Arson and Fire Investigation
Evaluating fire debris evidence recovered from fire scenes is part of forensic chemistry. As we will see, the analytical methods are straight-forward although interpretation of results can be challenging. Fire investigation incorporates elements of forensic engineering and crime scene analysis. The insurance industry is also involved in fire investigation, given that insurance money is a common motive for arson. Fire investigators combine evidence from the scene with laboratory results to determine how and where a fire started, and if it was intentionally set. If a fire scene is also a death scene, other forensic disciplines are called on as well.
Learning Objectives
13.1 Recognize the basic aspects of combustion
13.2 Recognize the basics of flame propagation and fire behavior
13.3 Understand the concepts behind the analysis of fire debris
13.4 Appreciate the complexity of interpretation of fire debris analysis including the need for background samples, weathering and degradation.
