Options are:
1. Natural disaster that (a) will recur or (b) be unlikely to recur,
2. Accident that (a) can be repeated if careless or (b) not,
3. Hostile act that (b) might be repeatable or (b) not.
Burnham's point is that the Federation and its neighbours need to know which of these categories the Burn actually falls into. And then, they can all plan their futures accordingly.
Dramatic "squib" or not from our POV in the audience once we see it, it's definitely an important answer to seek.
1. Natural disaster that (a) will recur or (b) be unlikely to recur,
2. Accident that (a) can be repeated if careless or (b) not,
3. Hostile act that (b) might be repeatable or (b) not.
Burnham's point is that the Federation and its neighbours need to know which of these categories the Burn actually falls into. And then, they can all plan their futures accordingly.
Dramatic "squib" or not from our POV in the audience once we see it, it's definitely an important answer to seek.