusive proof has been found yet. It’s different from unknown or undetermined, which would be used when there isn’t enough information at all; and it’s different from an accidental fire, where the cause is normal and non-deliberate; or from proven arson, where there is definitive evidence of deliberate ignition.

Doubtful means there are suspicious circumstances around the ignition, but there isn't enough evidence to confirm arson. This label flags a case for further investigation because something about the fire suggests it could be deliberate, yet no conclusive proof has been found yet. It’s different from unknown or undetermined, which would be used when there isn’t enough information at all; and it’s different from an accidental fire, where the cause is normal and non-deliberate; or from proven arson, where there is definitive evidence of deliberate ignition.