What should investigators look into regarding the 'buffer area' in the context of a post-blast investigation?

In the context of a post-blast investigation, investigating the 'buffer area' is crucial for understanding the potential blast radius. The buffer area refers to the space around the blast site that is affected by the explosion. Examining this area helps investigators determine the extent of damage, assess how far debris may have traveled, and identify potential secondary crime scenes. Understanding the potential blast radius is essential for reconstructing the events leading to and following the explosion, as well as for evaluating the safety of the surrounding environment.

Factors such as proximity to populated areas or the presence of emergency exits may be relevant in other contexts, but when it comes to the technical aspects of a blast scene, the focus is primarily on the implications of the blast's impact zone. Similarly, while the cost of nearby land might be of interest from a real estate or urban planning perspective, it does not directly contribute to the forensic analysis of the blast scene. Investigators must prioritize understanding the area most directly influenced by the explosion to piece together the sequence of events and assess the overall consequences of the blast.