How is arson fire investigation determined?
Fire and arson investigators examine the physical attributes of a fire scene and identify and collect physical evidence from the scene. This evidence is then analyzed to help determine if the cause of the fire was accidental or deliberate. Improve ways to detect, analyze and identify accelerants, such as gasoline.
How do investigators detect arson accelerants?
Once collected the most common method for identifying the accelerants at a fire is by the use of a GC (Gas Chromatograph) or GCMS (Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer). The gas chromatograph is the most sensitive and reliable instrument for detecting and characterizing flammable residues.
What form are most accelerants in?
Many accelerants are hydrocarbon-based fuels, sometimes referred to as petroleum distillates: gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, turpentine, butane, and various other flammable solvents. These accelerants are also known as ignitable liquids.
Which three 3 elements must a fire investigator prove in a criminal case of arson?
The investigator should: Identify a distinct origin (location where the fire started) and an obvious fire cause (ignition source, first fuel ignited, and circumstances of the event that brought the two together).
What are the 4 key elements of fire investigation?
With few exceptions, the proper methodology for a fire or explosion investigation is to first determine and establish the origin(s), then investigate the cause: circumstances, conditions, or agencies that brought the ignition source, fuel, and oxidant together.
What are the signs of arson?
Common Signs of Arson
- A large amount of damage.
- No “V” burn pattern present, unsual burn patterns and high heat stress.
- Lack of accidental causes.
- Evidence of forced entry.
- Absence of valuable items.
- The same person shows up at unconnected fires.
- Low burning point with unidentifiable point of origin.
- Multiple points of origin.
Is arson easy to prove?
A fire is only considered arson after all accidental causes have been ruled out, which means investigators have to prove an individual caused a fire deliberately and with harmful intent. This is why arson is both difficult to prove and prosecute in court.
What liquid makes fire?
There’s likely a long list of flammable liquids in your home. Besides gasoline and lighter fluid, things like rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, hand sanitizer and wart remover can easily catch fire.
What are the 3 elements of arson?
Elements of Arson According to common law, there are certain elements required to determine a fire to be caused by arson. These elements of arson include (1) the malicious, (2) burning, (3) of a dwelling, (4) belonging to another.
What are the two types of fire investigation?
Depending on how much evidence is present, an investigator can use different approaches. Two techniques include process of elimination, or disregarding the causes that the evidence deems not possible. The second is to start investigating the most probable cause first until it is ruled unlikely.
What is the first step in a fire investigation?
The first step in a fire investigation is the preliminary scene examination/size-up. For best results, a trained fire investigator should be notified about and respond to serious fires or possible arson fires immediately after fire apparatus is dispatched.
What are the six signs of arson?
What are the six signs of arson?
- A large amount of damage.
- No “V” burn pattern present, unsual burn patterns and high heat stress.
- Lack of accidental causes.
- Evidence of forced entry.
- Absence of valuable items.
- The same person shows up at unconnected fires.
- Low burning point with unidentifiable point of origin.
Is there a guide for investigating fire and arson?
It is at the discretion of responding personnel (depending on their responsibilities, as well as the purpose and scope of their duties) to apply the procedures recommended in this Guide to a particular incident. Some of the procedures described in this Guide may not be performed in the sequence described or may be performed simultaneously.
What are the steps to investigating a fire?
For potentially devastating situations, such as biological weapons or radiological or chemical threats, contact the appropriate agencies. Steps in this guide include: Arriving at the scene. Evaluating the scene. Documenting the scene. Processing evidence at the scene.
How often does arson occur in the United States?
According to the National Fire Protection Association, there were 19,000 intentionally set fires in the US during 2014 accounting for around 4% of all structural fire equating to more than $700m worth of damaged property.
How to evaluate the scene of a fire?
Evaluating the Scene 1 Contact first responders and establish presence. 2 Define the scene’s boundaries. 3 Identify and interview witnesses at the scene. 4 Assess scene security at the time of the fire. 5 Identify the resources required to process the scene.
