Publisher: Bob Stern Editorial Assistant: Jean Jarboe Project Editor: Helen Linna Marketing Manager: Susie Carlisle Direct Marketing Manager: Becky McEldowney Cover design: Denise Craig PrePress: Kevin Luong Manufacturing: Sheri Schwartz 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 ©1997 CRC Press LLC 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 ©1997 CRC Press LLC 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