Final answer:
The presence of soot in the respiratory passages of a victim is a sign that they were alive during the fire, as they inhaled the products of combustion. The cherry-red color of tissues and fluids is also indicative of carbon monoxide poisoning, showing exposure to the gas during the fire.
Step-by-step explanation:
The "color" of a victim that would indicate they were alive at the time of a fire can be inferred through the presence of soot in their respiratory passages. Such findings during an autopsy are indicative of the fact that the victim was breathing when the fire occurred and thus inhaled the products of combustion. However, it is important to note that determining the exact circumstances of a victim's state during a fire is complex and should be performed by forensic experts.
Furthermore, the concept of a 'color' must be understood metaphorically, as color changes can indicate various conditions during a fire. For example, a cherry-red color of bodily tissues and fluids can be a sign of carbon monoxide poisoning, suggesting that the person was alive during the fire and exposed to dangerous gas.