Fire Pattern Analysis Flashcards
What was the significance of the NFPA Guide for fire and explosion investigation?
Renounces traditionally held myths and misconceptions.
What caused the shift in views of fire investigations in the NFPA guide?
Recognition of post-flashover fires in indoor spaces and the resulting changes in fire pattern interpretation knowledge
What myths were believed about arson investigations prior to NFPA 921?
Fires that were too hot or that burned rapidly must be arson.
What is an outdated myth related to crazed glass in arson investigations?
Cracking patterns in glass thought to be indicative of a rapid buildup of heat during the fire
What is the current knowledge of crazed glass?
Crazing is caused by water hitting a window already heated by fire exposure, usually during fire suppression.
What was is an outdated myth related to sagged or collapsed furniture springs and their significance in arson investigations?
Interpreted to indicate that a flammable liquid created heat intense enough to cause the springs to sag,
What is the current knowledge of sagged or collapsed furniture springs as related to arson investigations?
Condition of springs has little probative value.
Springs are annealed in typical fires, resulting in loss of tensile strength, eventually collapsing once weight is applied.
Explain the Willingham case.
Executed despite new report by renowned fire expert stating there was no physical evidence supporting the finding of arson.
What is the standard of review for unreasonable verdict?
Where the verdict is one that no properly instructed jury, acting judicially, could reasonable have rendered.
What was the new evidence uncovered in R. v. Yebes after over 30 years of conviction?
No evidence of an accelerant
A lighter in the room could have started the fire
The mattress could have smouldered for hours without becoming fully inflamed
Children could have died shortly after mattress began to burn
