What evidence is needed to establish an arson case?

They include: Burn pattern: multiple origins or unusual origin location. Presence/absence, and/or condition of ignition key. Ignition lock/switch condition.

What are the four basic lines of inquiry in the investigation of arson?

Successful investigations of automobile fires come from the following basic lines of inquiry: first, the inspection of the sal- vage to secure evidence of the origin of the fire; second, an in- vestigation into the car owner’s history to secure evidence of motive and opportunity; third, the locating and questioning of …

Why are arson investigations difficult?

Arson is also a difficult crime to investigate because of its destructive nature (Saferstein, 2004), and this also calls for a great deal of training and knowledge on the part of those who seek to research the act and catch the actor.

What significance does a fire’s point of origin have regarding the investigation of a suspected arson fire?

Once the point of origin is determined, it may confirm or contradict the statements of owners / occupants / witnesses / suspects. One of the most important aspects of any fire investigation is the proper recognition, identification, and analysis of fire patterns.

What is the most important step in conducting an arson investigation?

Determining the point of origin is a critical first step in fire investigation. There are many factors to consider in this process of conducting a systematic investigation, while attempting to reconstruct the fire scene from the area of least damage to the area or point of most damage.

How does an investigator look for evidence at an arson crime scene?

The investigator should take photographic or video evidence of the scene for documentation including: the crowd surrounding the scene, interior and exterior photos of the building, any points of origin or ignitable sources, any physical reconstruction that may have been performed, and additional photographic avenues …

What do fire investigators begin their search with?

The best point to start an investigation is to collect the circumstantial evidence of the fire. Find out where the eyewitnesses’ first saw the fire because it saves a lot of time and conjecture. They generally start thinking and talking about the cause after getting over the initial shock of the fire.

Which of the following three elements must be present for a fire to burn?

Oxygen, heat, and fuel are frequently referred to as the “fire triangle.” Add in the fourth element, the chemical reaction, and you actually have a fire “tetrahedron.” The important thing to remember is: take any of these four things away, and you will not have a fire or the fire will be extinguished.

What is the difference between a fire investigator and an arson investigator?

An arson investigator will try to determine who is responsible for setting a fire; a fire investigator will attempt to determine the cause and origin of a fire.

What is the first thing a fire investigator looks for when investigating a suspicious fire?

The investigator should: Identify a distinct origin (location where the fire started) and an obvious fire cause (ignition source, first fuel ignited, and circumstances of the event that brought the two together).

What is the arson investigation process?

Fire and arson investigators examine the physical attributes of a fire scene and identify and collect physical evidence from the scene. This evidence is then analyzed to help determine if the cause of the fire was accidental or deliberate.

What is one important thing a first responder does before the arrival of an arson investigator?

What is one important thing a first responder does before the arrival of an arson investigator? Protect evidence. Put out the fire as quickly as possible.