Practical Fire and Arson Investigation, Second Edition

410 Pages·1996·33.16 MB·English

by  David R. Redsicker

Publisher: Bob Stern
Editorial Assistant: Jean Jarboe
Project Editor: Helen Linna
Marketing Manager: Susie Carlisle
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Cover design: Denise Craig
PrePress: Kevin Luong
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Redsicker, David R.
Practical fire and arson investigation, second edition/David R. Redsicker and John J. O’Connor
Originally published: New York: Elsevier, 1986
(CRC series in practical aspects of criminal and forensic investigations)
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 0-8493-8155-X
1. Arson investigation—United States. 2. Fire Investigation—United States. 3. Arson—
United States. 4. Fires—United States. I. Title. II. Series
QR749.H64G78 1997
616′.0149—dc20
DNLM/DLC
for Library of Congress 97-16777
CIP
This book contains information obtained from authentic and highly regarded sources. Reprinted
material is quoted with permission, and sources are indicated. A wide variety of references are listed.
Reasonable efforts have been made to publish reliable data and information, but the author and the
publisher cannot assume responsibility for the validity of all materials or for the consequences of their use.
Neither this book nor any part may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, microfilming, and recording, or by any information
storage or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher.
The consent of CRC Press does not extend to copying for general distribution, for promotion, for
creating new works, or for resale. Specific permission must be obtained in writing from CRC Press for
such copying.
Direct all inquiries to CRC Press, Inc., 2000 Corporate Blvd., N.W., Boca Raton, Florida 33431.
© 1986 by Elsevier Science Publishing Co., Inc.
© 1997 by CRC Press, Inc.
No claim to original U.S. Government works
International Standard Book Number 0-8493-8155-X
Library of Congress Card Number 97-16777
Printed in the United States of America 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0
Printed on acid-free paper
Table of Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
1 Arson: The American Experience
Fire Service
Police Service
Public Awareness
Fire Investigation Methodology
Model Arson Task Force
Role of the Fire Investigator
Basic Steps for Fire Investigation
References
2 Arson Motives and Pathology
Arson for Profit
Commercial Fire Checklist
Revenge and Prejudice
Vanity
Juvenile Fire Setters and Vandalism
Crime Concealment
Psychological Compulsion
Mass Civil Disturbance (Riot)
Terrorism
References and Selected Readings
3 Building Construction:
Fire Problems and Precautions
Classification of Building Construction
Building Components
Structural Loads
High-Rise Construction
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Structural Fire Precautions
Fire Extension and Accepted Architectural Design
Design Problems
Construction and Materials Problems
Fire-Detection, -Alarm, and -Suppression Systems
Neutralizing Fire-Protection Systems
Glossary of Building Terms
References and Selected Readings
4 Chemistry and Behavior of Fire
Components of Fire
Chemistry of Fire
Behavior of Fire
Classification of Fire
Phases of Fire
Rate of Burn
Fuel Load
Fire Spread
Burn Patterns
Rapid Movement-Slow Movement
Smoke and Flame Color
Fire Suppression
References and Selected Readings
APPENDIX 4.1: Materials Subject to Spontaneous Heating
5 Determining Origin and Cause
Physical Examination of the Fire Scene
Exterior Examination
Interior Examination
Room and Points of Origin
Fire Language
Evidence of Incendiarism
References and Selected Readings
6 Eliminating Accidental Causes
Electrical Fires
Lightning
Gas Fires
Fuel Oil Fires
Operation of Systems
©1997 CRC Press LLC
Auxillary Home Heating Equipment
Cooking-Related Fires
Exposed or Unprotected Flames and Sparks
Children and Pets
Improper Storage of Combustibles/Flammables
Smoking
Clandestine Laboratories
Construction, Renovation, and Demolition
Direct Sunlight
Product Liability and Subrogation
References and Selected Readings
7 Investigating Fatal Fires
Six-Phase Investigative Approach
Fire Incident
Examination of the Body
Origin and Cause/Investigative Canvass
Determining Investigative Procedure
Cause of Death and Investigative Procedure
Arrest and Trial
External Bloodstains
Interpretation of Evidence
A Case Study
References and Selected Readings
8 Investigating Vehicular Fires
The Four Categories of Fire
Requirements Needed for a Fire to Occur
Policies
Notification and Response
Vehicle Collisions and Relation to Vehicle Fires
References and Selected Readings
APPENDIX 8.1: Sample Vehicle Inspection Form
9 Evidence
Accelerants and Related Burn Patterns
Legal Aspects of Evidence Collection
Evidence Collection
Influences on Evidence Collection
Identification of Evidence
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Laboratory Analysis and Testing
Evidence Storage
Shipment and Transferral of Evidence
Presenting Evidence in Court
Disposal of Evidence
Time-Delayed Ignition Devices
Conclusion
References and Selected Readings
APPENDIX 9.1: Requesting Laboratory Assistance
APPENDIX 9.2: Evidence Chart
10 Documenting the Fire/Crime Scene
The Crime Scene
Documentation Sequence
References and Selected Readings
APPENDIX 10.1: Existing Structure Fire/Crime Scene
APPENDIX 10.2: Total Burn Fire/Crime Scene
11 Surveillance
Planning the Surveillance Operation
Reconnaissance
Surveillance Methods
Applying Surveillance to Arson Investigation
Summary
References and Selected Readings
12 Interviewing and Interrogation
Investigative Canvass
Evaluating the Subject
Timeliness
Interviewing and Interrogation Strategies
Common Interviewing Errors
Summary of Guidelines
The Lying Witness
Constitutional Rights of the Individual
References and Selected Readings
APPENDIX: Sample Owner/Tenant Interview Form
©1997 CRC Press LLC
13 Court Qualification and Testimony
Pretrial Testimony
Trial Preparation
Witness-Stand Behavioral Guidelines
Cross Examination
Defense Expert
Standard for Professional Qualifications of Fire Investigator
14 Legal Aspects
Introduction
Problems of Proof in Arson Investigations
Exigent Circumstances
Federal Rules of Evidence
Prosecution of Insurance Fraud
Summary
©1997 CRC Press LLC
Preface
When I originally agreed to assist John O’Connor with the first edition of
Practical Fire and Arson Investigation, it was mostly technical in nature. I
provided a majority of the photographs and some personal knowledge and
experience in certain areas.
Now it is ten years later and my knowledge and experience has grown. It is
therefore appropriate and the time is right for updating this book with a
second edition. While the knowledge and training levels of those responsible
for the investigation of fire origin and cause have increased, unfortunately
the rate of detection, arrest and conviction in incendiary fires has remained
low. Training has reached the level of certification in many states. Several
recognized organizations have supported minimum standards for fire inves-
tigators. While this book does not profess to be a certification requirement,
it does support the necessity for standards or guidelines for the proper fire
scene investigation. Such minimum guidelines should include the subject
matter as outlined and contained in Practical Fire and Arson Investigation.
Keep in mind that this book, like the many others on the subject of fire
investigation, has been compiled from each investigators many and varied
experiences in the field. And just as their individual backgrounds and expe-
riences are unique, so too is each fire. The guidelines outlined in this text are
just that— a guide for the investigation into proper origin and cause of fires.
Conclusions must be based on facts supported by scientific principles and
physical evidence.
©1997 CRC Press LLC