1st Edition

Analysis and Interpretation of Fire Scene Evidence

Edited By Jose R. Almirall, Kenneth G. Furton Copyright 2004
    272 Pages 126 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    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.

    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

    Biography

    Jose R. Almirall, Kenneth G. Furton