TB Arson

Question 1

A fire is suspicious if “PASTOR”

Answer 1

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

Question 2

_ material arranged to spread fire from its point of origin to other areas of an occupancy (cotton waste, rags, fluids)

Answer 2

Trailer

Question 3

_ material arranged to start & feed initial fire (matches, candles)

Answer 3

Plants

Question 4

_ mechanical, chemical, or electrical means used to initiate a fire

Answer 4

Igniting device

Question 5

Cut or disconnected gas lines, kerosene & gasoline are examples of

Answer 5

Accelerant

Question 6

Can FD personnel interrogate witnesses

Answer 6

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

Question 7

If fire lines are established, relatives, neighbors, & media shall NOT cross est fire lines unless authorized by _

Answer 7

Assigned Fire Marshal &/or Chief of Operations

Question 8

If a body is found 10-45 Code 1- should the body be moved?

Answer 8

Do NOT move body pending arrival of Fire Marshal & Medical Examiner

Question 9

CO may cause victim to appear _

Answer 9

Life-like pink to cherry red color of lips, eyelids, or skin

Question 10

_ is caused by settling of blood to lowest horizontal areas of body- may show as pink or red skin

Answer 10

Lividity. Do NOT confuse w/CO cherry red

Question 11

Lividity usually starts _ hours after death & is completed after _ hours

Answer 11

1-2 hours after death; Completes 3-4 hours

Question 12

Does a pugilistic position indicate violence or a struggle

Answer 12

This is due to contraction of muscles during a fire. Skull may also appear to explode outward- expansion (steam) of fluid in tissue

Question 13

Collection of Evidence: Air tight containers from non-odorous material- What shall be used

Answer 13

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

Question 14

If a Marshal is not responding, what should be done with evidence

Answer 14

Request Photo Unit to take pictures. Never label, mark or alter evidence in any way prior to photos

Question 15

Can evidence be left in the office

Answer 15

Only if locked up or someone else signs & stays with it

Question 16

Does a “V” pattern always point toward point of origin

Answer 16

It usually points toward point of origin. Absence of “V” could mean accelerant used or presence of perpendicular burns

Question 17

Glass objects to help with point of origin: Heavy smoke stains, remote from point of origin indicates _;
Light smoke stains usually indicates _

Answer 17

Slow fire build up;

Rapid build up of fire, little fire damage & close to point of origin

Question 18

Crazing of glass (cracking due to heat): Small crazing indicates _

Answer 18

Intense & rapid heat build up found closer to point of origin

Question 19

Large crazing

Answer 19

Remoteness from point of origin &/or slow heat build up

Question 20

Checkering of glass (half moon effects)

Answer 20

Water applied to heated glass

Question 21

Smaller blister type charring indicates _

Answer 21

Longer burning & hot fires (too long in hot sun blisters small on skin)

Question 22

Can overhauling be done if fire is suspicious

Answer 22

Overhauling shall be minimized. Do NOT remove evidence unless necessary & keep records of evidence found

Question 23

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

Answer 23

A Plants- Material arranged to start and feed initial fire. (Candles, matches, electrical, mechanical, chemicals and others.)

Question 24

Cut gas lines found at the scene of a fire could indicate _
A. Ignition device B. Trailer
C. Accelerant D. Plant

Answer 24

C

Question 25

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

Answer 25

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.