Arson

are basic lines of inquiry in Ars

in
are
What
Investigation?
ne arson investigator must have to inquire on t
OWIng a) point of origin of fire b) motives of arsot
prime suspects d) the telltale signs of arsol.

1. Point or origin of fire

Initially the important point to be established in the origin of fire. In other words, at what particular
place in the building the fire started? This may be established by an examination of the witness, by an
inspection of the debris at the fire scene and by studying the fingerprint of fire. The fingerprint of fire
occurs during the free burning stage of the fire when pyrolytic decomposition moves upward on the
walls leaving a burnt pattern.
Witnesses must be questioned as to:
1. His identity
2. What attracted his attention
3. Time of observation
4. His position in relation to the fire at the time of observation
5. Exact location of the blaze
6. Size and intensity
7. Rapidity of spread
8. Color of flame and odor if he is in a position this
9. Any other person in the vicinity beside the witness
Note fire setting mechanism
1. matches
2. candles
3. electrical system
4 mechanical means
5. chemical methods

2. Motive of Arsonist
To understand the motives of arsonist, the arson investigator have to note the following that
fires are set by:
 Persons with Motives
a. Those with desire to defraud the Insurer
b. Employees or such other person who have grievance (Fire revenge)
c. Those with desire to conceal evidence of a crime
d. Those who set fire for purposes of intimidation
 People without motives
a. Those who are mentally ill
b. Pathological fire-setters
c. Pyros and the Psychos
Motives of Arsonist
1. Economic Gain
a. Insurance fraud - benefiting
b. Desire to dispose merchandise lost of market value being out of season, lack of raw materials, over
supply of merchandise can be a big reason for arson.
c. Existing business transaction that arsonist would like to avoid such as impending liquidation,
settlement of estate need for cash, prospective business failure, and increase rentals.
d. profit by the Perpetrator other than the assured like insurance agents wishing business with
competitors planning to drive others, person seeking job as personnel protection, salvagers and
contractors wishing to contact another building

2. Concealment of Crime - When the purpose of hiding a crime or committing a crime, arson
was used as means.

3. Punitive Measure - Committing arson to inflict injury to another due to hatred, jealousy and revenge.
4. Intimidation or Economic Disabling – Arsonist as saboteurs, strikers and racketeers to intimidate
management or employer.
5. Pyromania
A pyromaniac having the uncontrollable impulse to burn anything without any motivation.
They do not run away from the fire scene since they love watching fire burning.

Types of Pyromania
a. Abnormal Youth - epileptics, imbeciles and morons
b. Hero Type - a person set a building on fire and pretends to discover it, turn on the alarm or make
some rescue works to appear as "hero”
c. Drug addicts and alcoholics
d. Sexual deviates and perverts.

3. Prime Suspects (and the Prima Facie evidences)

The development of prime suspects this involves identification results from the full development
of leads,

clues and traces testimony particularly eyewitness and the development of expert testimony, the
following technique may serve the investigation:
1. Search of the fire scene for physical evidence
a. Protection of the scene
b. Mechanics of search
c. collection and preservation of evidences
d. Laboratory aids
2. Background study of policyholders, occupants of premises, owner of building or other person having
major interest in the fire
3. Interviews and interrogations of persons who discovered the fire, and the one who turned the first
alarm, firemen, and eyewitnesses.
4. Surveillance
 4. The Tell Tale Signs of Arson
these signs maybe obvious that the first fireman at the scene will suspect arson or they maybe
so well concealed that most of patient investigation to show that it is set off will be required.
1. Burned Building-the type of the building may indicate a set fire under certain circumstances A fire of
considerable size at the time the first apparatus arrive at the scene is suspicious if it is a modern
concrete or semi-concrete building.
2. Separate fires when two or more separate fire breaks out within a building. The fire is certainly
suspicious.
3. Color of Smoke - some fire burn with little or no smoke but they are exception. The observation of the
smoke must be made at the start of the fire since once the fire has assumed a major proportion; the
value of the smoke is lost, because the smoke will not indicate the material used by the arsonist
a.) When white smoke appears before the water from the fire hose comes in contact with the fire, it
indicates humid material burning. Example – burning hay, vegetable materials, phosphorus (with garlic
odor).
b.) Biting smoke, irritating the nose and throat and causing lacrymation and coughing indicates presence
of chlorine.
c) Black smoke indicates lack of air if accompanied by large flames it indicates petroleum products and
rubber.
d.) Reddish-brown smoke indicates nitrocellulose, S1, H2, S04, HNO3, or HCI.
e) Meaning of color of Smoke and Fire:
 Black smoke with deep red flame- petroleum products, tar, rubber, plastics, etc.
 Heavy brown with bright red flame nitrogen products
 White smoke with bright flame magnesium product
 Black smoke with red and blue Breen flame- asphalt
 Purple-violet flame o potassium products
 Greenish-yellow flame -Chloride or Manganese products
 Bright reddish yellow flame- Calcium products
8. Color of flame The color of the flame is a good indication of the intensity of the fire, an important
factor in determining incendiarism.
9. Amount of Heat-A reddish glow indicates heat of 5000 degrees centigrade, a real bright read
about 100 degrees centigrade. Red flames indicate of petroleum. Blue flame indicates use of alcohol as
accelerant.
10. Smoke Marks-An experience investigation will determine the volume of smoke involved at a tire
and the character as residue deposited on walls or elsewhere. Smoke in marks has often been of
assistance in determining the possibility of a fire having more than one place of origin.
11. Size of Fire - This is important when correlated with the type of alarm, the time received and the
time of arrival of the first fire apparatus Fires make what might be termed a normal progress. Such
progress can be estimated after an examination ot the material burned the building and the normal
ventilation offered of the fire. The time element and the degree of headway by the lames become
important factors to determine factors to determine possible incendiarism.
12. Direction of Travel-While it is admitted that no two fires burn in identical fashion, yet it can be
shown that fire makes normal progress through various types of building materials, combustibility of
contents, channel of ventilation and circumstances surrounding the sending Of alarm, an experienced
investigator can determine whether a fire spread abnormally fast.
13. Intensity-The degree of heat given off by a fire and the color of its flame oftentimes indicate that
some accelerant has been added to the material normally present in a building and the investigator
must look for further evidence pointing to use of such accelerant. Difficulty in extinguishing the fire is
often a lead to Suspect presence of such fluid as gasoline and kerosene.
 14. Odor-The odor of gasoline, alcohol, kerosene and other inflammable liquids which are often
used as accelerant is characteristics and oftentimes arsonist are trapped because of this telltale sign.
Most of fire- setters are inclined to use substance which will make the blaze certain and at the same
time burn up any evidence of their crime.
15. Condition of Content -Persons tending to set their house on fire frequently remove objects of or
value either materially or sentimentally. Store and other business establishments oftentimes remove a
major portion of their content or replace valuable merchandise without of style articles.

One of the first things to look for is the origin of the fire usually, accidental fires have only one origin;
fire will have several origins. Sometimes an arson fire will have several origins. That is, there will be two
or more fires. Normally, a fire burns outward laterally in all directions, the heat generated moves up,
and fires seldom burns down. Ventilation will also affects the burning pattern; but without unusual
ventilation, fires burn equally in all directions except down. It may be necessary to go to several spots
and point back to the most damaged areas; where the lines crosses probably will be the origin of the
fire.

Explosions also feed in all directions; the heat effect is usually intense. The point of explosion is usually
easier to determine than the point of origin of other accelerants. Unless the investigator has a special
training in this type investigation, it probably would be to his advantage to call it a specialist.

Alligator Pattern The alligator pattern (checking of charred wood giving the appearance alligator
skin) caused by the fire often can be used trace the fire to its origin The pattern at the point of origin is
smaller and deeper than the rest of the area The pattern is also smaller and deeper at points where
flammable liquids were used.
Information from people Many investigators have found that information from people help them
know what to look for the fire scene. The good investigator knows how to how to interview people to
get information that can help determine the origin of the ire, the cause of fire and even incendiary origin
of the fire. The owner, the family of the owner, person calling in the alarm, neighbors, witnesses, or any
person who might help in any way should be interviewed. If an investigator ever needed to be a skilled
interviewer, it is in arson investigation cases. Most people just do not like to talk about arson fire. In
general, they must be questioned as to the following
a. His identity
b. His business in the arson of the fire.
c.What attracted his attention to it?
d. Time of observation and exact location of the blaze.
e. His position in relation to the fire at time of observation.
f. Size of intensity, rapidity of spread, and direct travel of flame.
g. Color of flame, and odor if he is in a position observe these.
h. Other pertinent information.

METHODS OF ESTABLISHING ARSON

The usual methods involve examination of the fire scene. Although Some of the most common methods
used are burn indicators, which are the effect materials of heating or partial burning and may be used to
determine ne point or points of origin of a fire.
Fire accelerates the development of fire and to increase the amount of devastation. If either multiple
point of origin or traces or nre accelerants are found arson is indicated.
Occasionally, detection of arson during a fire is one through a team of arson investigators in the form of
surveillance of the fire scene: suspicious behavior spectators, an overzealous offer of assistance by a
spectator, or someone constantly driving over ire hoses grounds for suspecting arson. Behavior of
owners,
exei and other persons present as to their actions,
a ents, dresses, and other pertinent intormation
e observed, which might be
lpful later.
and leaVing people and vehicles as they approach
cdve the scene. In a U.S. forest fire scenerio, unC
detection of arson is aided by the practice of U.st
notice
Service firemen enroute to conngurations to take
from the
this
scene, possible incendiary nre. n at ieast one case. tspect.
of the license numbers ot vehicles departing
procedure has led to the arrest ot an arson suspe
Gasoline was, by far, the most frequently foun
fire accelerant, possibly because it is readily available. Its
characteristic and familiar odor makes it easier to deteci
than most other flammable liquids. To camouflaged the
odor, incendiaries ordinarily used ammonia which has
a pungent odor easily recognized by firemen.Ammonia
is also used to keep out firemen from the burning
structure. Other accelerants often used like kerosene,
alcohol, firemen can easily distinguish rubber. Films
have pungent odors similar to camphor.
The size of fire, rapidity of spread and direction
from the time of discovery to the arrival of the iremen
may indicate that certain flammable substance have
been used to accelerate spread of fire. Arsonist may also
bore holes on walls and floors as a means for the fire to
spread more rapidly.
Intensity of heat maybe an indication that
flammable liquids or compounds could have been
used to spread the fire more rapidly. The firemen may
experience sometimes that when a stream of water ar
directed on such fire, instead ot going out as mign
be ordinarily expected the fire will burn with addeu
intensity, and with a different color of flame such a
red, blue, yelow or orange.
The color of the smoke, location, and size are
all-valuables in determining the use of accelerant
Although, some fires burns with little or no smoke
these are exceptions. The ODServauon must be made a
the start O nc once the fire
proporao cuue of the smoke is lost becau major
the
Pke will not indicate the materials burning or used
by the arsonist.
If white smoke appears betore the water from the
fre hose comes in contact with the fire, it indicates humid
aterials burning, such as hay, vegetables, phosphorus
/lsvith garlic odor). Black smoke indicates lack of air, but
if accompanied by 1arge lames it indicates petroleum
and rubber.
If biting smoke is encountered causing irritation
of the nose and throat, lacrimation, and coughings,
presence of chlorine is indicated. Reddish-brown smoke
might indicate nitrocellulose.
Arson is often used to conceal another crime.
Documents and records that found purposely exposed
during a fire should be given particular attention,
including doors, windows, and ventilators that are
open and provide cross-drafts. Locked and obstructed
entrances or passageways to impede the speedy transif
of fhiremen and equipments.
GATHERING, PRESERVING, AND ANALYZING
EVIDENCEs
The
arsonist
xpects the fire to destroy
all of the evidence, and
ometimes itdoes destroy
OSt of it. However, the
vestigator who
hard enough many
digs comes up with vidence
times eTe seemingly none
exist. The cause of the ire should be investig
after the fire 1s extinguished, Otherwise, very little can
done afterwards De-map-up and salvage operation. T
is a crucial stage in the detection and investigation of
arson beca
and preserved at this point.
tigated s
hort
use cases rely on evidence that is recognized
Finding and Preserving Evidence
As in all other investigations, only one person
should pick up, mark and package all evidence, and
special care should be taken to maintain the chain oft
custody
There are some special problems in arson
investigation due to the types of accelerants that may
have been used. Accelerants uscd often are those of
petroleum products such as gasoline, kerosene, mineral
spirits, or anything containing volatile flammable liquid.
Hydrocarbons of these products may be found under
the debris of the fire, at or near the point of the origin.
These luids, when originally spread, flow outward and
downward, hence evidence of these may be found n
cracks in the floor or in dirt under the fire. Just because
the hre damage is extensive or there is no odor presen
does not mean these types of accelerants were not usea.
The crime lab in most cases would be needed t
prove which type of accelerant was used. Wood floonus
and rugs are the most common substrates, followed oy
furniture and upholstery. These materials are wf
the crime lab separates accelerant residues. Sections
re
tne ioors, the debris or some dirt under the fire n
be stored in glass or metal containers and sealed,
to be
rants
of value to the crime lab. Fumed from the acceler
or hydrocarbons would escape from plastic o
ope
containers.
The predominant type of container used to
erve physical eVidence Irom arson. Scenes are the
P ed metal paint can. These containers are vapor-
ht and unbreakable. Plastic bags, while convenient
attacked by some types of evidence, and re allowchemically the loss
and inexpensive, are easily puncture
af some volatile evidence by cdilhusing through the bag.
Time Delay Devices
Delayed action is achieved in setting incendiary
fires by the used ot certain mechanical, electrical
or chemical devices. They usually involve matches,
candles, electric heating elements, batteries and
clock mechanisms coupled with flammable liquids, or
chemicals that will spontaneously ignite after a short
delay. If none of these devices are found, the evidence,
which should be the various containers for them. The
arsonist uses this delayed type of devices to establish
n alibi.
Condition of Doors, Windows, Furniture
In cases where a building has burned to the
ground, the hardware of doors and window remain.
They will fall straight down, unless moved by the water
Stream of the firemen. This may tell whether a door Or
windows was opened or clOsed.
Vetal parts of furniture may tell whether or not
frre has been moved from the building belore the
For evo ay give the crime on something to work with.
the ho c, 1I extensive furniture has been moved irom
se prior to the fire and inexpensive furnitre
move in, the crime lab can tell from the ash
of fraud fires should be carefully examineder
tremendous problem and should remain uppe-
the mind of the investigator.
in uppermost
Burn Indicator
Burn indicators are the eftects on materials
heating or partial burning, which are used to indica
various aspects of fire such as flammable liquids, and
points of origin. Interpretation of burn indicators is a
principal means of determining the cause of the fire.
Although burn indicators are widely used to establish
the causes of fires, they have received little scientifc
testing. Some of the burn indicators used are the
following&
Alligatoring efect: checking of charred wood,
8IVing it the appearance of the alligator skin. Large,
rolling blisters indicates rapid, intense heat, while
small, flat alligatoring indicates long, low heat.
Crazing of glass: formation of irregular cracks in
glass due to rapid, intense heat, while small, possibie
fire accelerant.
Depth of char: depth of burning wood used to
determine length of burn and thereby locate the poln
ot origin of the fire.
Line of demarcation: boundary between charreu
and uncharred material.On floors or rugs, a pudane
shaped line of demarcation is believed to indicate
uquid hre accelerant. In the cross section of wood,
Sharp, distinct line of demarcation indicates a rapid,
intense fire.
Sagged Jurniture springs: because of the heat
nttired for furniture springs to collapse from theirown weight (1150 F) and because of the insulating
effect of
the upholstery, sagged springs are believed to be possible
only in either a ire originating inside the cushions (as
from a cigarette) roling between the cushions) or an
extrnal fire intensifñied by a fire accelerant.
Spalling: breaking off of pieces of the surface of
concrete, brick or cement due to intense heat. Brown
stains around the spall indicate the use of fire accelerant.
Freezing of leaves: drying of leaves in a forest
fire into their position at the time of the fire. Since the
leaves turn during the day. "Some persons regard this
evidence as unreliable because of insufficient clinical
and research conformation and the influence of the fire
Wind.
One of the authority, P.L.Kirk, cautions that
pucddlle-shaped lines of demarcation may be due to
many causes which have nothing to do withflammable
uids. He also points out that depths of char is strongly
Ccted by factors other than burning time (Such as
perature and species of wood) and that much
cater care must be taken in its interpretations than 1s
trequently the case.
Olfactory Detection
Commasoline is a complex mixture of chemical
SOurce the proportion of which vary with the
lts mane crude oil and the type of process used in
nose to
nanufacture. The sensitivity ot tu
por appears to be on the order One part
gasolineose is not sensitive.
e
en
illion. So that, the
Another problem, called olfactory fatigue
tendency of the nose to lose its sensitivity to an o
after a prolonged or intense exposure to it. Further. th
odor of fire accelerants may De masKed by other stron
odor such as that of burnt debris or ammonia. In fact
in one case an arsonist attempted tO camouflage the
presence of gasoline by mixing vanilla with it to mask
the odor. Finally, it may be inconvenient or impossible to
search for accelerant odor with nose along with certain
types of detector equipment,
1s th
Other Types of Accelerant
Explosive types of accelerant usually leave little
or no residue, but there maybe some types of containers
or parts of containers available; metal parts such as
pieces ot pipe, wire, batteries, and parts of alarmcloc.
Evidence of forced entry, evidence of arson to cover up
other crimes and evidence of footprints or tire tracks
(outside) should be carefully gathered and reserved. D
not take for granted that fingerprints will be
destroyed
by the ire. Soot from the fire maybe perfect preservatives
of fingerprints.
The arsonist may use material on hand such e
newspapers, overstuffed furniture, or anything
burns easily. He may rearrange anything availa
provide a quick burning situation. He may use somc
of petroleum accelerant on this material. If rearr
tast-burning materials are use without acceler
a good photograph showing rearrangement mais
sufficient. If some accelerant of petroleum prourial
used, it will be necessary to place some of this mat
to
gasoline vapor appears to be on the order of one
per ten million. So that, the nose is not sensitive.
part
Another problem, called ollactory latigue, is the
tendency of the nose to lose 1ts sensitivity to an odor
after a prolonged or intense exposure to it. Further, the
odor of fire accelerants may be masked by other strono
odor such as that of burnt debris or ammonia. In fact,
in one case an arsonist attempted to camouflage the
presence of gasoline by mixing vanilla with it tomask
the odor. Finally, it may be inconvenient or impossible to
search for accelerant odor with nose along with certain
types of detector equipment.
Other Types of Accelerant
Explosive types of accelerant usually leave little
or no residue, but there maybe some types of containers
or parts of contaiers available; metal parts such as
pieces of pipe, wire, batteries, and parts of alarm clock.
Evidence of forced entry, evidence of arson to cover up
other crimes and evidence of footprints or tire tracks
(outside) should be carefully gathered and reserved. Do
not take for granted that fingerprints will be destroy
by the fire. Soot from the fire maybe perfect preservauv
ot hngerprints.
ne arsonist may use material on hand such as
newspapers, overstuffed furniture, or anything
le
provide aquick burning situation. He may ange
that
Durns casily. He may rearrange anything avai me
peoleum accelerant on this material. It reatt
erants,
a good photograph showing rearrangeme ct is
sulicient. f some accelerant of petroleun materi
ome ty
fast-burning materials are use without ay be
used, it will be necessary to place some A
this mat
in gl
lass or metal container and sealed for the crime lab
yar
to examine.
CHNICAL METHODS IN ARSON INVESTIGATION
The detection, recovery, and analysis of fire
elerants are ot major concern to arson investigators.
The presence ot lammable liquids can be used to
ablish that arson was committed and can sometimes
estab.
used to link a Suspect of fire. Although; objection
pe
sometimes be raised that identifiable amounts of
liquid fire accelerants rarely survive a fire so that any
effort or fund expanded for their detection would be
largely wasted. While there is not sufficient scientific
investigation of this subject, the day to day experience
of arson investigation, is that accelerant residue are
often found. Furthermore, experiments have shown
that accelerants can survive fires.
The areas most Iikely to contain residues of liquid
fire accelerants are floors, carpets, and soil since, like
all liquids, they run to the lowest level. Also, these
areas are likely to have the lowest temperatures during the fire and may have insuficient Oxygen to
support
the complete combustion of the accelerant. Porous .or
Cracked floors may allow accelerant to seep through
the underlying earth. Numerous instances have been
recounted of the excellent retention properties of soil for
lammable liquids. Another place where accelerants, and
ne equipments sensitivities, limitations, advantages
and disadvantages.
Chemical Color Test Detectors
Chemical color test maybe used to detect both
liquid accelerant residues and their vapors. Certain
dyes can spread in suspected areas and will indicatethe
presence of hydrocarbons by turning red. This method
is less sensitive and specific to flammable liquids than
other methods which are available. Also the dye may
interfere with subsequent laboratory tests intended
to identify the accelerant. Hydrocarbon vapor scan be
detected by pumping a suspected sample through a
glass container ot reagent, which changes color in the
presence of hydrocarbons. The reported sensitivity of
this method is on the order of one part per thousand.
The detector will also react to hydrocarbons, which are
not fire accelerant.
Catalytic Combustion Detector
The most common type of fiammable vapor
detector used by arson investigators operates on the
catalytic combustion principle and is popularlyknown
as sniffer, combustible gas indicator, explosimeter, or
vapor detector. In operation, vapor samples are pumped
over a heated, platinum plated coil of wire, which may
cause any combustible gas present to oxidize. The heat from the oxidation raises the electrical
resistance o
the coil and his changes in resistance are measured
electronically. A sensitivity to hexane vapor of a tew
parts per million can be achieved. Since oxygen
required for the operation, the sensitivity is reducedin
Oxygen-deficient areas but these are unlikely in ars
investigations. (Als0, an internal source of oxygen coui
be fitted to the detector if it were found to be required
The other problem is the gradual loss of sensitiviy
when the detector is exposed to gasoline containin
Jead. Lead deposits 1orm on the platinum catalyst and
interfere n its operation.
While the detector correctly indicate the presence
c the more volatile fire accelerants (gasoline, paint
thinner), it gave lowreadings 1or less volatile accelerants
(fuel oil, turpentine). This situation might cause an
nvestigator to overlook Such an accelerant while
searching a fire scene.
an
Flame Ionization Detector
In the flame ionization detector, the sample gas is
mixed with hydrogen and the mixture is burned. lonized
molecules are produced in the flame proportion to the
amount of combustible organic gases in the sample.
(Pure hydrogen, air, and water vapor produce little
ionization.) the degree of ionization is then measured
by using an electrometer to determine the resulting
increase in the electrical conductivity to methane is
about one part per ten million.
Gas Chromatograph
The portable gas chromatograph adapted for field use, is sometimes called the arson chromatograph.
n the gas chromatograph, the sample is first
Separated into components based on the speed with
which the components travel though a tube hlled
in a packing material. The amounts of each of the
parated components are then measured with either
catalytic combustion of flame ionization detector
Sensitivity rangers from a few hundredths of a part
f on to a few parts per million depending on the
o detector used. The main advantage 1s a great
cement in specificity because of the preliminary
separation process: the distribution in the unts of
components with various travel tumes tends to be unio
characteristics of chemical compounds. The princin
disadvantages are the time required for the analysis ot
each sample of about one-halt hour, which can be
disadvantage in some situations. In addition, there
an initial setup time of about one hour. The operation
of the gas chromatograph is considerably morecomplex
and requires a certain amount of the technical training
Infrared Spectrophotometer
Infrared spectrophotometers can achieved very
high specificity to fiammable liquids and high sensitivity
of about hundredths of part per million. In operation,
infrared light of varying wavelengths is directed through
the sample and the amount of light passing through it
is plotted on a pen recorder. The recording can thenbe
compared with those of known compounds determine
the identity of the sample. Since the chemical bonds
in the compound determine the way in which infrared
radiation, these recording called spectrograms are
unique for different compounds.
However, evidence mixed with impurities must
be purified before it can be successfully identified. In
particular, since water vapor absorbs infrared light, it
interferes with the identification of flammable vapors
This is a disadvantage in arson investigation, where
water is commonly present.
Ultraviolet Fluorescence
The operational procedure consists simply o
1lluminating the darkened fire scene with ultraviol
1amp. Certain substances, including constituentS
gasoline and its residue, absorbs the ultraviolet light
and release the energy as visible light. These substances
appear to glow against the darkened background. The
color with which the substances glow is affected by
exposure to neat, and thus, the method can be used
not only to locate accelerant residues but also to help
locate the point of origin of the fire. The only equipment
required is an ultraviolet lamp and portable power
supply
Recovery of Bire Accelerant Residue
Accelerant residues must first be separated
from the ashes, wood, carpeting, or other material in
which they are found before they can be analyzed.This
extraction is usually accomplished by one of three types.
Of distillation: simple, steam, or vacuum. Both steam
and vacuum distillation are capable of extracting 64%
of any gasoline from debris.
Identification of Prime Suspect
The final basic line of inquiry is the identification
of the fire setters and his accomplices if any. The
1dentification is developed from clues, traces, testimony
of persons particularly eye witnesses, and expert
testimony may be of value.
Difficulties in Investigating Arson Cases
Many fires receives only a per functionary
Vestigation, while many others are not investigated at
his is true both in the case of the initial investigation
ne cause of the fire and in the case of the subsequent
inal investigation when incendiarism is known or
pected. This situation causes the number ot fires
classified as incendiary or suspiclOus to significan
underestimate the true level of arson and helps to ca
the low arson arrest and conviction. The reasons
the low rate of investigation ol ires 1all mainly into tu o
categories.
1. Physical nature of the fire scene. No other type
of crime scene except bombings is characterized
by as much destruction and disorder as arson.
Investigators must search through piles of debris
and rubbles, often on their hands and knees.
Ashes, soot, and char make fire scenes filthy and
malodorous. They can ruin clothes and cause
personal problems for investigators returning
home from fire scenes, An investigator's wife may
be able to adjust to his late night calls, but may
find the inevitable filthy and foul-smelling clothes
intolerable. For this reasons or because he finds
such conditions undignified, an investigator's
may request transter to other duties.
The fire scene search is further aggravated
by water remaining from the extinguishments.
The scene may be a quagmire, making the rubble
wet and heavy to move out the way. Plaster fallen
from walls and ceilings mixed with the water,
forming a gray slush retarding the investigator s
movements. The fire scene may be dangerous to
work in because of the imminent collapse of uppe
parts of the structure. It may be exposed to the
elements, making work in foul weather difficult
and unpleasant.
In addition to the destruction of the fire,
there are further problems caused by firehgnt
mop-upprocesS and salvage operauo
immediately following the fire. This invov
finding and eliminating any smoldering sports that
might rekindle the fire. This involves tearing open
walls, ceilings, roofs, and other partitions, and
throwing objects like mattresses and sofas out the
building The salvage process involves removing
any salvageable items, such as furnishings or
machinery, to a safe place and covering them
from the elements. The process hampers efforts
to reconstruct the fire scene and the sequence of
events that led to arson. The original positions
of objects must, as a result, usually be obtained
through meticulous interviews.
The sheer physical effort involved in the
investigation is usually much greater for arson
than for other crimes, and the number of man-
hours required is greater. Fire scene searches
cannot be avoided, particularly in view of the
general lack of witnesses in arson. The investigator
must often put together a complex chain of
circumstantial evidence to establish arson and
implicate a suspect. Any physical evidence may
be destroyed by the fire or lost in the debris.
Securing the fire scene poses another
real problems, since the investigator in most
cases, is late in arriving. In general fireman do
not recognized their responsibility in arson
investigation and concentrate on suppressing the
hre without regard to the suspicious fire. In the
nre is suspicious and should be investigated.The arson investigator must assume the
esponsibility for educating the firemen as to their
responsibility in suspicious fires. The hiremen are
USualy in a position to make or break an arson
Ccase by their action in taking fire alarm, arriving
are
at the scene, and suppressing the fire. The firem
must understand how important their actionn
on is
to the investigator and why their cooperation
needed.
The arson investigator could profitably
use some of his time teaching the firemen t
recognize suspicious ires.The same techniques
can be taught the firemen how to protect the fire
scene and to see that the investigator is notified
immediately: Usually, the Sooner the investigator
is notified and arrives at the hre scene, the
better he is in a position to investigate. The good
investigator should closely work with firemen,
encourage them to be a part of the investigation,
and keep them informed.
2. Administrative Problems
Historically, the attitude of police has
often been that arson is a fire problem and that
responsibility for arson lies completely within
the fire service. Arson, however, is a crime, and
firefighters are not trained to investigate criminal
matters. As discussed in the previous section,
the conditions typical of fire scenes make arsO
investigation unpleasant and unrewarding
Neither the police nor fire agencies are anxious to
take over an area with such a low success rac
Both want to improve their statistics in orde
enhance their image and justify their budge
when budget cut occurs arson units are often
irst to go. The real winner in this dispute 13
arsonist.
Dificulties in Prosecuting Arson Cases
Legally, fires are assumed to be accidental in
origin until proven otherwise. The proof that theorigin
was incendiary and that a crime occurred is called the
corpus delecti (body of the crime) of the arson case.
Since arson iss committed surreptitiously, witnesses are
rare. Arson must therefore usually established using
circumstantial evidence including physical evidence,
such as fire accelerant residues or multiple points or
origin of the fire, which s difficult to find.
Once arson has been established, the prosecution
centers on implicating the defendant. Again witnesses
are few (unlike, say, robbery or assault), so a complex
circumstantial case must usually be constructed. Such
a case requires greater trial preparation and more
experience on the part of the fiscal: Further, the low
Success rate and high work demands of arson cases
make them most unattractive to prosecutors, who
emands of arson cases make them most unattractive
prosecutors, who demands of arson cases make
nem most unattractive to prosecutors, who are
ly Overburdened with cases. One of the criteria
Promotion is the number of convictions returned.
evid Final because of the heavy reliance on physical
nce, the prosecutor may feel uneasy with the large
nt of expert scientific testimony required.