TB Arson Flashcards
A fire is suspicious if “PASTOR”
Premise normally locked are found unlocked, All accidental causes have not been eliminated (all eliminated= incendiary), Series of similar fires, Threat preceded fire, Other, Removal of stock/belongings prior to fire
_ material arranged to spread fire from its point of origin to other areas of an occupancy (cotton waste, rags, fluids)
Trailer
_ material arranged to start & feed initial fire (matches, candles)
Plants
_ mechanical, chemical, or electrical means used to initiate a fire
Igniting device
Cut or disconnected gas lines, kerosene & gasoline are examples of
Accelerant
Can FD personnel interrogate witnesses
No one but trained & experienced investigators should attempt to interrogate a witness. You can let people talk freely & get names & addresses if possible, but do NOT put names/statements on fire reports
If fire lines are established, relatives, neighbors, & media shall NOT cross est fire lines unless authorized by _
Assigned Fire Marshal &/or Chief of Operations
If a body is found 10-45 Code 1- should the body be moved?
Do NOT move body pending arrival of Fire Marshal & Medical Examiner
CO may cause victim to appear _
Life-like pink to cherry red color of lips, eyelids, or skin
_ is caused by settling of blood to lowest horizontal areas of body- may show as pink or red skin
Lividity. Do NOT confuse w/CO cherry red
Lividity usually starts _ hours after death & is completed after _ hours
1-2 hours after death; Completes 3-4 hours
Does a pugilistic position indicate violence or a struggle
This is due to contraction of muscles during a fire. Skull may also appear to explode outward- expansion (steam) of fluid in tissue
Collection of Evidence: Air tight containers from non-odorous material- What shall be used
1 gallon metal can such as a New Paint can (Never use one previously used). If not available- clean glass jar w/tight fitting lid. Try to avoid plastic containers. In an emergency- heavy gauge plastic bag in pairs. ASAP place in can or jar
If a Marshal is not responding, what should be done with evidence
Request Photo Unit to take pictures. Never label, mark or alter evidence in any way prior to photos
Can evidence be left in the office
Only if locked up or someone else signs & stays with it
Does a “V” pattern always point toward point of origin
It usually points toward point of origin. Absence of “V” could mean accelerant used or presence of perpendicular burns
Glass objects to help with point of origin: Heavy smoke stains, remote from point of origin indicates _;
Light smoke stains usually indicates _
Slow fire build up;
Rapid build up of fire, little fire damage & close to point of origin
Crazing of glass (cracking due to heat): Small crazing indicates _
Intense & rapid heat build up found closer to point of origin
Large crazing
Remoteness from point of origin &/or slow heat build up
Checkering of glass (half moon effects)
Water applied to heated glass
Smaller blister type charring indicates _
Longer burning & hot fires (too long in hot sun blisters small on skin)
Can overhauling be done if fire is suspicious
Overhauling shall be minimized. Do NOT remove evidence unless necessary & keep records of evidence found
A book of burnt matches next to a pile of incinerated clothing in the area of fire origin, and you determine this to be possible arson. In this case the matches are considered? A. Plants B. Ignition device C. Accelerant D. Trailer
A Plants- Material arranged to start and feed initial fire. (Candles, matches, electrical, mechanical, chemicals and others.)
Cut gas lines found at the scene of a fire could indicate _
A. Ignition device B. Trailer
C. Accelerant D. Plant
C
Fire Marshall investigating arson may determine that lividity in a victim could indicate that a victim was moved after death and placed at the fire scene. Lividity usually starts _ to _ hours after death and is completed after _ to _ hrs
A: Lividity usually starts one to two hours after death and is completed after three to four hours
B: Lividity usually starts two to three hours after death and is completed after four to five hours
C: Lividity usually starts three to four hours after death and is completed after five to six hours
D: Lividity usually starts two to four hours after death and is completed after four to six hours
A. 4.5 T.B. Arson
Note: Lividity is caused by settling of blood to the lowest horizontal areas of the body; may show as pink or red skin. Do not confuse with CO cherry red color.
