Analysis and Interpretation of Fire Scene Evidence: (Forensic Science Techniques)

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.

Table of Contents:
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