Analysis and Interpretation of Fire Scene Evidence
Features
Summary
Ongoing advances in arson detection tools and techniques increase the importance of scientific evidence in related court proceedings. In order to assemble an airtight case, investigators and forensic scientists need a resource that assists them in properly conducting the chemical analysis and interpretation of physical evidence found at scenes of suspected arson.
Analysis and Interpretation of Fire Scene Evidence introduces the techniques that determine the presence of ignitable liquid residues (ILRs) at fire scenes. It bridges the disciplines of investigation and forensic chemistry, enabling effective communication during critical periods of evidence detection, collection, packaging, and transport.
The initial chapters are written from an investigator's perspective, allowing forensic specialists to understand fire dynamics, ignition, heat transfer, and investigations. Later chapters include a comparison of the use of canines versus new detection techniques, and an examination of laboratory facilities, equipment, and procedures that are essential to organizing a new lab or upgrading an existing one.
By detailing the methods used to identify potential evidence at the scene of suspected arson fires, this volume also benefits attorneys and judges in preparing for prosecution and defense of arson cases.
Table of Contents
FIRE DYNAMICS
Dave Sheppard, ATF Research Laboratory
What did the Witness See?
Fire
Compartment Fires
Ignition
Fire Plume
Ceiling Jet
Heat Transfer
Smoke and Visibility
Recommended References
References
FIRE SCENE INVESTIGATION: AN INTRODUCTION FOR CHEMISTS
Gregg A. Hine, ATF Research Laboratory
Introduction
Fire Investigation Issues
The Fire Scene Examination
Collection and Preservation of Evidence
Conclusions
References
DETECTION OF IGNITABLE LIQUID RESIDUES IN FIRE SCENES; ACCELERANT DETECTION CANINE (ADC) TEAMS AND OTHER FIELD TESTS
Ken G. Furton and Ross J. Harper, International Forensic Research Institute and Department of Chemistry, Florida International University
Introduction
Visual Inspection of Fire Science
Accelerant Detection Canines
Instrumental Field Tests
Comparison of Techniques
The Future
References
ESSENTIAL TOOLS FOR THE ANALYTICAL LABORATORY; FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT AND STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
Carl Chasteen, State of Florida Fire Marshal's Laboratory
Facilities and Equipment
Sample Analysis
Standard Operating Procedures
References
ANALYTICAL METHODS FOR THE DETECTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF IGNITABLE LIQUID RESIDUES FROM FIRE DEBRIS
Julia Dolan, ATF Laboratory
Introduction
Gas Chromatography
Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry
Approaches to GC-MS Data Analysis
Criteria for Identification of Ignitable Liquids and their
Residues
Recent Advances in instrumental Techniques
Summary
References
THE ASTM METHODS FOR THE ANALYSIS OF FIRE DEBRIS EVIDENCE; ISOLATION, CHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND CLASSIFICATION
Reta Newman, Pinellas County Forensic Lab
Introduction
Evidence Handling Standards
Standard Practices for the Separation of Ignitable Liquid
Residues from Fire Debris
Standard Test Methods for the Analysis of Ignitable Liquid
Residues in Extracts
ASTM Ignitable Liquid Residue Classification
Summary
References
THE INTERPRETATION OF DATA GENERATED FROM FIRE DEBRIS EXAMINATION; REPORT WRITING AND TESTIMONY
Perry Michael Koussiafes, State of Florida Fire Marshal's Laboratory
Interpretation
Reports
Definitions
Additional Background
Testimony
Spelling List
NEW DEVELOPMENTS AND QUALITY ASSURANCE IN FIRE DEBRIS ANALYSIS
Jose R. Almirall and Jeannette Perr, International Forensic Research Institute and Department of Chemistry, Florida International University
Introduction
New Developments in Extraction Methods
New Developments in Analytical Methods
Field Techniques
Quality Assurance
Conclusions
References
