1. Stats & Thoughts 3-6% of all structural fires in the U.S. are intentionally set or suspicious 3-6% of all structural fires in the U.S. are intentionally set or suspicious 20% of arson fires result in arrest 20% of arson fires result in arrest 46% of arson perps are juveniles 46% of arson perps are juveniles

2. Difficult to investigate and obtain evidence Fire may consume all traces of its incendiary origin Fire may consume all traces of its incendiary origin Scene is usually hosed down with hard streams of water and contents moved outside Scene is usually hosed down with hard streams of water and contents moved outside Falling debris and/or building collapse may cover or destroy evidence Falling debris and/or building collapse may cover or destroy evidence Perp can use a timing device and establish an alibi elsewhere Perp can use a timing device and establish an alibi elsewhere

3. Arson: Elements Burning dwelling house (20 year felony) Burning dwelling house (20 year felony) 1. Willfully or maliciously 2. Burn 3. Occupied or unoccupied, or –The contents thereof, whether owned by oneself or another, or –Any building within the curtilage of such dwelling, or –The contents thereof

4. Related Arson Statutes Burning Real Property(10 year felony) Burning Real Property(10 year felony) Burning Personal Property (varies depending on value and if multiple burnings in 12 month period) Burning Personal Property (varies depending on value and if multiple burnings in 12 month period) Burning of insured Property(10 yr felony) Burning of insured Property(10 yr felony) Preparation to Burn Preparation to Burn –<$20093 day Misd –200 – 1,0001 year Misd –1,000 – 20,000 5 year felony –> 20,00010-year felony

5. COMMON MOTIVATIONS FOR ARSON Arson-for-profit Arson-for-profit Revenge, spite, jealousy Revenge, spite, jealousy Vandalism/malicious mischief Vandalism/malicious mischief Racial/religious hostility Racial/religious hostility Crime concealment/diversionary tactics Crime concealment/diversionary tactics Psychiatric afflictions Psychiatric afflictions –pyromaniac –schizophrenic fire setter –Vanity, hero fire

6. PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION One effective way to determine fire causes is to determine the point of origin One effective way to determine fire causes is to determine the point of origin The investigator should check for the level of origin by examining: The investigator should check for the level of origin by examining: –the bottoms of shelves, ledges, moldings –furniture and all sides of the legs, arms, and framework of reconstructed furniture The floor and lower areas of the room produce the most clues to the cause for the fire, because they are living area The floor and lower areas of the room produce the most clues to the cause for the fire, because they are living area

7. WHERE AND HOW DID THE FIRE START? Two Factors Needed to Cause Fire Two Factors Needed to Cause Fire –During the investigation, it should be borne in mind that a fire always has two causes: a source of heat and material ignited Accidental Fires Accidental Fires –Once the point of origin has been discovered the next step is to determine how the fire started –Even though arson may be suspected, the investigator must first investigate and rule out all possible accidental or natural causes

8. COMMON CAUSES FOR ACCIDENTAL OR NATURAL FIRES The electric system The electric system Electrical appliance and equipment Electrical appliance and equipment Gas Gas Heating units Heating units Sunlight Sunlight Matches Matches Smoking Smoking

9. Fire Triangle Air Air Fuel Fuel Heat Heat –In Arson, one or more of these is usually present in abnormal amounts for the structure or location where the fire started

10. SPONTANEOUS HEATING An increase in temperature that results from a natural process; caused by chemical action, fermentation, or oxidation An increase in temperature that results from a natural process; caused by chemical action, fermentation, or oxidation

11. SPONTANEOUS IGNITION The catching afire of materials subjected to spontaneous heating; usually requires several hours to several months of oxidation or fermentation The catching afire of materials subjected to spontaneous heating; usually requires several hours to several months of oxidation or fermentation

12. BURN INDICATORS Burn indicators are the effects of heat or partial burning that indicate a fire’s rate of development, points of origin, temperature, duration, and time of occurrence and the presence of flammable liquids. Interpretation of burn indicators is the principle means for determining the cause of a fire, especially arson Burn indicators are the effects of heat or partial burning that indicate a fire’s rate of development, points of origin, temperature, duration, and time of occurrence and the presence of flammable liquids. Interpretation of burn indicators is the principle means for determining the cause of a fire, especially arson

13. EXAMPLES OF BURN INDICATORS Alligatoring (blisters = intense heat) Alligatoring (blisters = intense heat) Depth of char = length of burn Depth of char = length of burn Breaking of glass (crazing = intense heat) Breaking of glass (crazing = intense heat) Collapsed furniture springs Collapsed furniture springs Spalling (concrete breaks off = intense heat Spalling (concrete breaks off = intense heat Distorted light bulbs Distorted light bulbs Temperature determination Temperature determination

14. LINE OF DEMARCATION IN A WOOD SECTION Depth of char Depth of char –is used for evaluating fire spread –is used to estimate the duration of a fire –the rate of charring of wood varies widely (Source: Factory Mutual Engineering Corporation, Norwood, Massachusetts. Reprinted with permission.)

15. Point of Origin Established by finding the area with the deepest char, alligatoring and usually the greatest destruction. More than one point of origin indicates arson. Established by finding the area with the deepest char, alligatoring and usually the greatest destruction. More than one point of origin indicates arson.

16. IGNITION DEVICES Matches. Juvenile arsonists and pyromaniacs seem to favor striking matches Matches. Juvenile arsonists and pyromaniacs seem to favor striking matches Gasoline. Gasoline and other accelerants are very popular with many different types of arsonists Gasoline. Gasoline and other accelerants are very popular with many different types of arsonists Chemicals. Various chemical combustions have been used to set fires Chemicals. Various chemical combustions have been used to set fires

17. IGNITION DEVICES (cont'd) Gas. The combination of gas and the pilot light on the kitchen stoves of many residences is always a possibility Gas. The combination of gas and the pilot light on the kitchen stoves of many residences is always a possibility Electrical Systems. Any wiring system, including doorbell and telephone circuits, can be used as a fire-setting tool Electrical Systems. Any wiring system, including doorbell and telephone circuits, can be used as a fire-setting tool Mechanical Devices. Alarm clocks were once a favored weapon of arsonists Mechanical Devices. Alarm clocks were once a favored weapon of arsonists

18. ARSON DEVICE The items used in this arson igniting device included: The items used in this arson igniting device included: –an electrical timer –an appliance cord –matches –shredded paper

19. PLANT In arson, the material placed around the ignition device to feed the flame In arson, the material placed around the ignition device to feed the flame

20. ACCELERANTS In fire starting, any flammable fluid or compound that speeds the progress of a fire. Also called a booster. In fire starting, any flammable fluid or compound that speeds the progress of a fire. Also called a booster.

21. SCIENTIFIC METHODS IN ARSON INVESTIGATION Detection of Fire Accelerants. Several types of portable equipment are available to the arson investigator for detecting residues of flammable liquids at fire scenes. Detection of Fire Accelerants. Several types of portable equipment are available to the arson investigator for detecting residues of flammable liquids at fire scenes. –Olfactory Detection. The sensitivity of the human nose to gasoline vapor is about 1 part per 10 million. –Chemical Color Test Detectors. Chemical color tests may be used to detect both liquid accelerant residues and their vapors.

22. SCIENTIFIC METHODS IN ARSON INVESTIGATION (cont'd) Catalytic Combustion Detectors. The most common flammable vapor detector operates on the catalytic combustion principle. Catalytic Combustion Detectors. The most common flammable vapor detector operates on the catalytic combustion principle. Flame Ionization Detector. In the flame ionization detector the sample gas is mixed with hydrogen and the mixture is burned. Flame Ionization Detector. In the flame ionization detector the sample gas is mixed with hydrogen and the mixture is burned. Gas Liquid Chromatograph. The portable gas liquid chromatograph (GLC) is one of the most common detectors in arson investigations. Gas Liquid Chromatograph. The portable gas liquid chromatograph (GLC) is one of the most common detectors in arson investigations.

23. SCIENTIFIC METHODS IN ARSON INVESTIGATION (cont'd) Infrared Spectrophotomer. Infrared spectrophotometers can achieve high specificity to flammable liquids and high sensitivity. Infrared Spectrophotomer. Infrared spectrophotometers can achieve high specificity to flammable liquids and high sensitivity. Ultraviolet Fluorescence. This procedure consists of illuminating the darkened fire scene with an ultraviolet lamp. Ultraviolet Fluorescence. This procedure consists of illuminating the darkened fire scene with an ultraviolet lamp.

24. ACCELERANT DETECTING CANINE Many arsonists stay close to the fire scene Many arsonists stay close to the fire scene Police dogs may be brought to the scene Police dogs may be brought to the scene Sometimes these dogs will detect accelerants on a person at the scene Sometimes these dogs will detect accelerants on a person at the scene

25. Summary of Arson Indicators More than one point of origin More than one point of origin Deviate from normal burning patterns Deviate from normal burning patterns Show evidence of trailers Show evidence of trailers Show evidence of been accelerated Show evidence of been accelerated Produce odors or smoke of a colar associated with substances not usually present at the scene Produce odors or smoke of a colar associated with substances not usually present at the scene Abnormal amount of air, fuel or heat Abnormal amount of air, fuel or heat Evidence of incendiary igniters at point of origin Evidence of incendiary igniters at point of origin

26. INTERVIEWS IN AN ARSON INVESTIGATION Possible Witnesses Possible Witnesses –Prospective witnesses include tenants, businesspeople and customers from the burnt building and surrounding buildings –Passers-by, including bus drivers, taxi drivers, delivery people, garbage collectors, police patrols, and people waiting for busses and taxis –Questions to Ask. Did you observe the fire? At what time did you first observe the fire? are examples of questions asked in an interview

27. INTERVIEWS IN AN ARSON INVESTIGATION (cont'd) Firefighters at the Scene. Firefighters can be an invaluable source of information to arson investigators because of their technical knowledge and because of what they observe at a fire. Firefighters at the Scene. Firefighters can be an invaluable source of information to arson investigators because of their technical knowledge and because of what they observe at a fire. –Questions to Ask. What time was the alarm receive? What time did you arrive at the scene of the fire? are examples of questions to ask firefighters

28. INTERVIEWS IN AN ARSON INVESTIGATION -cont'd Insurance Personnel. Three people may be interviewed to determine if the profit centers around an insurance claim: the insurance agent or broker, the insurance adjuster, and the insurance investigator. Insurance Personnel. Three people may be interviewed to determine if the profit centers around an insurance claim: the insurance agent or broker, the insurance adjuster, and the insurance investigator. –Question to Ask the Agent or Broker. Who is the insured? Is there more than one person insured? Is the insured the beneficiary? –Question to Ask the Insurance Claims Adjuster. Did you take a sworn statement from the insured? Did the insured submit documents regarding proof of loss, value of contents, bills of lading, value of building, and the like. –Question to Ask the Insurance Investigator. Were you able to determine the cause of the fire? did you collect any evidence?

29. INTERVIEWS IN AN ARSON INVESTIGATION (cont'd) Other Witnesses Concerning Finances of the Insured. A number of other people may have information on the finances of the owner, including business associates, creditors, and competitors. –Question to Ask. How long have you known the owner/insured? What is the nature of your relationship with the owner/insured? News Media Personnel News Media Personnel –Individuals affiliated with these groups may have noticed something of value to the investigator or perhaps have films of the fire and fire scene.

30. INTERVIEWS IN AN ARSON INVESTIGATION (cont'd) The Medical Examiner. The autopsy should reveal whether any victim found dead in the fire was dead or alive before the fire started and what the cause of death was. The Medical Examiner. The autopsy should reveal whether any victim found dead in the fire was dead or alive before the fire started and what the cause of death was. Interviewing a Suspect. The questions below are based on the assumption that the person to be interviewed is involved in arson for profit. Interviewing a Suspect. The questions below are based on the assumption that the person to be interviewed is involved in arson for profit. –Questions to Ask the Suspect. Are you willing to cooperate in this investigation? How many other people are involved in the arson-for-profit scheme ? –Questions to Ask the Torch, Specifically. What method was used to accomplish the arson ?

31. THE ARSON SUSPECT In some arson investigations, a single prime suspect may emerge and investigative efforts will be focused accordingly In some arson investigations, a single prime suspect may emerge and investigative efforts will be focused accordingly –In most cases, a number of suspects emerge, and merely establishing that one or more of them had a motive to set the fire is not proof enough for an arrest and conviction In probing an arson fire, seldom does direct evidence link a suspect with a fire In probing an arson fire, seldom does direct evidence link a suspect with a fire –The investigation often must concentrate on gathering circumstantial evidence and provable facts

32. MECHANICAL EXPLOSION Explosions in which the high-pressure gas is produced by purely physical reactions; commonly caused by steam (e.g., the bursting of a steam boiler) Explosions in which the high-pressure gas is produced by purely physical reactions; commonly caused by steam (e.g., the bursting of a steam boiler)

33. DAMAGE FROM A METAL PIPE BOMB In searching this type of crime scene investigators: In searching this type of crime scene investigators: –Try to locate the debris furthest from the object bombed –An outer perimeter is then established for the scene –The crime scene search starts at the outer perimeter and moves inward

34. BOMB THREATS Responding to Threats Responding to Threats –Telephone Call. The caller should be kept on the line as long as possible. –Evacuation. The decision to evacuate the premises should be made by the responsible party at the scene. –Industrial Plants, Shopping Centers, and the Like. The assigned officer should contact the manager of the scene and advise them of their responsibilities.

35. BOMB THREATS (cont'd) –Private Homes and Small Businesses. If there are no responsible persons present to do a search, officers should conduct the search themselves. –Police and Public Safety Buildings. The employee receiving the threat should refer the threats to a sworn officer and the chief of police should be notified. Searching for Concealed Explosives. To help detect anything suspicious or out of the ordinary, search procedures should include interviews with persons familiar with the buildings or structures to be searched. Searching for Concealed Explosives. To help detect anything suspicious or out of the ordinary, search procedures should include interviews with persons familiar with the buildings or structures to be searched.

36. BOMB THREATS (cont'd) What Not to Do. A partial list of steps that should not be taken in the event of a bomb threat include: What Not to Do. A partial list of steps that should not be taken in the event of a bomb threat include: –Do not ignore bomb threats. –Do not touch suspected explosives/bombs. Potential Concealment Areas for Bombs. Areas of concealment for a bomb could include: elevator wells and shafts, including nooks, closets, storage rooms, false panels, walk areas, counterweights, motors, cables, and trash in shaft. Potential Concealment Areas for Bombs. Areas of concealment for a bomb could include: elevator wells and shafts, including nooks, closets, storage rooms, false panels, walk areas, counterweights, motors, cables, and trash in shaft.