Arson Detection

Question 0

Suspicious fire is

Answer 0

A designation given by the IC in command of the fire operation and is one of the circumstances in which a fire Marshall is called to the scene to investigate and determine the cause origin and circumstances of the fire

Question 1

Incendiary fire is

Answer 1

A designation given to the fire in which the fire Marshall has determined through physical examination of the fire scene and interview with witness that fire was intentionally set by someone

Question 2

A fire is suspicious if

Answer 2

1. Indication that the fire has been set and all accidental cause have not been eliminated ( when all accidental causes eliminated fire is incendiary )
2. A threat proceeding fire
3. One in a series of similar fires
4. Premise normally locked are found unlocked
   5 . Stock or belongings we’re removed prior to fire . Any act or circumstances which cannot be explained and which tends to indicate that the fire may be intentionally set

Question 3

Trailers are

Answer 3

Material arranged to spread fire fro it’s point of origin to other areas of the occupancy
Cotton waste, rags ,paper, fluids excelsior , waste film and others )

Question 4

Plants

Answer 4

Material arranged to start and feed he initial fire

Candles matches electrical mechanical chemicals and others

Question 5

Accelerants

Answer 5

Gasoline kerosene turpentine alcohol paint thinner cut or disconnected gas lines

Question 6

Ignition devices are

Answer 6

Mechanical chemical or electrical means to imitate a fire

Question 7

Protected areas

Answer 7

The clean unburned area left by stock furniture contents etc covering shelves floors or other combustible areas

Question 8

If occupants claim they were in bed at time of the fire you should observe what about them

Answer 8

Notice there dress such a as shoes being laced and tied and if wearing ties

Question 9

Who determines a fire to be incendiary

Answer 9

Fire Marshall

Question 10

If the fire is deemed suspicious by IC a fire Marshall is called to the scene to determine

Answer 10

Cause origin and circumstances of fire

Question 11

Following are indications of the use of flammable accelerants

Answer 11

1. Charring on the floor or low burn marks on the wall or under the door or on the lower part of the door
2. Char in broken patterns or “ puddle like “ circle burns on the floor
3. low burning and deep charring
4. Heavy body of fire with little contents

Question 12

When recording info from occupants and witness you should

Answer 12

Don’t not interrogate let them talk freely
Get names and addresses if possible
Do not put names or statements of witness on the face of fire reports

Question 13

Relatives neighbors spectators the media and members of the department shall not cross established fire lines unless authorized by

Answer 13

The assigned fire Marshall and or chief of ops

Question 14

The fire scene investigation may involve 3 individual investigations which are

Answer 14

1. Fire origin
2. Fire cause
3. And fire death investigation

Question 15

Who makes the cause of death determination

Answer 15

The fire Marshall and the medical examiner

Question 16

Absence of CO in the blood could indicate death prior to the fire Signs the of co In blood are

Answer 16

1. May cause victims to appear life like

2. Pink to cherry red color of lips eyelids or skin

Question 17

Lividity is cause by settling of the blood to the lowest horizontal areas of the body and may

Answer 17

Show as pink or red skin ( do not confuse with cheery red skin of co poisoning)
Usually starts one to,two hours after death and is completed 3 to,4 hours after
Could indicate victim was moved after death and placed at scene

Question 18

Signs that victim may have been alive before fire

Answer 18

Skull exploding outward 
Pugilistic pose 
Shoot around nose 
Pink or cheery red skin 
Victim found  in unburned areas

Question 19

Safeguarding evidence

Answer 19

Use a completely air tight container made from non- odorous materials
Container should be a one gallon metal can such as a new paint can ( never used on ethane was previously used !
No new can a use clean glass jar with tight fitting lid
Try to avoid using plastic containers
Plastic bag may be used in emergency it should be new heavy gauge and used in pairs(ASAP place into can or jar )

Question 20

Continuity of evidence

Answer 20

1. Where possible do not remove evidence before arrival of fire Marshall
2. Request photo unit to take pics of evidence if a Marshall not responding
3. label and mark evidence and note where it was found at he fire scene NEVER Label mark or alter any evidence in any way prior to,photos
4. Evidence cannot be left in office unless it is locked or someone signs and remains with evidence

Question 21

Point of origin

Answer 21

Where fire started and at this point it can usually be determined if fire was accidental or incendiary in nature
May be an exact point or a general area( accelerant )

Question 22

V-patterns

Answer 22

May help id point of origin
Usually point towards point of origin
Absence of V-pattern may be an indication that accelerant used (accelerant may cause perpendicular burns)
Most fires have v-shaped patter with apex at. Bottom this pattern may be altered by the presence of any obstructions or of readily burned fuel in localized areas

Question 23

Heavy smoke stains remote form the point of origin usually indicate

Answer 23

Slow fire build up

Question 24

Light smoke stains usually indicate

Answer 24

A rapid build up of fire
Little fire damaged
And are found close to the point of origin
Hydrocarbon fires may be the exception ( which is. Most of today’s fires )

Question 25

What are the highest priority fires for fire Marshall’s

Answer 25

DOA fires

Incendiary commercial fires

Question 26

Small crazing of glass indicates

Answer 26

Intense rapid heat build up and will be found closer to point of origin

Question 27

Large glass crazing indicates

Answer 27

Remoteness form point of origin and or relatively slow heat build up

Question 28

Checkering of glass is an indication half moon or effects or marks

Answer 28

Usually results form water being applied to heated glass

Indicated glass was in place when ffs operated at fire

Question 29

Depth of charring as an indicator of fires travel and point of origin

Answer 29

Wood structural May burn ~1 “ every 45 min
Depth of charr may indicate time burned
Deepest charr may be found at point of origin , not always true cause deepest char may be above point of origin
Smaller blistering type charring may indicate longer burning at hot fires