EXPLOSIVE Flashcards
- is an activity intended to save lives and property.
-It is one of the most important emergency services in a community.
FIRE FIGHTING
The history of organized firefighting began in ancient Rome while under the rule of
Augustus
The first firefighters were
Roman slaves
Emperor Augustus established the vigiles, a 7,000-man firefighting force divided into
seven regiments
In the early 1900s, petrol-powered fire engines were introduced, but many countries were slow to change from
horse-drawn pumps
is responsible for the prevention and suppression of all destructive fires in buildings, houses and other structures, forests, land transportation vehicles and equipment, ships or vessels docked at piers or wharves or anchored in major seaports, petroleum industry installations, plane crashes and other similar incidents incidents.
BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION (BFP)
created the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to be responsible for the prevention and suppression of all destructive fires and to enforce the laws on fire.
- Republic Act # 6975, the (DILG) Act of 1990
is the descriptive term referring to the various methods used by the bureau to stop, extinguish and control destructive fire for eventual prevention of loss of life and property.
Fire Protection
refers to the various safety measures utilized to stop harmful or destructive fires from starting.
Fire Prevention and Suppression
Fire protection and control is affected by the
accumulation of fire hazards
is any condition or act that increases or may cause an increase in the probability that fire will occur or which may obstruct, delay, hinder or interfere with firefighting operations and the safeguarding of life and property.
FIRE HAZARDS
CONDITIONS OF FIRE HAZARDS
- Existence of dangerous or unlawful amounts of combustible or explosives in the building not designed to store such materials.
- Defective or improperly installed facilities/ equipment.
- Lack of adequate exit facilities.
- Obstruction at fire escapes or other designated openings for firefighters.
- Dangerous accumulation of rubbish waste and other highly combustible materials.
- Accumulation of dust in the ventilation system or of grease in the kitchen.
- Building under repair.
- Very old buildings or buildings are primarily made of combustible materials.
- It is the act of protecting life and property in the event of fires in their area,
- rescuing and protecting people in the event of a road traffic collision, and rescuing and protecting people in the event of other emergencies.
FIREFIGHTING
Also known as “Pre-Fire Planning,”
-is a joint venture between emergency services personnel and the occupants/owners of the property. The plan addresses vital fire protection concerns, such as: building layout, access, contents, construction details, types and locations of built-in fire protection devices. It includes all data which can have an impact on decisions or actions taken during an emergency.
PRE-PLANNING
- This refers to the on-going evaluation of problems confronted within a fire situation. Size-up starts with the receipt of an alarm and continues until the fire is under control. This process is carried out many times and by many different individuals at each fire or emergency event. The responsibility of size-up initially lies with the first officer of the first unit or company that arrives on scene.
EVALUATION SIZE-UP
is the constant gathering of information and knowledge that will protect all firefighters who are operating at the scene of a fire or emergency. The end result of which will almost always insure a successful and safe operation.
Size-up
- Fires, explosions, bomb threats and chemical spills are among the occurrences that may require emergency evacuation of university facilities.
-Continuous sound and flashing of fire alarm horns and strobes in any university owned, leased or operated facility is the evacuation signal. Everyone who is alerted by this alarm is required to evacuate the facility as quickly and as calmly as possible.
EVACUATION
STRATEGIES OF EVACUATION
- Simultaneous Evacuation
- Vertical Phased Evacuation
- Staff Alarm Evacuation (Silent Alarm)
- Defend in Place
- In most premises, the evacuation in case of fire will simply be by means of everyone reacting to the warning signal given when a fire is discovered, then making their way, by the means of escape, to a place of safety away from the premises.
Simultaneous Evacuation
- In some cases, it may not be appropriate for a general alarm to start immediate evacuation, example is in Cinemas and Theatres. This could be because of the number of members of the public present and the need for the staff to put pre-arranged plans for the safe evacuation of the premises into action.
- can be given (by fire records, personal pagers, discreet sounders or a coded phrase on a public address system etc.). Following the staff alarm, a more general alarm signal can be given and a simultaneous or phased evacuation started.
Staff Alarm Evacuation (Silent Alarm)
- This strategy may be considered in blocks of flats where each flat is a minimum 60 minutes fire resisting compartment. It may also be considered in hospitals or nursing homes where patients are connected to life supporting equipment and cannot be moved.
- This allows the occupants to stay put and allow the fire service to extinguish the fire. If the fire spreads and it cannot be controlled then they will initiate a full evacuation.
Defend in Place
take the window, break the window, open the window. The firefighter or person in-charge should be prepared to enter that room as soon as the glass shards are cleared from the bottom of the sash and should not hesitate.
Vent
this means close the door. Your priority is to remember and visualize your way to the interior door
Isolate
, feel around, crawl, locate the victim.
- Search
operations is to perform all emergency procedures that are necessary to recover personnel from situations that prohibit their escape. The first consideration of the firefighter is always that of saving lives.
-the removal of victims to a safe place must be made without further injury. Extreme care must be taken in removing personnel who appear to be injured.
RESCUE
refers to the risk of a fire spreading to an adjacent building or structure.
- Firefighters must take into account the potential for exposure when planning their attack on a fire, in order to prevent it from spreading and causing further damage.
EXPOSURE
is a confined space that refers to an area that is not intended for continuous human occupancy and has limited or restricted means for entry and exit, such as tanks, silos, crawl spaces, and manholes.
- These spaces can also have limited natural ventilation and can become hazardous to enter due to the presence of toxic gasses, lack of oxygen, or other dangerous conditions.
CONFINEMENT
is an essential part of firefighting. It refers to the process of removing heat, smoke, and toxic gasses from a burning building in order to improve visibility and air quality for firefighters and occupants. This can be done through natural or mechanical means.
VENTILATION
- involves opening windows, doors, and other openings to allow the heat, smoke, and gasses to escape.
Natural Ventilation
involves using powered equipment to force air into or out of a building. This can be done using positive pressure ventilation (PPV) fans, which blow air into a building, or negative pressure ventilation (NPV) fans, which suck air out of a building.
Mechanical Ventilation
is the protection of buildings and their contents from unnecessary damage due to water, smoke, and other elements, both during and after a fire.
-can allow families to continue living in their homes within a few hours after a fire has occurred, with irreplaceable personal effects and property intact.
SALVAGE
- This is the process of putting out the main body of fire by using the 4 general methods of fire extinguishment.
EXTINGUISHMENT
4 general methods of fire extinguishment.
a. Cooling the Burning Material
b. Excluding Oxygen from the Fire
c. Removing Fuel from the Fire
d. Using a Flame Inhibitor
is widely available and is the best cooling agent to use, especially in fires involving solid materials.
WATER
are substances used to extinguish a fire by cutting off the oxygen supply.
Smothering agents
which is the content of some fire extinguishers, can help to cool down and isolate the fuel surface from the air, eliminating combustion and being able to resist wind and draught disruption.
FOAM
are substances that chemically react with the burning material, thus extinguishing the flames
- Flame inhibitors
is the complete and detailed check of the structure and all materials therein to eliminate conditions that may cause re-flash.
- happens after the fire has been “knocked down” and completely extinguished. a
- A firefighter or a team of firefighters will assess the area. The area could have fire indicators about or even hidden fires, and that’s what an overhaul focuses on.
- the firefighter(s) will search the entire scene, looking for these hidden fires. They’re also searching for hot spots
-are hugely important for securing the scene, preserving evidence, controlling loss, preventing secondary fires, and keeping firefighters safe.
OVERHAUL
This is the final stage of fire suppression activities. It is an inquiry conducted to know or determine the origin and cause of a fire.
FIRE SCENE INVESTIGATION
Fire investigators first assess the scene to determine the extent of the damage and potential hazards, as well as to identify any potential sources of ignition.
Scene assessment
- Investigators collect physical evidence, such as debris and samples of fire-damaged materials, for laboratory analysis. They also document the scene through photographs, sketches, and notes. Interviews and research - Investigators interview witnesses, examine records, and conduct research to gather information about the fire, including its cause and origin.
Evidence collection
. The primary objective is to rescue individuals in distress, with ladder operators searching for trapped people, utilizing ladders for rescues through windows when possible.
- Notably, the height of most trucks’ ladders is limited to around eight stories. For higher floors, fire fighters’ resort to stairs or elevators. Additionally, ventilating the building is crucial to expel accumulated smoke, heat, and gasses generated during the fire.
Fighting a Building Fire
process in which firefighters try to save any furniture or other property not damaged by fire.
Salvage
process in which firefighters search the building for hidden sparks that might cause another blaze.
Overhaul
stage wherein the officer in charge makes out a report that gives all the important facts about the fire. The report includes information on injuries, the cause of the fire, and the estimated cost of repairing the damage.
Initial Investigation
occur in areas that are hard to reach and far from a source of water. Local fire brigades have trucks that carry water and can travel over rough land.
-Observers in helicopters or airplanes may fly over the fire and report on its size and behavior.
-Sometimes, helicopters or airplanes are also used to carry firefighters to the fire or to drop chemicals that slow the spread of the fire.
Fighting a Forest Fire
a barrier of cleared or plowed land intended to check a forest or grass fire. In some cases, firefighters allow a grassland or forest fire to burn. They may do so if the fire has been caused by lightning or some other natural event.
Fireline / Fire Break
Our firefighting organizations have rescue companies to handle non-fire emergencies. For example, rescue workers may be called to free people trapped under the wreckage of a fallen building or in a car after an accident.
Emergency Rescue Operations
Many firefighters provide medical care in non-fire emergencies before the patient is taken to the hospital.
Emergency Medical Operations
-these units make up an important part of their community’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system.
- operate ambulances and use communication equipment to stay in touch with a nearby hospital.
Paramedics
To help prevent fires and reduce fire losses, local firefighting services inspect public buildings. They also teach people about fire safety.
- Fire Prevention and Fire Safety
- By the provisions of the Building Code (PD 1185),
- the Fire Bureau conducts inspection of buildings as theaters, stores, schools, and hospitals. The code specifies certain requirements like portable fire extinguishers, a certain number of exits, and other fire safety features in public buildings. Large buildings may be required to provide built-in sprinkler systems and special water lines to which fire hoses can be attached and to have fire alarm systems.
Public Building Inspection
consists of a network of pipes installed throughout a building. The pipes carry water to nozzles in the ceiling. The heat from a fire causes the nozzles directly above the fire to open and spray water.
Sprinkler System
- Firefighting services work with other local agencies to teach people how to prevent fires and what to do during a fire.
- The firefighting officials serve as instructors or advisers in fire safety courses in schools. They educate the public about deaths caused by fires that occur in private homes. Firefighting groups advise people to install smoke detectors in their homes.
Public Education Program
- a device that sounds an alarm if a small amount of smoke enters their sensors.
- are attached to the ceiling or wall in several areas of the home.
- Smoke Detector
“To extinguish a fire, interrupt or eliminate the supply of any or all of the elements of fire. Fire can be extinguished by reducing/ lowering the temperature, eliminating the fuel supply, or by stopping the chemical chain reaction.”
FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT THEORY
4 general methods of fire extinguishment:
- Extinguishments by Temperature Reduction
- Extinguishments by Fuel Removal
- Extinguishment by Oxygen Dilution
- Extinguishment by Chemical Inhibition
Cooling the temperature of the fire environment; usually done by using
WATER
It suppress fire by interrupting the chemical chain reaction in the combustion process, working in the fire chemically instead of physically.
Halogenated agents
Fire Extinguishing Methods
Cooling Method (Class A Fires)
Smothering Method (Class B Fires)
Electrical Fire Approach (Class C Fires)
Metal Fire Extinguishing (Class D Fires)
Cooking Oil and Fat Fires (Class K Fires)
, the main aim is to eliminate heat from the fire triangle. To do this, employ water or a water-based extinguisher to cool the flames and lower the fire’s temperature. Direct the extinguishing substance at the fire’s base and persist until the flames are quenched.
Cooling Method (Class A Fires)
the key is to smother the fire to prevent the release of flammable vapors. Foam fire extinguishers and dry chemical extinguishers work well for this purpose. Apply the extinguishing agent to cover the surface of the liquid, creating a barrier between the fuel and the oxygen.
Smothering Method (Class B Fires)
linked to electrical equipment, it’s essential to utilize non-conductive substances to prevent electric shock. Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are optimal for this objective. CO2 displaces oxygen, effectively smothering the fire, and it leaves no residue behind.
Electrical Fire Approach (Class C Fires)
- Fires containing combustible metals like magnesium or titanium are infrequent but demand particular consideration.
- dry powder extinguishers are tailored to disrupt the chemical reaction in such fires, creating a crust over the flames to deprive them of oxygen.
Metal Fire Extinguishing (Class D Fires)
typically occurring in commercial kitchens, entail cooking oils and fats
-. The extinguishing substance interacts with the cooking oil, generating a soap-like solution, efficiently quenching the fire and inhibiting rekindling.
Cooking Oil and Fat Fires (Class K Fires)
is a mechanical device, usually made of metal, containing chemicals, fluids, or gasses for stopping fires, the means for application of its contents for the purpose of putting out fire (particularly small fire) before it propagates, and is capable of being readily moved from place to place.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
- WATER FIRE EXTINGUISHER
- LIQUEFIED FIRE EXTINGUISHER
- DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHER
- FOAM EXTINGUISHER
- SODA-ACID FIRE EXTINGUISHER
- VAPORIZING LIQUID FIRE EXTINGUISHER
- CARBONDIOXIDE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
used in dealing with Class A and Class B fires except for class C fires.
WATER FIRE EXTINGUISHER
contain Carbon Monoxide Gas used to fight class A, B, and C fires.
-Carbon dioxide extinguishes work by displacing oxygen or taking away the oxygen element of the fire triangle.
-May be ineffective at extinguishing Class A fires because they may not be able to displace enough oxygen to successfully put the fire out
LIQUEFIED FIRE EXTINGUISHER
-They work effectively on Class A and B fires.
-It puts out the fire by depriving it of air supply.
-Contains sodium bicarbonate and a foam stabilizing agent in a larger compartment and a solution of aluminum sulfate (forms a stabilized foam of carbon dioxide bubbles)
FOAM EXTINGUISHER
-Those that contain chemical powder intended to fight all classes of fires.
- put out fire by coating the fuel with a thin layer of dust, separating the fuel from the oxygen in the air.
-Interrupt the chemical reaction of fire, so it is extremely effective at putting out fire.
DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHER
-The most powerful fire extinguisher for use in the home.
-Sodium bicarbonate and sulphuric acid are used in soda-acid fire extinguishers.
-Consists of a strong iron vessel with a discharge nozzle on the side.
- SODA-ACID FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Contains non-conducting liquid, generalization carbon tetrachloride or chlorobromomethane
-Operated by manual pumping or using a stored pressure Usually used in fires involving flammable liquids or electrical equipment
VAPORIZING LIQUID FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Filled with non-flammable carbon dioxide gas under extreme pressure This is effective against burning liquids and fires in live electrical equipment; used mainly to put out Class C fires
- CARBONDIOXIDE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
EXTINGUISHING AGENTS
- MULTI-PURPOSEDRYCHEMICALS ABC or Multi-Purpose
- HALON
- AQUEOUS FILM FORMINGFOAM (AFFF)
-Dry Chemical portable fire extinguisher
-Useful for Class A, B and C fires
-Contain a specially fluidized and siliconized mono ammonium phosphate chemical
-It chemically insulates a Class A fire, smothers and breaks the chain reaction for a Class B fire, and will not conduct electricity back to the operator in a Class C fire.
MULTI-PURPOSEDRYCHEMICALS ABC or Multi-Purpose
-Organohalogen compounds containing bromine and fluorine and one or two carbons
-BANNED, causing damage to the Ozone layer.
-Interrupting chain reactions that propagate the combustion process.
HALON
-Fire suppressant used to fight flammable liquid fires.
-Used in firefighting training facilities and vehicles, ships and shore facilities and military facilities
-May increase the risk of serious health problems, including cancer CARBONDIOXIDE Works by displacing oxygen, or taking away the oxygen element of the fire triangle Very cold as it comes out of the extinguisher, so it cools the fuel as well
AQUEOUS FILM FORMINGFOAM (AFFF)
THE GENERAL OPERATING PROCEDURES IN FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT
PASS
-PULL
-AIM
-SQUEEZE
-SWEEP
By pulling the pin or releasing the safety clip on the fire extinguisher. This action allows you to discharge the extinguishing agent when you squeeze the handle or trigger.
PULL
Direct the nozzle or hose of the extinguisher at the base of the flames, not at the top of the fire. By aiming at the base, you target the source of the fire, which is essential for effective extinguishment.
AIM
to discharge the extinguishing agent. Maintaining a firm grip on the extinguisher, apply consistent pressure to ensure a steady flow of the extinguishing agent onto the fire.
SQUEEZE
helps to evenly distribute the extinguishing agent and cover a wider area, ensuring thorough extinguishment.
SWEEP
refers to tools and devices used by firefighters to extinguish fires, protect property, and save lives during fire emergencies.
FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
a network or set of equipment used by firefighters to communicate effectively during emergencies.
COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
are the backbone of firefighter communication systems. These radios allow firefighters to communicate with each other and with incident command personnel in real time.
Two-Way Radios
to maintain hands-free communication while wearing their protective gear.
Headsets and Microphone
refers to garments and gear designed to shield firefighters from heat, flames, smoke, hazardous chemicals, and other dangers encountered during firefighting operations.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHES / personal protective equipment (PPE)
used by firefighters to protect their heads from falling objects and flying debris during a firefight or rescue operation.
Fire Helmet
- protects a firefighter’s eyes from flying embers, sparks and other debris while fighting fires inside structures or while doing searchand-rescue operations in smokefilled areas where there is no visibility due to thick smoke conditions.
Face Shield/ Visor
to protect their feet from burns and stab wounds caused by hot materials such as melted plastics, paper, wood or other combustible objects that may have been trapped inside a building.
Fire Boots
used by firefighters to protect their eyes from dust, smoke and toxic gases in the air during an emergency situation or when performing search-and-rescue operations inside smokefilled areas.
Goggles
protects his body from burns through direct skin contact with flames and heat sources during firefighting operations.
Fire Suit/ Jacket
worn by firefighters to protect their hands from cuts and abrasions caused by falling objects during rescue operations involving escape of people trapped inside structures like buildings after a fire breaks out there.
Fire Gloves
are specialized vehicles equipped with firefighting equipment and tools used to respond to and combat fires.
FIRE VEHICLES
refer to motorized vehicles equipped with pumps and water tanks used to deliver water to fire scenes and support firefighting operations.
ENGINES
specialized firefighting vehicles equipped with extendable ladders used for rescue operations, accessing elevated areas, and providing a platform for firefighting personnel
LADDER APPLIANCE
- also known as firefighting apparatus or appliances, are highly customized vehicles used during firefighting operations. They are designed to serve different purposes and functions. Here are some types of firefighting vehicles:
FIRE FIGHTING VEHICLES
are designed to handle specific types of emergencies and situations.
SPECIAL FIRE VEHICLES
represents the three components that fires need to exist: heat, oxygen, and fuel.
- If one of these components is missing, a fire can’t start or spread. So, one basic strategy for preventing fires is to isolate these sources.
Fire Triangle
FIRE PREVENTION AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Understanding the Fire Triangle
Regular Inspection and Maintenance Install
Installation of Fire Protection Systems
Safe Storage of Flammable Materials
Fire Safety Education
Creating and Practicing a Fire Escape Plan
Fireproofing Your Kitchen
This may be an exact point or a general area. In almost all cases, the point of origin must be correctly located to properly determine the fire’s cause.
Destruction of Evidence
occurs during the free-burning stage of the fire when pyrolytic decomposition moves upward on the walls leaving a bunt pattern.
fingerprint of fire
a. Insurance fraud – benefiting
b. Desire to dispose of merchandise – loss of market value being out of season, lack of raw materials, and oversupply of merchandise can be a big reason for arson.
c. Existing business transactions that the arsonist would like to avoid such as impending liquidation, settlement of estate, need for cash, prospective business failure, and increased rentals.
d. Profit by the Perpetrator other than the Assured like insurance business, business competitors planning to drive others, person seeking jobs as personnel protection, salvagers and contractors wishing to contact another building
Economic Gain
- When the purpose of hiding a crime or committing a crime, arson was used as a means.
Concealment of Crime
-Committing arson to inflict injury on another due to hatred, jealousy, and revenge.
Punitive Measure
-Arsonists as saboteurs, strikers, and racketeers to intimidate management or employers.
Intimidation
or
Economic Disabling
has the uncontrollable impulse to burn anything without any motivation. They do not run away from the fire scene since they love watching fire burning.
Pyromania
TYPES OF PYROMANIA
- Abnormal Youth
- Hero Type
- Drug Addicts and Alcoholic
- Sexual Deviates and Perverts
- Epileptics, Imbeciles, and Morons:
-Individuals in this category may exhibit pyromania due to cognitive or developmental challenges.
-Epileptics, imbeciles, and morons might lack impulse control or have difficulties understanding the consequences of their actions, leading to fire-setting behaviors.
Abnormal Youth
-Some individuals engage in pyromania to fulfill a psychological need for recognition or admiration.
-This type involves deliberately setting a fire and then taking on the role of a hero by pretending to discover the fire, activating alarms, or participating in rescue efforts to garner attention and praise.
Hero Type
-Substance abuse, particularly with drugs and alcohol, can impair judgment and exacerbate impulsive behaviors.
-Individuals under the influence may set fires either as a result of altered mental states or to cope with underlying issues, making this category a complex intersection of substance abuse and pyromania.
Drug Addicts and Alcoholics
-Some individuals with deviant sexual tendencies may engage in pyromania as a form of arousal or gratification.
-The act of arson becomes intertwined with their sexual preferences, reflecting a complex and dangerous combination of psychological factors.
Sexual Deviates and Perverts
Involves identification results from the full development of leads clues and traces and; the testimony and the development of expert witnesses and the development of expert testimony
PRIME SUSPECTS (AND THE PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE)
- These signs maybe obvious that the first fireman at the scene will suspects arson or they may be so well concealed that months of patient investigation to show that it is set off will be required.
Tell-Tale Signs of Arson
the type of the building may indicate a set fire under certain circumstance. A fire of considerable size at the time the first apparatus arrive at the scene is suspicious if it is a modern concrete or semi-concrete building.
Burned Building
when two or more separate fire breaks out within a building. The fire is certainly suspicious.
Separate fires
some fire burn with little or no smoke but they are exception. The observation of the smoke must be made at the start of the fire since once the fire has assumed a major proportion, the value of the smoke is lost, because the smoke will not indicate the material used by the arsonist
Color of Smoke
appears before the water from the fire hose comes in contact with the fire, it indicates humid material burning. Example – burning hay, vegetable materials, phosphorus (with garlic odor).
white smoke
- irritating the nose and throat and causing lacrymation and coughing indicates the presence of chlorine.
Biting smoke
indicates nitrocellulose, S1, H2, S04, HN03, or HCI.
Reddish-brown smoke
Black smoke with deep red flame
petroleum products, tar, rubber, plastics, etc.
Heavy brown with bright red flame
nitrogen products
- White smoke with bright flame
magnesium products
Black smoke with red and blue green flame –
asphalt
Purple-violet flame
potassium products
Greenish-yellow flame
Chloride
or
Manganese products
Bright reddish yellow flame
Calcium products
is a good indication of the intensity of the fire, an important factor in determining incendiarism.
color of the flame
indicates heat of 5000 degrees centigrade,
reddish glow
indicate of petroleum
Red flames
indicates use of alcohol as accelerant
Blue flame
An experience investigation will determine the volume of smoke involved at a fire and the character as residue deposited on walls or elsewhere.
- have often been of assistance in determining the possibility of a fire having more than one place of origin.
Smoke Marks
This is important when correlated with the type of alarm, the time received and the time of arrival of the first fire apparatus.
Fires make what might be termed a normal progress. Such progress can be estimated after an examination of the material burned the building and the normal ventilation offered of the fire.
The time element and the degree of headway by the flames become important factors to determine possible incendiarism.
Size of Fire
While it is admitted that no two fires burn in identical fashion, yet it can be shown that fire makes normal progress through various types of building materials, combustibility of contents, channel of ventilation and circumstances surrounding the sending of alarm, an experienced investigator can determine whether a fire spread abnormally fast.
Direction of Travel
The degree of heat given off by a fire and the color of its flame oftentimes indicate that some accelerant has been added to the material normally present in a building and the investigator must look for further evidence pointing to use of such accelerant.
Difficulty in extinguishing the fire is often a lead to suspect presence of such fluid as gasoline and kerosene.
Intensity
The odor of gasoline, alcohol, kerosene and other inflammable liquids which are often used as
accelerant
Persons tending to set their house on fire frequently remove objects of value either materially or sentimentally. Store and other business establishments oftentimes remove a major portion of their content or replace valuable merchandise without style articles.
Condition of Content
(checking of charred wood giving it the appearance of alligator skin)
- caused by the fire often can be used to trace the fire to its origin.
- The pattern at the point of origin is smaller and deeper than the rest of the areas. The pattern is also smaller and deeper at points where flammable liquids were used.
Alligator Pattern
was, by far, the most frequently found fire accelerant, possibly because it is readily available. Its characteristic and familiar odor makes it easier to detect than most other flammable liquids.
Gasoline
