Which of the following is a common sign of fire damage?

Discoloration of walls is a common sign of fire damage because it often results from the heat and smoke produced during a fire. The intense conditions created in a fire can lead to the staining of walls due to soot and smoke residues, which settle on surfaces, altering their appearance. This discoloration often ranges from a yellowish to brown or even black hue, depending on the severity of the smoke and the materials involved in the fire. Identifying discoloration is crucial during an assessment, as it can indicate the extent of smoke permeation and the need for specific cleaning or restoration methods.

In contrast, while faded paint may be associated with exposure to heat, it is not a definitive indicator of fire damage since fading can also occur due to sunlight or age. Excess moisture is generally not a direct effect of a fire; rather, it can be a factor in water damage restoration, which is not specific to fire. Increased temperature does occur during a fire, but this is not a visible sign of damage to structures or materials after the fire has been extinguished; it is more of an immediate effect during the incident. Thus, discoloration of walls provides a clear and observable indicator of fire damage that restoration professionals look for when assessing a fire-affected area.