Fires Involving Explosives

Question 1

Initial actions - follow these steps

Answer 1

1- Remember that there could be a secondary device anywhere, don’t handle anything unfamiliar.
2- Do not use cell phones, radios or other transmitting devices
3- Evacuate the scene to a distance of at least 100m. Ensure people take personal items, consider explosive detector dog.
4- If IED is located immediately obtain the assistance of an IED operator. (Bomb squad, military)
5- Give regular strep to comms

Question 2

Examining the scene, what to look for once considers safe:

Answer 2

1 - Conduct scene exam, photos and videos.
2 - Continually re-construct
3 - Request ESR and their assistance.

Question 3

Identifying the explosive, follow these steps. Step 1

Answer 3

1 - Priority to ID the explosive used, crucial evidence.
(Expert may be able to advise the likely type of explosive from an examination of the nature of damage done, although could be overturned by scientific analysis. General rule - the more powerful the explosive, the less residue it lezves)

Question 4

Identifying the explosive, follow these steps. Step 2

Answer 4

A low powered explosive will explode in a general manner, causing damage and spreading debris over roughly the same distance in all directions.
Such explosives need to be confined, for example, in a pipe to have real effect. (A low powered explosive can become a high-powered explosive in such a confinement)

Question 5

Identifying the explosive, follow these steps. Step 3

Answer 5

Explosives that explode at a rate of 1200-1500 meters per second (mps) are characterized by the fact that damage occurs in a ‘least line of resistance’ pattern. (Meaning windows/doors/light walls blow out)

Question 6

Identifying the explosive, follow these steps. Step 4

Answer 6

Explosives that explode at a rate greater than 5000mps do so in a directional manner.
(Sometimes they explode straight up and down in a definable blast pattern, causing great directional damage, and items that miss the directional blast are not seriously damaged as might be expected. A person who is experienced in explosives can make an IED that will perform this way)

Question 7

Identifying the explosive, follow these steps. Step 5

Answer 7

Because modern explosive residues are often slight and dissipate rapidly, the O/C scene may need to authorized the expert to enter the center of the scene before it has been fully examined.
In this case,
- create a path to the center of the explosion by layering a clean unused roll of plastic, or stepping plates.
- have the ESR analyst start stabbing the area immediately (working outwards from the seat of explosion)
- verticle sheets of iron adjacent to the blast, such as street signs and fencing are often good sources of residue.
Clean tools before use, discuss cross-contamination.

Question 8

Identifying the explosive, follow these steps. Step 6 & 7

Answer 8

Step 6 - Might be necessary to remove body parts promptly before they decompose and animal and insect activity contaminate the scene. The same clean path method should be used.
Step 7 - Record your impression of any odors you detect.

Question 9

Explosive exhibits

Answer 9

Photograph, label, and preserve in containers.
With each, ask yourself whether it should be considered as an exhibit. Focus on collecting exhibits/objects that will assist in the investigation, rather than recover all items from the scene.

Question 10

Linking the suspect with the scene

Answer 10

Remember to look for fingerprints and handwriting samples.
The IED operator may be able to identify the signature of the offender. Offenders often construct IEDs in a similar or identical manner on each occasion.
Often, the offender will manufacture the device in a workshop or dwelling. Consider items from the suspects home that might link them with the scene.
Do not overlook tool marks, footprints, etc.
Seek advice before searching the suspects home.

Question 11

Bodies.

Answer 11

If possible, obtain the services of an experienced pathologist, as considerable evidence can be obtained from the bodies of people who dies proximate to the blast.
People could be dismembered by the blast or from shrapnel from the device.
A sharp, directional and efficient explosive that explodes at a very fast rate will often cause injuries to a particular part of tye body as opposed to the entire body mass. Consider x-ray to recover exhibits from bodies.
When identifying suspects, consider suicide and terrorism as possible motives.

Question 12

Media

Answer 12

Do not speculate on the possible explosive used. Media interst can create red herring theories. These are particularly unhelpful to a protracted ‘offender known’ enquiry.
Allocate one person to deal with the media to avoid different accounts and maintain control over what is released.

Question 13

Reconstructing the explosion

Answer 13

If unable to identify the explosive using scientific analysis, consider reconstructing the explosion. These can be carried out only:
- Under the supervision of the O/C.
- At a suitable range or site.
- In conditions as close to those of the original explosion as possible.
- In close association with explosives and scientific advisors.
- As a scientific test.
If possible they should be video recorded and photographed to provide a record for a subsequent prosecution.
Use an explosive expert and they record what charge they fire.