Suspicious fire

Question 1

What are some indications of a deliberately lit fire?

Answer 1

-Evidence of accelerant
-evidence of intentional interference
-Evidence of intentional removal of valuable Property
-Signs that furniture was rearranged to create a fire base
-Signs that windows and skylights were open to create a draft
-Foreign material and objects such as screws batteries that might have been part of a device
-Signs a crime had been committed
-Signs that heater or electrical appliances had been left on
-Inconsistencies
-Unusual burn patterns or unusual time factors

Question 2

Common methods of setting fires

Answer 2

Candles, chemical lighters, electrical apparatus, Molotov cocktails, timing devices ,trailers

Question 3

Detailed internal examination will enable the SI to determine the area and point of origin and seat of fire.
Look for

Answer 3

-Burn patterns
-Damage to walls roof timbers
-Damage to windowsills door edges
-Damage to floor
-Soot deposits

Question 4

Characteristics of an explosion. What to look for

Answer 4

-Cratering
-Shrapnel marks
-Spread of debris
-Shredding of materials
-Smell peculiar to the exploded material

Question 5

What is the difference between a gas explosion and someone setting an explosive?

Answer 5

Explosions caused by gas generally cover a wider area than those caused by an explosive and do not leave a crater
-Medical evidence from suspect/victim inhaled gas prior to explosion