EXAM study guide

Heat Oxygen Fuel When combined together, cause a chain reaction that results in a fire

Fuels Oxidizers Ignition sources

ALL THREE components?????

A rapid, self-sustaining oxidation process usually accompanied by the evolution of heat and light in varying intensities

The rapid increase in volume and release of energy in an extreme manner; the result, not the cause, of a rapid expansion of gases It may occur from physical or mechanical change

A fire set intentionally and maliciously to destroy property or buildings

A substance used to aid the spread of a fire

Checking of charred wood that gives it the appearance of alligator skin Large rolling blisters indicate rapid, intense heat Small flat alligatoring indicates slow, less intense heat

Flaking or chipping of concrete Rise in internal pressure due to evaporation Internal cracking and thermal expansion

Formation of small, irregular cracks in glass due to rapid, intense heat, possibly caused by an accelerant May result from the application of water to the hot glass

Established by: Area of deepest char Alligatoring Usually, the area with the greatest destruction Identify and eliminate probable accidental ignition sources ** More than one point of origin generally indicates arson!

• Boundary between charred and uncharred material Puddle shaped line of demarcation on floors or rugs may indicate the use of a liquid accelerant

A fire set intentionally by human activity

Class A Class B Class C Class D

Natural Accidental Criminal (arson) Suspicious Unknown origin

NATURAL or ACCIDENTAL

Natural: Caused by natural events such as lightning, earthquake, wind, etc. Accidental: Caused by an accident Arson: A fire set intentionally and maliciously to destroy property or buildings Suspicious: A fire suspected as arson even though proof is lacking Unknown origin: Fire of unknown cause

Arson alone is the intentional destruction of a property by fire while aggravated arson is a fire that creates an imminent danger to life or great bodily harm in which risk was known or reasonably foreseeable to the actor

Gasoline: petroleum derivative; used mainly as fuel in internal combustion engines Kerosene: clear liquid hydrocarbon derivative, used as heating and cooking fuel; lamp and lantern oil Turpentine: Liquid distillate, derived from tree resin, used mainly as a solvent Fuel oil: Petroleum distillate, used for heating and fuel (diesel)

Crime concealment Revenge or spite Monetary gain Malicious vandalism Extremism

White males Almost half under 18 years of age Many come from broken or unstable homes Extensive criminal record Below average intelligence Lacks marital ties Socially maladjusted or loner Unemployed or unskilled employment Alcohol plays a major role Self-destructive Mentally defective Older Lonely and unhappy Possible psychotic problems Possible schizophrenia *Female arsonists usually burn their own property; rarely that of an employer, neighbor, or associate

More than one point of origin Deviation from normal burn pattern Evidence of “trailers” Evidence of being accelerated Indicators of abnormal amounts of air, fuel, or heat Evidence of incendiary igniters at point of origin Odors or smoke inconsistent with items present at scene

Accidental: Heating system Electrical appliances Lightning Children playing with matches Smoking Non-accidental: Odors Furnishing Clothing Locked windows/blocked doors Two or more points of origin Inverted “V” patterns Floor charred Trailers

Low explosives are normally used as propellants, including fun powders and pyrotechnics such as smoke bombs, rockets, and illumination devices High explosives are normally used in demolition and military warheads; high explosive compounds detonate at rates ranging from 3,000 and 9,000 meters per second (examples include, dynamite, cordite, ballistite, and C4)