Kirk's fire investigation

Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
NFPA 1033 Correlation Matrix
Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) Grid
Chapter 1 Introduction
	Fire Investigation
	The Fire Problem
		Fire Statistics in the United States
		Fire Statistics in the United Kingdom
		Role of the Fire Investigator in Accurately Reporting the Causes of Fires
	The Detection of Incendiary Fires
		Reporting Arson as a Crime
		Problems Associated with Estimating Incendiary Fires
	Scientifically Based Fire Investigation
		Comprehensive Methodologies for Fire Investigation
		The Scientific Approach to Fire Investigation
	Applying the Scientific Method
		Steps in the Scientific Method
		Levels of Confidence
		Legal Opinions Regarding Science in Investigation
	Chapter Review
	Review Questions
	References
Chapter 2 The Elementary Chemistry of Combustion
	Elements, Atoms, and Compounds
		The Oxidation Reaction
		Carbon Compounds
		Other Elements
	Organic Compounds
		Hydrocarbons
		Petroleum Products
		Carbohydrates
		Pyrolysis of Organics
		Conclusions about Organic Compounds
	State of the Fuel
		Significance of State of Fuel
		Difficulty in Classifying Some Hydrocarbons
		Solids
		Liquids
	Chapter Review
	Summary
	Review Questions
	References
Chapter 3 Fundamentals of Fire Behavior and Building Construction
	Basic Combustion
	Flaming Fire
	Structure of Flames
	Smoldering Fire
	Explosive Combustion
	Heat
		Heat and the Rate of Reaction
		Heat and Temperature
		Heat Release Rate
		Heat Transfer and Heat Flux
		Direct Flame Impingement
	Flame Plume
	Sequence of a Room Fire
		Beginning or Incipient Stage
		Growth, a Free-Burning Stage
		Fire Growth to Flashover
		Post-Flashover Stage
		Decay Stage
	Flow of Hot Gases
	Effects of Environmental Conditions
		Temperature
		Humidity
		Wetness of Fuel (Fuel Moisture Content)
		Wind
		Oxygen Content
	Elements of Building Construction
		Structural Shell
		Fire Resistance Ratings
		Internal Structure
	Chapter Review
	Summary
	Review Questions
	References
Chapter 4 Combustion Properties of Liquid and Gaseous Fuels
	Types of Fuel
		Gases
		Liquids and Their Vapors
		Solids
	Physical Properties of Fuels
		Vapor Pressure
		Flammability (Explosive) Limits
		Flash Point
		Flame Point/Fire Point
		Ignition Temperature
		Ignition Energy
		Boiling Points
		Vapor Density
		Heat of Combustion
	Hydrocarbon Fuels
		Natural Gas
		Liquefied Petroleum Gas
		Petroleum
		Gasoline
		Kerosene and Other Distillates
		Diesel Fuel
		Lubricating Oils
		Specialty Petroleum Products
	Nonhydrocarbon Liquid Fuels
		Alcohols, Solvents, and Similar Nonhydrocarbons
		Alternative Fuels or Biofuels
	Combustion of Liquid Fuels
	Pyrolysis and Decomposition of Liquids
	Fuel Gas Sources
		Gas Lines
		Natural Gas
		LP Gas
	Chapter Review
	Summary
	Review Questions
	References
Chapter 5 Combustion Properties of Solid Fuels
	Pyrolysis
		Crown Fires and Fireballs
		Nonpyrolyzing Fuels
	Combustion Properties of Wood
		Components of Wood
		Ignition and Combustion of Wood
		“Low Temperature” Ignition of Wood
		Charcoal and Coke
		Wood Products
	Paper
	Plastics
		General Characteristics
		Behavior of Plastics
		Special Considerations for Fire Investigators
	Paint
	Metals
		Magnesium
		Aluminum
	Coal
	Dust Explosions
	Combustion Products of Solid Fuels
		Flame Color
		Smoke Production
	Chapter Review
	Summary
	Review Questions
	References
Chapter 6 Sources of Ignition
	Introduction to Ignition Sources
	Primary Ignition Sources
		Matches
		Lighters
		Torches
		Candles
	Secondary Ignition Sources
		Sparks/Arcs
		Hot Objects/Hot Surfaces
		Friction
		Radiant Heat
		Chemical Reaction
	The Role of Services and Appliances as Ignition Sources
		Gas Appliances as Ignition Sources
		Portable Electric Appliances
		Kerosene Heaters
		Stoves and Heaters
		Oil Storage
		Electricity
	The Role of Hot and Burning Fragments in Igniting Fires
		Windblown Sparks
		Fireplaces and Chimneys
		Long-Term Heating (“Low-Temperature” Ignition)
		Trash Burners, Incinerators, and Bonfires
		Hot Metals
		Mechanical Sparks
		Firearms Residues
	Smoking as a Fire Origin
		Cigarettes
		Bedding and Furnishings
		Cigarettes and Flammable Liquids and Gases
		Pipes and Cigars
		Plantings
	Spontaneous Combustion (Self-Heating)
		Characteristics of Self-Heating
		Self-Heating Oils
		Self-Heating of Vegetation
		Other Materials Subject to Self-Heating
		Implications for the Fire Investigator
	Other Sources of Ignition
		Lightning
		Implications for the Fire Investigator
		Ignition by Electric Lighting
		Ignition from Discarded Batteries
		Animal Interaction with Sources of Ignition
	Assessing Ignition Sources at the Fire Scene: The Ignition Matrix
	Chapter Review
	Summary
	Review Questions
	References
Chapter 7 Structure Fires and Their Investigation
	Beginning the Investigation
		During the Fire
		Immediately After the Fire Is Extinguished
		During the Clearing of the Scene
		After Cleanup
	Investigative Information during Suppression
		Responsibility of the Firefighters
		Minimizing Post-Fire Damage
	Documenting the Fire Scene
		Photography and Photographic Equipment
		Sketching
		Notes
		Reconstructing the Pre-Fire Conditions
	General Principles of Fire Behavior
		Fire Patterns
		Tracing the Course of the Fire
		Implications for the Fire Investigator
	Examination of a Structure Fire Scene
		General Considerations
		Interviews with Firefighters
		Interviews with Witnesses
		Search Patterns and Practices
		Fire Behavior Indicators
		Myths and Misconceptions about Indicators
		Arson Evidence
	General Considerations
		Protected Areas
		Utilities
		Elimination of Electrical Ignition Sources
		Arc Mapping
		Appliance Condition
		Trash
		Detection Systems Mapping
		Interior Fires from Exterior Sources
		Roof and Attic Fires
		Timelines
	Collection and Preservation of Evidence
		Debris Suspected of Containing Volatiles
		Other Solid Evidence
		Liquids
		Testing of Hands
		Testing of Clothing
		Chain of Evidence
	Analysis and Hypothesis Testing
	Chapter Review
	Summary
	Review Questions
	References
Chapter 8 Wildland Fires and Their Investigation
	Fire Spread
	Fuels
		Fire Spread
		Moisture Content
		Intensity of Wildland Fire
	Fire Behavior
		Effect of Wind
		Effect of Tall Fuels
		Other Effects
	Determination of Origin
		Investigation Methodology
		First Evaluation
		Other Sources of Information
		The Scene Search
		Burn Indicators
		Documentation
	Sources of Ignition
		Power Lines
		Lightning
		Burning or Hot Fragments
		Campfires
		Cigarettes
		Incendiary Fires
		Modeling
	Collection and Preservation of Physical Evidence
		Cigarettes, Matchbooks, and Other Fragile Evidence
		Shoe and Tire Impressions
		Charred Matches
		Debris Suspected of Containing Volatiles
		Containers
		Weather Data
	Chapter Review
	Summary
	Review Questions
	References
Chapter 9 Automobile, Motor Vehicle, and Marine Fires
	Automobiles and Motor Vehicles
		Fuel Tanks
		Fuel Tank Connections
		Fuel Pumps, Fuel Lines, and Carburetors
		Fuel Injection Systems
		Vehicle Fuels
		Other Combustible Liquids
		Engine Fuel System Fires
		Electrical Systems
		Miscellaneous Causes
		Considerations for Fire Investigation
		Combustible Materials
		Miscellaneous Ignition Mechanisms
	Vehicle Arson
		Considerations for Fire Investigation
	Protocol for Vehicle Examination
		Safety
		Photography and Sketches
		Importance of Scene Preservation
		Exterior Examination
		Evidence of Stripping
		Considerations for Fire Investigation
	Motorhomes and Other Recreational Vehicles
		Characteristics of Motorhomes
		Fire Risk
		Propane Tanks
		Considerations for Fire Investigation
	Mobile Homes (Manufactured Housing)
		Construction and Materials
		Considerations for Fire Investigation
	Heavy Equipment
	Boats and Ships
		Ships
		Tankers
		Ship Construction and Firefighting Techniques
	Motives for Vehicle and Marine Arson
	Chapter Review
	Summary
	Review Questions
	References
Chapter 10 Electrical Causes of Fires
	Basic Electricity
		Static Electricity
		Current Electricity
		Direct and Alternating Current (DC and AC)
		Electrical Units
		Electrical Calculations
		Series and Parallel Circuits
	Electrical Systems
		Conductors and Insulators
		Current-Carrying Capability (Ampacity)
	Protection—Overcurrent and Short Circuit
		Fuses
		Circuit Breakers
		Thermal Protectors
		Surge Protection Devices
		Overcurrent Devices and Fire Investigation
		Ground Fault Interrupters
		Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters
		Open Neutral
	Electrical Service Distribution
		Service Entrance
		Receptacles
	Ignition by Electrical Means
		Conduction Heating
		Overheating by Excessive Current
		Overheating by Poor Connection
		Insulation Breakdown (Degradation)—Carbon Tracking
		Arcs and Sparks
		Aluminum Wiring
		Electric Transformers and Motors
		Fixed Heaters
		Appliances
		Electric Lighting
		Electric Blankets
		Extension Cords
		Heat Tapes and Heat Cable
		Batteries
	Investigation of Electricity-Related Fires
		Post-Fire Indicators
		Mapping of Arc Faults
		Arcing Through Char
		Laboratory Examination
	Chapter Review
	Summary
	Review Questions
	References
Chapter 11 Clothing and Fabric Fires
	Types of Fabric
		Natural Fibers
		Petroleum-Based Synthetic Fibers
		Non-Petroleum-Based Synthetic Fibers
	Fire Hazards
		Influence of Weave and Fiber
		Clothing Ignition
	Regulation of Flammable Fabrics
		Regulation of Flammable Fabrics
	Furniture Testing
	Flammability Testing
		Flammability Tests for Federal Regulations
		Flammability Tests for California Regulations
		General Observations
		Considerations for Fire Investigators
	Chapter Review
	Summary
	Review Questions
	References
Chapter 12 Explosions and Explosive Combustion
	Chemical Explosions
	Key Terms and Concepts
	Diffuse-Phase Explosions
		Gases
		Vapors and Vapor Density
		Deflagrations
		Ignition
	Condensed-Phase Explosions
		Chemical and Physical Properties
	Types and Characteristics of Explosives
		Propellants or Low Explosives
		High Explosives
		High Explosive Categories
		Components
		High-Order/Low-Order Explosions
	Mechanical Explosions
		Acid, Gas, or Bottle Bombs
		BLEVEs
	Electrical Explosions
	Investigation of Explosions
		The Scene Search
		Speed and Force of Reaction
		Scene Evaluation and Hypothesis Formation
		Evidence Recovery
		Laboratory Analysis
		Incident Analysis
	Chapter Review
	Summary
	Review Questions
	References
Chapter 13 Chemical Fires and Hazardous Materials
	Gases
		Hydrocarbons
		Other Gases
	Liquids
		Solvents
		Miscellaneous Liquids
	Solids
		Incendiary Mixtures
		Oxidizing Salts
		Reactive Metals
	Clandestine Laboratories
		Clandestine Drug Laboratories
		Marijuana Cultivation
		Clandestine Explosives Laboratories
	Warnings
		NFPA 704 System
		Federal Hazardous Materials Transportation System
	Chapter Review
	Summary
	Review Questions
	References
Chapter 14 Laboratory Services
	Availability of Laboratory Services
		Forensic Laboratories
		Fire Testing Laboratories
		Expert Qualifications
	Identification of Volatile Accelerants
		Gas Chromatography
		Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)
		Sample Handling and Isolation of Volatile Residues
		Identification of Volatile Residues
		Interpretation of GC Results
	Chemical Incendiaries
		Improvised Mixtures
		Laboratory Methods
	General Fire Evidence
		Identification of Charred or Burned Materials
		Burned Documents
		Failure Analysis by Forensic Engineers
		Evaluation of Appliances and Wiring
		Miscellaneous Laboratory Tests
		Spoliation
	Non-Fire-Related Physical Evidence
		Fingerprints
		Blood
		Impression Evidence
		Physical Matches
		Trace Evidence
	Chapter Review
	Summary
	Review Questions
	References
Chapter 15 Fire-Related Deaths and Injuries
	The Team Effort
		Species of Remains
		Identity of the Victim
		Cause of Death
		Manner of Death
		Victim Status at Time of Death
		Death Due to Fire versus Death Associated with Fire
	Pathological and Toxicological Examination
		General Considerations
		Destruction of the Body
		Effects of Fire
		Other Pathological Findings
	Carbon Monoxide Asphyxiation
		The Carbon Monoxide Hazard
		Effect of Rate of Absorption
		Sources of Carbon Monoxide
		Investigation of Carbon Monoxide Asphyxiations
	Other Toxic Gases
		Hydrogen Cyanide and Other Toxic Gases
		Toxic Gases from Sulfur-Containing Polymers
	Other Mechanisms
		Burn Injuries
		Manner of Death
	Chapter Review
	Summary
	Review Questions
	References
Chapter 16 Arson as a Crime
	The Crime of Arson
	Arson Law
	Elements of Proof
		Direct and Circumstantial Evidence
	Motive
		Profit
		Vandalism
		Juvenile Fire Setting
		Excitement and Thrill Seeking
		Revenge, Retaliation, or Spite
		Concealment of another Crime
		Extremism (Social Protest and Terrorism)
		Mixed Motives
		Irrational Fire Setting
	The Arson Set
		Arranging the Fire—Location
		Fuels
		Method of Initiation
	Deductions from the Interpretation of Evidence
		Criminal Investigative Analysis or Profiling
		Analytical Reasoning
		Elimination of Accidental or Natural Causes
	Chapter Review
	Summary
	Review Questions
	Court Citations
	References
Chapter 17 Other Investigative Topics
	Safety and Health
	Fire Modeling
		Mathematical Fire Modeling
		Zone Models
		Field Models
		Models for Specialized Applications
		ASTM and Critical Modeling Issues
		What Should We Ask about Any Model We Use?
		Fire Assessment
		Documentation
		Model Evaluation
		Testing Complex Computer Models
	Critical Analysis of Cases
	Search and Seizure
		Search and Seizure Court Decisions
	Sources of Information
	Spoliation
		Public-Sector Investigators and Spoliation
		Private-Sector Investigators and Spoliation
		Consequences of Spoliation
	Chain of Evidence
		Report Writing
		Report Summary
		The Scene
		The Investigation
		Report Conclusions
		Report Writing Basics
	Courtroom Testimony
		The Expert Witness
		Pretrial Preparation
		Testimony
	Scientific Method
	Chapter Review
	Summary
	Review Questions
	Court Citations
	References
Suggested Reading
Glossary
	A
	B
	C
	D
	E
	F
	G
	H
	I
	J
	M
	N
	O
	P
	R
	S
	T
	V
	W
Index
	A
	B
	C
	D
	E
	F
	G
	H
	I
	J
	K
	L
	M
	N
	O
	P
	Q
	R
	S
	T
	U
	V
	W
	X
	Z