PROCEDURE
Many times it is difficult to ascertain whether
a fire was accidental or arson. This is
especially true when simple ignition devices such as a match and paper were
used to start the fire.
Although the Fire Marshall
is usually the primary investigator in the cases of arson, there may be
occasions when it becomes necessary for a deputy to collect evidence of the
crime.
Petroleum products and other
ignitable liquids are the most common types of materials employed in arson
cases involving property. Alcohol,
gasoline, stove oil, paint thinners, solvents, and other similar fluids, even
though highly volatile and flammable, frequently do not burn completely. Identifiable residues of such fluids can
therefore be recovered in many cases, even after large fires, and examined for
classification of the original fluid employed.
If a fire’s origin can be determined, it may be
possible to detect and classify accelerants. Detection is not possible if the
fire completely consumes the accelerant or if the samples are not from the
fire’s origin.
Because flammable liquids readily evaporate,
care must be taken in the collection and packaging of fire debris. Containers
of arson evidence need to be air tight to prevent loss by evaporation and
possible contamination. Moisture is not a problem; do not dry arson evidence.
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Multiple
fires in unrelated areas of the fire scene.
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Odor of
petroleum products, paint solvents, alcohol, etc.
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Stains on
floor or other material.
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Evidence
of explosions not due to heat (shattered glass).
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Rapid
spread of fire not explainable by structure, weather, or other conditions.
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Smoke not
explainable by building materials.
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Fire
trails such as cloth or paper trails, burn trails on carpeting, or deep
charring in hardwood.
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Removal
of household property and valuable items.
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Evidence
of another crime which the fire might conceal (items stolen, evidence of
violence).
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Recent
similar fires in the vicinity.
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Charred
debris and related material from the origin where the accelerant was placed
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Igniting
devices (fuses, rags, candles, etc.) including mechanical and electrical
devices
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Samples
of upholstery, drywall, plaster, wood, or other material that may have been
penetrated by flammable liquids.
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Samples
of soil that may have been penetrated by flammable liquids
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Latent
finger prints or items that may include latent fingerprints
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Trace
evidence possibly left by the arsonist such as hairs, clothing fibers, matches,
etc.
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Suspect
clothing worn at time of crime, including shoes
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Liquids
containing possible accelerants
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Containers
that may have held accelerants
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A sample
of uncontaminated carpeting and/or padding, drywall, wood, etc. must be
collected and packaged separately
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