Page 1 of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology
THE UNIVERSITY OF MANILA College of Criminology SUBJECT-3 CRIME !ETECTION AN! INVESTI"ATION FIRE TECHNOLO"Y AN! ARSON INVESTI"ATION Te#$nology %n& #%'(e( of fire) Fire Tri%ngle T$eory The graphical representation of the three elements of fire, namely: Oxygen, Heat, and Fuel. Each side is just as important as either of the other two sides. There cannot be fire without all the three parts present in eual proportion. !sing the same theory, there are three ways to extinguish fire:
1. Remove the fuel 2. Cut-o the oxygen supply "* #educe the temperature $cooling% Elemen+( of Fire &. He%+ ' He%+ ' a form of energy generated by the transmission of some other form of energy, as in combustion or burning.
Heat Sources: 1. Open ame !. Hot surfaces 2. "lectr#cal c#rcu#t $. %r#ct#on %r#ct#on ". (par)s
*. +ll sources of ignition
. O,ygen ' O,ygen ' a colorless, odorless gas and one of the compositions of air which is approximately &- by olume.
Oxygen Sources: 1. 21 ' of normal oxygen 2. )* ' of n#trogen ". & - of other gases
Oxygen Re&u#rements 1. 12 ' - no (re 2. 1! ' - ash po#nt ". & - ' fire point
". F'el ' F'el ' any substance which reacts chemically with oxygen and produces flames. The most important element of fire. F'el So'r#e(
1. Solid - molecules are closely pac+e, together 2. Liquid - molecules are loosely pac+e, ". "%( ' "%( ' molecules are free to moed Fire Te+r%$e&ron The fire, triangle theory describes the three elements, of a fire as shown in Figure &.&. +nother explanation of the reuirement of combustion uses a four'sided figure called tetrahedron as shown in Figure &.. /oth theories are used to explain what causes fire. The fourth element of the tetrahedron explanation is )nown as chemical reactiity, or chemical reaction. For 0ombustion to occur, four elements a re necessary:
1. Oxygen ox#,##ng agent/ 2. %uel 0. Heat 1. (elf ' sustaining chemical reaction. These elements can be graphically described as the fire tetrahedron. Each element of the tetrahedron must be in place for combustio combustion n to occur. occur. This This theory theory is extremely extremely important important to students students of fire suppression, suppression, preention preention,, and inestig inestigation ation.. #emoing any one of the f our elements combustion will not occur. 2f ignition has already started, the fire is extinguished, if one of the elements is remoed from the reaction.
Page 2 of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology Com.onen+(/Elemen+( of +$e Fire Te+r%$e&ron &. O,ygen 0O,i&i1ing Agen+2 Oxidi3ing agents are those materials that yield oxygen or other oxidi3ing gases during the process of a chemical reaction. . F'el 0Re&'#ing Agen+2 Fuel is the material or substance being burned in the combustion process. ". He%+ 0Tem.er%+'re2 Heat is the energy component of the fire tetrahedron. 4hen heat comes in contact with a fuel, the energy supports the combustion process. Com'(+ion Re%#+ion(/4ro#e((
Causes pyrolys#s or vapor#at#on of sol#, an, l#&u#, fuels an, the pro,uct#on of #gn#tale vapors or gases3 Prov#,es the energy necessary for #gn#t#on3 5 0auses the continuous production production and ignition of fuel apors or gases to continue continue the combustion reaction. Ty.e( of Energy 0Common So'r#e( of He%+2 &. C$emi#%l &. C$emi#%l Energy 2t is the most common source of heat in combustion reactions. 4hen any combustibles are in contact with oxygen oxidation occurs. The reaction of this process results in the production of heat. Examples: Heat generated from a burning match, (elf'heating $spontaneous heating%. . Ele#+ri#%l Energy Electrical energy can generate temperatures high enough to ignite any combustible materials near the heated area. ". N'#le%r Energy 6uclear heat energy is generated when atoms either split apart $fission% or combine $fusion%. Examples:
a. %#ss#on heats heats 4ater to ,r#ve steam tur#nes an,
pro,uce electr#c#ty. electr#c#ty.
b. The solar energy is a product of a fusion reaction $a form of nuclear energy%. 1. Me#$%ni#%l Energy +n energy created by friction and compression. compression.
Heat of Frition - #s the movement of t4o surfaces aga#nst each other. 5h#s movement pro,uce, spar+s e#ng generate,. 5 He%+ of Com.re((ion ' Com.re((ion ' heat is generated when a gas is compressed in a container or cylinder. Self-S'(+%ine& C$emi#%l Re%#+ion 0+$e fo'r+$ elemen+2 0ombustion is a complex reaction that it reuires a fuel $gaseous or apor state%, an oxidi3er, and heat to combine in a ery specific way. Once flaming starts, it can only continue when enough heat or energy is produced to cause the continued chain reaction. 0hain reaction is a series of eents that occur in seuence with the results of each indiidual reaction being added to the rest. Com'(+ion Fire and combustion are terms that are often used interchangeably. Technically spea)ing, fire is a form of combustion. 0ombustion is a self'sustaining chemical reaction producing energy or products that cause more reactions of the same )ind. 0ombustion is an exothermic reaction. Fire is a rapid, self'sustaining oxidi3ation process accompanied by the release of heat and light of different intensities. intensities. The time it ta)es a reaction to occur determines the type of reaction that is obsered. 4ro&'#+( of Com'(+ion Fo'r 052 C%+egorie( of .ro&'#+( of #om'(+ion &. Fire &. Fire g%(e(
Page ! of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology 7 are those that remain when other products of combustion cool to normal temperature. 0ommon combustibles contain carbon, which forms carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide when burned. Other fire gases include hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, nitrous and nitric oxide, phosgene, and hydrogen chloride. The records of fatal fires show that more people died from inhaling these super'heated and toxic fire gases than from any other cause. The complete combustion of fuels containing carbon will produce 0O , but seldom will there be enough oxygen for complete combustion. 4hen only part of the carbon is oxidi3ed, carbon monoxide is formed. 4hile carbon monoxide is not the most toxic fire gas, it causes mote deaths than any other because robs the body of oxygen Ty.e( of 4oi(ono'( "%(e( Hy&rogen S'lfi&e 0H 6S2 Hy&rogen Cy%ni&e 0HCN2 Hy&rogen C$lori&e 0HCl2 . Fl%me 2t is the luminous body of a burning gas which gets hotter and less luminous when mixed with more oxygen. Flame fades when carbon burns completely, so flame is considered a product of incomplete combustion. 2t is the manifestation of fire when the fire is in its gas'phased combustion. N%+'re of Fire Een the most flammable materials $capable of being easily ignited% do not actually burn. The apor gien off by a material is the part that burns. 4hen a piece of wood is ignited, the fire is not from the burning wood, rather, from the apors that are gien off by the wood. The heat causes the substance in the wood to apori3e. The heated apors mix uic)ly with oxygen in the air and fire results. This process is )nown as 8yrolysis. 4yroly(i( 2t refers to the chemical process whereby fire consumes the most solid part of the fuel. 2t is the thermal decomposition of a solid fuel through the action of heat.
5he process of Pyrolys#s #nvolves the follo4#ng: 1. 5he fuel #s heate, unt#l #ts temperature reaches #ts (re po#nt3 2. 6ecompos#t#on ta+es place 7 mo#sture #n the fuel #s converte, to vapor3 0. 6ecompos#t#on pro,uces comust#le vapors that r#se to the surface of the fuel. 5hese comust#le vapors are techn#cally terme, as free ra,#cals3 1. Free'radicals undergo combustion if proper amount of oxygen is present.
5he most common type of free-ra,#cals - comust#le vapors/: 1. Hy,rogen gas 2. Caron monox#,e 0. Caron ,#ox#,e 1. 6itrogen
8ost (res 4#ll #nvolve #ncomplete comust#on9 pro,uc#ng CO an, caron part#cles along 4#th heat9 4ater vapor9 an, CO 2. + fire inoling material other than hydrocarbons and oxygen will produce combustion products composed of the atoms and molecules forming the material together with the oxidi3er used for the support of the combustion. This is the reason a poisonous fuel may gie off poisonous fumes and smo)e.
". He%+ + form of energy measured in degree of temperature, it is the product of combustion that spread the fire. 2t causes burns and other injuries such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and respiratory tract injuries. Heat, oxygen depletion, and carbon monoxide formation are the primary ha3ards in fires.
Page " of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology 1. Smo7e 2t is the isible product of incomplete combustion, usually a mixture of oxygen nitrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, finely diided particles of soot and carbon, and miscellaneous assortment of product released from the burning material. 4ro.er+ie( of Fire A* 4$y(i#%l 4ro.er+ie( &. S.e#ifi# gr%8i+y ' the ratio of the weight of a solid or substance to the weight of an eual olume of water . V%.or &en(i+y ' the weight of a olume of pure gas compared to the weight of a olume of dry air at the same temperature and pressure ". V%.or .re(('re ' the force exerted by the molecules on the surface of the liuid at euilibrium. 1. Tem.er%+'re ' the measure of thermal degree of the agitation of molecules of a gien substance9 the measure of the molecular actiity within a substance. . Boiling .oin+ ' the constant temperature at which the apor pressure of the liuid is eual to the atmospheric pressure. *. Igni+ion +em.er%+'re or 7in&ling +em.er%+'re ' the minimum temperature to which the substance in the air must be heated in order to initiate or cause self'contained combustion without the addition of heat from outside sources. ;. Fire .oin+ ' the temperature at which the material will gie off ample apors to )eep burning. There is usually about 'to &<= difference between the flashpoint and the firepoint of most materials. (ince these two are just a few degrees apart. >. Fl%($.oin+ ' the temperature at which a material is not hot e nough to )eep burning, but still gies off enough apors to cause a flame to ?flash@ across the surface. The term ?flashpoint@ is used to e xpress the condition of a fuel apori3ing, whether or not it is apori3ing fast enough to )eep burning. B* C$emi#%l 4ro.er+ie( &. En&o+$ermi# re%#+ion ' are changes whereby energy $heat% is absorbed or is added before the reaction ta)es place. . E,o+$ermi# re%#+ion ' reactions or changes that release or gie off energy $heat% thus they produce substances with less energy than the reactants. ". O,i&%+ion ' a chemical change in which combustible material $fuel% and an oxidi3ing agent react. 1. Com'(+ion/fl%me ' the manifestation of fire when the fire is in its gas'phased combustion. + matter that is produced by fire. V%.or !en(i+y The term used to explain the weight of apors is ?apor density@. 2n order to measure the weight of these apors we usually compare them to air, which is considered to hae a apor density of &.<<. Therefore, if we say that a substance has a apor density of &.9 it means that it is on'and'a'half times as heay as air under the same conditions of pressure
Page # of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology and temperature. 2f a substance has a apor density of .;, it is lighter than air, weighing only ;A&< as much as an eual olume of air. 4$%(e( of B'rning / T$e T$ree S+%ge( of Fire The methods firefighters use to extinguish a f ire will depend largely on the phase in which they find the fire. Factors to be considered in determining phases of burning: &. The amount of time the fire has burned9 . The entilation characteristics of the confining structure9 ". The amount and type of combustibles present
Fires generally hae three $"% progressie stages based on the aboe factors: &. In#i.ien+/Beginning .$%(e - it is the initial stage of fire. . Free-B'rning 4$%(e ' the second phase of burning in which materials or structures are burning in the presence of adeuate oxygen. ". Smol&ering 4$%(e ' the final phase of burning wherein flame ceases but dense smo)e and heat completely fill the confined room. B%#7&r%f+ Firefighters operating at fires in buildings must use precautionary measures when opening a building to gain entry, by proiding entilation either by hori3ontalAcross entilation $opening doors or windows%, or ertical entilation $opening a hole at the highest portion of the affected part of the building. +s the fire grows in a confine area, large olumes of hot, unburned fire gases can collect in unentilated spaces. These gases may be at or aboe their ignition temperature but hae insufficient oxygen aailable to actually ignite. +ny action ta)en during fire fighting operations that allows air to mix with these hot gases can result in an explosie ignition called bac)draft. The danger for bac)draft can be minimi3ed with proper application of ertical entilation causing the unburned gases rise and release through the opening before an entry is made. Con&i+ion( +$%+ in&i#%+e +$e &%nger for %#7&r%f+ a. 8ressuri3ed smo)e exiting small openings b. /lac) smo)e becoming dense gray yellow c. 0onfinement and excessie heat d. Bittle or no isible flame e. (mo)e leaing the building in puffs or at interals f. (mo)e stained windows
Fl%($o8er Flashoer occurs when a room or other area is heated enough that flames sweep oer the entire surface. Firefighters originally belieed that combustible gases released during the early stages of the fire cause flashoer by collecting at the ceiling and mixing with air until they burst into flames. 0ombustible material is grouped into one of four classifications. These classes of fuel help to simplify firefighting methods and techniues. Cl%((ifi#%+ion of Fire /y )nowing the classes of fire a certain material will fall into, you will be able to ma)e intelligent firefighting decisions. A* B%(e& on C%'(e &. 6atural fire . +ccidental fire ". 2ntentional fire B* B%(e& on B'rning F'el Four $1% 0lasses of Fire &. Cl%(( A
Page 6 of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology Caterials inoling egetable fibers, wood, paper straw, grain, and grass9 combustible minerals such as coal and co)e. 6early all thrash fires are considered as 0lass +. . Cl%(( B Caterials including petroleum products such as gasoline, f uel oils, lubricating oils, and greases9 animal fats such as butter, lard, and tallow9 egetable extracts such as alcohol, linseed oil, and turpentine9 egetable compounds such as shortenings and oleomargarines9 natural gases and compressed gases such as butane, propane, hydrogen, and acetylene. ". Cl%(( C This type of fire inoles electrical motors, electrical appliances and apparatus. +ctually a 0lass 0 fire is composed usually of 0lass + and 0lass / materials or a combination of both. !se of water is usually dangerous because of the ris) of electrical shoc). 1. Cl%(( ! These are materials inoling combustible metals, alloys, or metal compounds either in a solid, semi solid or liuid state. They may further reduce in shaings, grindings, granules, or dust. (ome liuid metals are )ept in a liuid state under pressure. !sually these liuid metals are extremely dangerous. (ome of the more unusual metals are: sodium, magnesium, titanium, sodium potassium, and uranium as well as pyrophoric organometallic reagents such a al)ylithiums, grignards, and diethyl3inc. These type of materials burn at high temperatures and will react iolently with water, air, andAor other chemicals. S.on+%neo'( He%+ing (pontaneous heating and spontaneous ignition start as a result of a chemical reaction within the material ' a reaction independent of any outside source of heat. (pontaneous heating begins a cycle of oxidation that builds up heat ery slowly in its first stage. The condition that builds up temperature high enough to cause ignition is called spontaneous heating. +t this point, it becomes spontaneous ignition. 2n most materials this process deelops slowly and does not reach its ignition point for days or een wee)s9 conseuently, fires may brea) out today, that were actually started days before. !sually there is enough air to oxidation, but not enough air to carry the heat from the area. (ome of the common materials that may spontaneously heated and ignited are animal oils, mixed fish oils, linseed oil, coal, co)e, charcoal, sawdust, hay, grain and cotton. 4ro.%g%+ion of Fire 8ropagation of fire simply means the spread of fire. +s a substance burns, fire propagation will be increased by the transmission of heat by nearby materials. This condition causes additional apors to be released thereby spreading the fire. Ty.e( of He%+ Tr%n(mi((ion &. Con&'#+ion 2t is the transmission of objectAmedium or conductor, such as pipe, metal, hot air duct, wire, or een wall. . R%&i%+ion The transmission through the discharge and spread of heat from a heated or burning source. This radiation ta)es place through the air or through space that cause another flammable object to ignite. ". Con8e#+ion 2t is the transmission of heat by the moing currents of liuid or gas. 4hen these gases or liuids are heated, they start to moe within themseles9 and by their free motion, circulation starts. 1. Fl%me Con+%#+ Heat may be conducted from one body to another by direct flame contact. Fire spreads along or through burning material by flame contact. 4hen a material is heated to the point where flammable apors are released, the apors may be ignited. +ny other flammable material may be heated to its ignition temperature by direct contact with the flame or burning apors. In+en(i+y of Fire
Page $ of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology 2ntensity of fire means simply ?how hot the fire is burning.@ (ome types of fuels naturally burn hotter $more intensely% than others. For example, a gasoline fire burns hotter than a wood fire, while an acetylene flame is hotter than a gasoline flame. F%#+or( +o &e+ermine +$e in+en(i+y of fire &. Type of fuel . 8ercentage of oxygen present E,.lo(i8e Limi+( The term ?explosie limits@ means the amount $expressed in percent% of fuel apor that can be mixed with air to form and explosie or flammable mixture. 2f less that this amount is used, the mixture will not burn. This is )nown as ?lean@ to burn. 2f more than this amount is used, the mixture is called too ?rich@ and will not burn. There is a minimum proportion of apor'to'air below which the apor will not burn and there is also a maximum proportion of apor'to'air aboe which the apor will not burn. The minimum $lower% and maximum $upper% limits of the carton of apor'to'air in which the mixture will ignite or explode are )nown as the lower and upper explosie limits. M%gni+'&e of Fire The Cagnitude of fire means the si3e of a fire, and it is goerned by the surface area of fuel exposed to the air. The magnitude of fire is not always determined by the amount of fuel inoled but more often by the amount of fuel exposed to the air. Fl%($.oin+ The temperature at which the material is not hot enough to )eep burning, but still gies off enough apors to cause a flame to ?flash@ across the surface. Fire.oin+ The temperature at which the material will gie off ample apors to )eep burning. There is usually about to &< degrees difference between the flashpoint and firepoint of most materials. (ince the two are just a few degrees apart, the term ?flashpoint@ is express the condition of a fuel apori3ing, whether or not it is apori3ing fast enough to )eep burning. Igni+ion Tem.er%+'re 2gnition temperature is the degree of heat necessary to ignite flammable apors. This temperature can come from an external source $match, spar), and friction%: or if the fuel itself is raised to this temperature, auto'ignition $self'ignition% will occur. O,i&%+ion 2n nearly all fires, oxidation ta)es place by using the oxygen that is present in the atmosphere. Howeer, in some cases, certain chemical compounds )nown as oxidi3ing agents are inoled. Though not flammable themseles, when they are heated or when they come in contact with water, they gie off which in turn, supports the burning of flammable materials. T$e more #ommon O,i&i1ing Agen+( &. 6itrates . 0hlorates ". 8eroxide 2f a small uantity of potassium chlorate is added to a pile of sugar, flour, or starch, and heat is applied, the mixture will burst into flame and burn iolently. 4ithout the addition of the oxidi3ing agent, these same fuels would be extremely slow in igniting. 9*6 B%(i# .rin#i.le( in Fire %n& Ar(on in8e(+ig%+ion FIRE INVESTI"ATION This chapter will point out the main features of fire 2nestigation. Fire inestigation is by nature the basis for fire preention program. Only an in'depth analysis of what seuences of eents enable a fire to start, enabled it to spread, and how and where it was controlled $e.g., firefighting, structural design, lac) of fuel% can help preent future fires. +dditionally, fire inestigation includes the obserations of eeryone inoled, and at the fires themseles there are many firefighters who will able to shed light on the nature of the fire, its progress, and so forth. One of the most difficult problems to sole is to determine the cause of the fire, since the flames generally consume any eidence of what occurred. This is the reason that the cause of most fires cannot be determined without a long and careful inestigation.
Page % of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology Firefighters often ma)e snap judgments at the scene as to the cause of a fire, without an adeuate eidence or sufficient inestigation on which to base their decision. +pparently, there is hesitation on the part of the firefighters to admit that they do not really )now the real cause of the $approximately 1- of those reported% are listed as ?cause )nown.@ 2nstead, the fire is attributed to arious causes without apparent regard to actual eidence or to lac) of it. (ome of the faorite causes listed by firefighters, when they are not certain of the actual cause, are faulty wiring, children playing with matches, spontaneous combustion, spar)s from stoe, burning rubbish, and careless disposal of smo)ing materials. The ery general and indefinite nature of these causes indicates that, in most cases, they are based on assumptions, rather than on eidence. 2n this relation, the material or boo) will assist you in performing or conducting inestigation to determine the causes and origin of a fire. 6o matter how small, fire must be inestigated. Fire inestigations proide authorities with information needed to guide fire preention educational programs, help fire inspectors in spotting and eliminating new or preiously oerloo)ed ha3ards, and deelop meaningful information for training fire protection personnel. +s far as fire inestigation is concerned, they must be defined as: 5 0ause ' that which made the fire start9 and 5 #eason ' that which led to the cause of a fire $a motie leading to the action%. /oth cause and reason must be established to satisfactorily complete a fire inestigation. The ?cause@ explains the existence of fire, or the 4H+T of inestigation9 while the ?reason@ establishes the 4HD of the fire and inestigation. /oth are reuired to correctly classify the fire, and also to proide guidance in establishing correctie action to preclude a recurrence of the incident. The importance of the establishment of a fire cause is the )nowledge of the physical aspects of fire. Fo'r "ener%l Cl%((e( of Fire C%'(e( &. N%+'r%l Fire fire caused naturally without human interention or aid9 such as lightning, spontaneous ignition, mechanical malfunction of euipment. . A##i&en+%l Fire fire causes where human action is inoled directly or indirectly. i.e. a%. 0areless disposal of smo)ing materials9 b%. wor)ers using welding'cutting euipment ". Ar(on fire cause as a result of the willful and criminal action of some persons, i.e., incendiary fire. 1. Un7no:n Fire fires which are not classified as to cause. T$ree "ener%l Cl%((ifi#%+ion( of Fire &. Inno#en+ fire ' e.g. natural and accidental causes . In#en&i%ry fire ' e.g. arson cases ". Un7no:n fire ' e.g. fire of un)nown causes. Fire In8e(+ig%+ion %n& E8i&en#e ;i+ Eidence )it proides euipment for use in the inestigation and for the preseration of any eidence found at the scene after that eidence has been photograph in its original location. 5 (pecial clothing such as: coerall, gloes, boots used to protect uniform9 5 Flashlight and electric lantern9 5 Ceasuring tape and small ruler for ma)ing measurements9
Page & of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology 5 Babels $gummed and stringed% used to identify items9 5 6ew or sterile glass jars with rubber airtight seals used for the collection of samples9 5 Enelopes, boxes, plastic bags, metal cans used for the collection $assorted si3es% used for collection of samples. B%(i# S+e.( in % Fire S#ene E,%min%+ion Se%r#$ (y(+em%+i#%lly O(er8e T%7e .$o+ogr%.$
S+e.( on Ho: +o !e+ermine +$e 4oin+ of Origin &. Examine the entire interior of the building and determine which room or areas hae receied the most seere fire damage. enerally, this will be the area where the fire burned extensiely or the longest and will ery li)ely be where it originated. . etermine the leel or origin within the room by examining and comparing the bottom side of the tables, sheles, and chairs. ". Examine the ceiling and loo) for the following patterns:
Page 1' of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology a% fire penetration and b% heaiest fire exposure 1. Examine the light bulbs within the room. The side of the bulbs which is initially exposed to heat begin to swell or bulge and lose shape at about G<< =F when exposed to heat for &< minutes or more actually point to the area of fire origin. . Examine walls within the room and loo) for fire patterns or fire cones. Fires generally burn upward and outward, leaing corresponding fire patterns on wall as a result of heat transfer through conection and radiation. The steepness or relatie, pitch of the angle seen on the fire cone is indicatie of the type of burning, e.g smoldering or flaming !eri( Examine the fire debris and the floor in the following manner: 5 0onduct a detailed search of the debris, examining it layer by layer until the floor is reached9 5 0ompletely clean the floor on all debris and char dust. The floor and floor coering should be clean enough to obsere and photograph the significant burn and char patterns 'and should be dry. 5 0arefully reconstruct and replace furnishings and other articles in their original positions by using burn patterns and corresponding protected areas. uring fire progress, legs and bases of furniture and other items on the floor will protect the floor, leaing unburned mar)s which will aid in repositioning. 5 Examine the floor coerings and floor for significant patterns. F'rni($ing( Examine fire damaged furnishing such as: upholstered furniture couches, chairs, beds, etc. T:o 062 "ener%l Ty.e( of B'rn 4%++ern 5 /urn pattern that inoles a surface bu rning of the item. This pattern is indicatie of the presence of a smoldering source of ignition. Examination of supporting springs will disclose that tension still exists. 5 /urn, patterns inoling deep penetration of one portion with corresponding collapse of springs and frame destruction: (pring collapse is caused when the heating process occurs oer an extended length of time, causing the springs to lose their tension and collapses of their own weight. Ty.e( of Fire/Ar(on In8e(+ig%+ion B%(i# In8e(+ig%+ion 4'r.o(e( &. to determine what property was damage9 . what the causes and reasons were9 ". the number and extent of injuries or fatalities9 and 1. the recommended correctie actions to preent recurrence. Te#$ni#%l In8e(+ig%+ion 2t is an in'depth inestigation to determine more specific details of the cause and effects, and to establish necessary correctie action. Re%(on( in Con&'#+ing Te#$ni#%l In8e(+ig%+ion &. there is suspicion of arson in connection with any fire9 .
there is suspicion of negligence or iolation of regulations9
".
the cause of any fire is undetermined $to establish the most probable cause%9
1.
there is eidence of negligence or mismanagement in the fire suppression or rescue operation,
Page 11 of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology . loss of life or disabling as a result of fire. Ar(on In8e(+ig%+ion The direct result of the basic or technical inestigation or it may be brought about from outside )nowledge. FIRE SU44RESSION= CONTROL AN! E>TIN"UISHMENT= AN! E>TIN"UISHIN" A"ENTS The proper selection of an agent or method of control or extinguishment is the most important factor in determining the degree of a success of a firefighting operation. Fire (uppression ' means showing down the rate of burning, whereas, control means )eeping the fire from spreading or holding the fire to one area. Extinguishment is putting the fire completely out. Fo'r Me+$o&( of Fire E,+ing'i($men+ %n& Ho: I+
Page 12 of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology Finally, this combination of reactions halts the process of fuel uniting with oxygen of the air, thereby brea)ing the chemical chain reaction and stopping the f ire. E,+ing'i($ing Agen+( The effectieness of an extinguisher on a particular fire depends on the amount and type of agent in the extinguisher. ifferent extinguishing agents can be used to put out a certain class of fire by one or more methods. &. #emoing oxygen9 . #emoing the fuel9 " #emoing heat9 and 1. 2nterrupting the chemical chain reaction. (ome extinguishing agents may be able to extinguish more than one class of fire. They are mar)ed with multiple letters or multiple numerical'letter ratings. The following are the most common extinguishing agents, the class of fire they are used, and the extinguishing methods used: &. <%+er !sed only on 0lass + fires. 4ater is the most effectie in cooling the burning material below its ignition temperature. 2t is the most commonly used agent in firefighting. 2n its natural state, it is highly stable and may be used to extinguish most types of fire if properly applied. ue to its conductie properties, water should not be used on electrical fires. A&&i+i8e( There are many addities for water used in firefighting. Each of these has a specific purpose and e ffect on the water. <%y( or Me+$o&( <%+er E,+ing'i($e( Fire( Cooling The outstanding heat absorbing ualities of water ma)e it an excellent cooling agent. 2n the cooling process, water is applied in large enough amounts to reduce the temperature of the surface of the burning material to below its flashpoint. The amount of water reuired depends on the burning material $temperature% and the manner in which water is applied $straight or fog stream%. Smothering 4hen water is used to smother a fire, stream must be generated in sufficient amounts to exclude or displaced air. 2f the steam generated is confined in the combustion 3one, the smothering action will be enhanced. 2n ordinary combustibles, the cooling effects of the water not the smother ' normally causes extinguishment. The smothering effect does not completely extinguish the fire9 rather, it has a tendency to suppress flaming. U(%ge 4ater is generally used on 0lass + fires. Fires inoling high flashpoint liuids $such as heay fuel oil, and asphalt% may be extinguished when water is effectiely applied in spray form. 4ater may also be used to extinguish 0lass 0 and 0lass fires in some cases. 2n these cases, use extreme caution to aoid injury to personnel andAor damage to euipment. . C%ron !io,i&e 0CO 62 + number of its properties ma)e 0O a desirable extinguishing agent. 2t is non'combustible and non'reactie with most substances. 0O proides its pressure for discharge from storage cylinders or extinguishers. /eing a gas, 0O can penetrate and spread to all parts of fire. Effe#+( Extinguishment with 0O is primarily by smothering. 2t coers or blan)ets the burning materials and reduces the oxygen content to below leels needed for combustion. Een though it is ery cold, it has a little cooling effect on a fire when compared with eual amounts of water. This is the reason when fires that hae been apparently extinguished with 0O re' ignite from hot surfaces or embers as the 0O dissipates. U(%ge
Page 1! of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology ue to its non'conductiity, 0O is ery effectie for use on 0lass 0 fires. 2t is also used on 0lass / fires, but another agent is needed in blan)eting or smothering on large are fires to preent re'ignition. 0O can cause unconsciousness and death in connections needed for extinguishment. + G- concentration is about all most people can ta)e without becoming unconscious within just a few minutes. ". !ry C$emi#%l The dry chemical extinguishing agents in use today are mixtures of powders and arious addities that improe the storage, flow, and water repellency of the powders. (odium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and mono ammonium phosphate are some of the powders commonly used today. ry chemical is stable at low temperatures, but it has an upper storage temperature of &1< =F. +t temperatures aboe &1< =F some ca)ing or stic)ing of the powder occurs. These agents are said to be non'toxic, but in discharging large amounts they may cause some breathing and isibi&ity problems. Effe#+( Flames banish almost at once when dry chemical is applied directly to the fire area. /ut the exact chemistry and mechanism of the extinguishing agent are not fully )nown. 2t has been suggested that the dry chemical agents inhibit the chain reaction in the combustion 3one has a greater effect in the extinguishment than the smothering or cooling actions and radiation shielding hae. . !ry 4o:&er ry powder is a generally term for agents used to extinguish combustible metal fires. 6o one dry powder has been found to be effectie, on all types of combustible metals. Effe#+( ry powder generally extinguishes fires by excluding air from the combustible metal. To some extent, heat is absorbed by the powder to lower the temperature of the metal to below ignition point $as with .2. powder%. U(%ge ry powder is used primarily on 0lass fires and should not be used on other types of fire, due to its limited alue on these fires. . AFFF A?'eo'( Film Forming Fo%m has replaced protein foam for all around firefighting purposes. 8rotein base foam is now used primarily for runway foaming operations and for some training purposes. Effe#+( The uic) ?)noc)'down@ and ?heat reduction@ properties of +FFF hae pron it to be a highly effectie agent. These properties, combined with its ability to seal the surface of burning hydrocarbon fires to preent ?flashbac)@, ma)e it an outstanding and effectie extinguishing agent with which to wor). 4hen +FFF is applied to the surface of a flammable liuid fire, the surface actie material $surfactant% proides a apor sealing effect. This is not only extinguishes the fire but also preents the release of fuel apors which could result in flashbac)s. This apor seal is also ery hard to brea)'up by wal)ing, or moing some hose lines through it. U(%ge +s with any other extinguishing agent, its effectieness depends on the proper application. The +FFF is designed to be applied at a * - mixture $G1 parts water to * parts +FFF concentrate%. This mixture should be applied in a rainfall manner, or lobbing effect to allow rapid spreading oer the surface. 2t is used primarily to extinguish on 0lass / fires. 2t may be used on 0lass + fires but may be less effectie than plain water. Foam spray $fog% is more conductie than plain water fog, because the material contained in the foam allows the water to conduct electricity. *. H%lon( 0H%logen%+e& Agen+(2 These agents hae been used for oer < years. 0ontinuous research has brought these agents to the present high degree of effectieness in interrupting the chain reaction they possess along with a decrease in life safety ha3ard. The older $better )nown% agents such as carbon tetrachloride $Halon &<1% and chlorobromomethane $Halon &<&&% are less effectie and more toxic than the newer agents now in use. Effe#+(
Page 1" of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology Halogenated agents wor) chemically to extinguish fire. They stop combustion process by brea)ing the fire chain reaction and preent further fire propagation. This chemical fire'stopping action happens with only a low concentration of halogenated agent used. +pplication of the agent may be applied locally by using a compressed bottle of noncombustible gas similar to a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher. This type of application is effectie in controlling or extinguishing surface fires inoling flammable liuid, solids, or gases, such as dip tan)s, uench, tan)s, spray booths, oil'filled transformers, or apor ents. U(%ge Halogenated agents are ery effectie on 0lass / and 0lass 0 fires and hae some effects or success on 0lass + fires. FIRE E>TIN"UISHERS First aid is the immediate and temporary care gien to an injured or sic) person before or until the arrial of ualified personnelAdoctor. 4hen the term first aid is used to describe a piece of euipment, the same general meaning applies. 8ortable $first'aid% fire extinguishers are designed to be used on fires as soon as possible after they start and before the fire gets too far along. These extinguishers may be able to extinguish the fire or hold it in chec) until larger firefighting euipment arries. Extinguishers are designed primarily for use by people other than firefighters. The s)ill and )nowledge in their operation may mean the difference between using one small fire extinguisher or a big operation inoling many fire truc)s and do3ens of people to extinguish a fire. Fire E,+ing'i($er !efine& 2t is a mechanical deice usually made of metal, containing chemicals, fluids, or gases for stopping fires, the means for application of its contents for the purpose of putting out fire $particularly small fire% before it propagates, and is capable of being readily moed from place to place. 2t is a portable deice used to put out fires of limited si3e. Cl%((e( of Fire E,+ing'i($er( 4or+%le Fire E,+ing'i($er 8ortable fire extinguishers offer the greatest potential for immediately controlling wor)place fires. Their portability and relatiely easy operation often ma)e them ready for use within seconds. Howeer, training and education is critical to )now more on the operations and use of an extinguisher. !sers should )now how to identify extinguishers, what types are aailable, where they are in the wor) place, and aboe all, how to use them. !ry C$emi#%l( ry 0hemical extinguishers are usually rated for multi'purpose use. 2t contains an extinguishing agent and uses a compressed, non'flammable gas as a propellant.
a.
#egular or ordinary $sodium and potassium bicarbonate respectiely used only 0lass / or 0lass 0 fires.
b.
Culti'purpose dry chemicals $ammonium phosphate% used on 0lass +, 0lass /, and 0lass 0.
ry chemicals inhibit the chain reaction and, to a certain degree, cool and smother the fire. These agents are chemically treated with a substance to )eep them water resistant and free flowing. This also helps preent pac)ing of the chemical while stored inside the extinguisher. These dry chemical extinguishers may be found in si3es which range from J to "< pounds. . C%ron !io,i&e ' used on 0lass / and 0lass 0 fires. 0O extinguishes fire by smothering, reducing the oxygen leel, below that which supports combustion. !nder certain conditions, the coldness of the gas also helps put out the fire. 2t is an inert gas. 4hen 0O is stored under pressure in a cylinder or tan) such a fire extinguisher, it changes from a apor to a liuid. 4hen it passes through the discharge ale of a fire extinguisher, it changes from a liuid to a gas and the expansion chills it to low temperatures so that approximate "<- of the liuid 0O is conerted into a solid dioxide ?snow@ or ?dry ice.@ The
Page 1# of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology cooling will often cause ice to form around the ?horn@ where the gas is expelled from the extinguisher. (ince there is the possibility that the fire could re'ignite, continue to apply the agent een after the fire appears to be out. ". Fo%m ' used only on 0lass + and / fires. Foam remoes fuel by f orming a layer oer a burning liuid and preenting flammable apors from escaping. Foam will also smother by )eeping oxygen from mixing with the apors and cool with a constant layer of water bearing foam 1. H%lon( ' used on 0lass / and 0 fires. These liuefied gases are most effectie in interrupting the chain reaction, but they also hae slight smothering and cooling effects. These are made up of carbon and one or more halogen elements li)e fluorine, chlorine, iodine, and bromine. These types of extinguishers are often used to protect aluable electrical euipment since they leae no residue to clean up unli)e 0O. Halon extinguishers hae a limited range, usually from 1'* feet. The initial application should be made at the base of the fire, een after the fires hae been put out. . Me+%l/S%n& E,+ing'i($er( ' these types of extinguishers are primarily used for flammable metals $0lass % and hae the characteristics of a blan)eting effect $smothering% on the fire. The most common extinguishing agent used is sodium chloride. The following are different types of CetalA(and Extinguishing +gents: 5 So&i'm #$lori&e ' used for metal fires inoling magnesium, sodium $spills and in depth%, potassium, sodiumApotassium alloys, uranium and powdered aluminum. Heat from the fire causes the agent to harden and form a crust that excludes air and dissipates heat. 5 4o:&ere& Co..er Me+%l 0C' me+%l2 ' used for fires inoling lithium and lithium alloys. 2t is the only )nown lithium fire fighting agent which will cling to a ertical surface thus ma)ing it the preferred agent used on three dimensional and flowing fires. 5 "r%.$i+e-%(e& .o:&er( ' these are designed for use on lithium fires. 2t is also effectie on fires inoling high melting metals such as 3irconium and titanium. 5 S.e#i%lly-&e(igne& (o&i'm i#%ron%+e-%(e& &ry %gen+( ' used to suppress fires with most metal al)yls, pyrophoric liuids which ignite on contact, with air, such as triethylaluminum. 5 So&i'm-#%ron%+e-%(e& &ry .o:&er( ' can be used with most 0lass fires inoling sodium, potassium or sodiumApotassium alloys. This agent is recommended where stress, corrosion of stainless steel must be )ept to an absolute minimum. *. H%lo+ron I E,+ing'i($er( These extinguishers are intended for use on class / and 0lass 0 fires. Halotron 2 is an o3one'friendly replacement for Halon &&& $which was banned by international agreements starting &GG1%. This ?clean@ agent discharges as a liuid, has a high isibility during discharge, does not cause thermal or static shoc), leaes no residue and is non'conducting. These properties ma)e it ideal for computer rooms, clean rooms, telecommunications euipment, and electronics, and it is expensie. ;. FE-39 ' $ Hy&rofl'oro#%ron-639f% or 7no:n %( HFC-639f% % it is a u8ont'manufactured Halon &&& replacement. This agent is less toxic than both Halon &&& and Halotron 2. 2t has a 3ero o3one'depleting effect or potential. FE'"* is not scheduled for phase'out whereas Halotron 2 production is slated to cease in <&. >. <%+er Mi(+ E,+ing'i($er( 2deal used for 0lass + fire where a potential 0lass 0 ha3ard exists. !nli)e an ordinary water extinguisher, the misting no33le proides safety from electric shoc) and reduces scattering of burning materials. 2n non'magnetic ersions, water mist extinguishers are the preferred choice for C#2 or 6C# facilities or for deployment on mine sweepers
Page 16 of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology 8ortable fire extinguishers are no substitute for sprin)ler systems, hose streams, or other fire fighting deices. They contain a limited supply of extinguishing agent, and their discharge range and time is limited. /ut they are necessary een when property is protected by an automatic fire protection deice. S+e.( in '(ing .or+%le fire e,+ing'i($er( &. 8ull the pin at the top of extinguisher. 4hen in place, the pin )eeps the handle from being pressed, brea)ing the plastic or wire inspection band. . 8oint the no33le or outlet toward the base of the fire. 2f the hose is clipped to the extinguisher body, unclip it first. ". 8ress the handle aboe the carrying handle to discharge the agent. To stop the discharge, release the handle. 1. (weep the no33le in side to side motion before the flames to spread the extinguishing agent. irect the agent at the base of the flames. +fter the fire is out, probe for smoldering hot spot or liuids that could reignite. Ca)e sure the fire is out. /ac) away from the fire area to protect yourself from possible danger or flashbac). Semi-4or+%le/<$eele& E,+ing'i($er These types of extinguishers proide a way of getting a si3eable amount of extinguishing agent to a fire rapidly. These units are designed for in plant protection and offer a considerably longer agent discharge period and greater firefighting power. 0apacities range from &<< to "< lbs. of dry chemical agent. enerally, nitrogen in a separate tan) releases the agent through a flexible hose tipped with a spray no33le. The units typically hae a < foot $& m% hose that allows considerable maneuerability while combating fires. S+e.( +o O.er%+e= % :$eele& +y.e e,+ing'i($er &. Open the compressed gas cylinder to pressuri3e the agent9 . Free the hose from its reel and moe toward the fire9 ". 8oint the no33le toward the base of the fire9 1. (uee3e the no33le to discharge the agent. To stop discharging, release the no33le action. In(.e#+ion %n& M%in+en%n#e of E,+ing'i($er( Once a fire extinguisher is purchased and installed, it becomes the responsibility of the owner to maintain the extinguisher so that it remains fully operable. To fulfill this responsibility, there should be a program to proide for the periodic inspection of each extinguisher and an effectie distinguisher maintenance program Fire extinguisher maintenance is a speciali3ed actiity and should be performed by competent persons. Fire extinguishers proided to protect life and property and there should be no doubt as to their reliability in time of emergency. The more common types of extinguishers that you may come in contact with are the following &. 4ater . 0arbon ioxide ". ry 0hemical 1. ry 8owder C%ron !io,i&e E,+ing'i($er( 0O is an inert gas that extinguishes fires by smothering rather than by cooling. The heat'absorbing capacity of 0O is ery limited, being only &< - that of water. 4hen 0O is stored under pressure in a cylinder or fire extinguisher, it changes from a apor to a liuid. 4hen it passes through the discharge ale of a fire extinguisher, the change ta)es place from a liuid to a gas and the expansion chills it to low temperature. 2nternal pressure generated by 0O stored in a tan) or cylinder is proportional to the temperature9 therefore, these extinguishers should not be placed in locations where heat is intense and they must be protected from the direct rays of the sun during hot weather. +t room temperature, the 0O gas exerts a pressure of more than ><< psi in the extinguishers. The high internal pressure at normal temperatures reuires that container must be made of heay materials. +n empty &'pound capacity extinguisher weighs approximately " pounds. The &'pound hand extinguisher and <'pound hand'drawn wheel'type extinguisher are the most commonly used in firefighting operation. !ry-C$emi#%l E,+ing'i($er(
Page 1$ of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology arious compounds of dry'chemical agents are used. (ome of the more common ones are sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and an ammonium phosphate which is a multi'purpose agent. These agents are chemically treated with a substance to )eep them water resistant and f ree flowing. This also helps preent pac)ing of the chemical while stored inside the extinguisher. These dry'chemical extinguishers may be found in different si3es which range from D to "< pounds. The "<'pound si3e is the most common si3e used. The extinguishers may be cartridge'operated or may be of stored' pressure type. The design of the stored'pressure type is similar to the pressuri3ed'water type. !ry-4o:&er E,+ing'i($er( These types of extinguishers are designed for use on 0lass fires. Their si3es may ary from the small & lb., to the "<'pound wheeled type extinguishers. The "<'pound type is the most common type used in the !.(. +ir Force. The agents used 2 the extinguishers may be in powder or in granule form. !sing these agents on the wrong type of metal fire may result .in a serious explosion, release of toxic gases, or both, thus endangering the users and others. One agent can be used on seeral types of metal fires, while another agent an be used only on one specific type of metal fire. These agents are also treated to remain water'resistie and free'flowing under stored conditions. 9*@ T$e l%: on &e(+r'#+i8e %r(on LA% and other related law. 2t has the major power to inestigate all causes of fires, and if necessary, file the proper complaints with the proper authority that has jurisdiction oer the case $#.+. *G;, sec 1%. <$%+ Con(+i+'+e Ar(on &. B'rning ' there must be burning or changing, i.e., the fiber of the wood must be destroyed or decomposed, its identity or physical state changed. .
the moing cause that induces the commission of the crime.
1. M%li#e ' it denotes hatred or a desire for reenge. . In+en+ '
the purpose or design with which the act is done and inoles the will to do the act
Me+$o&( of 4roof in Ar(on
Page 1% of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology Cost of the physical eidence in arson is often destroyed. To proe arson was committed, 0orpus elicti $the /ody of the 0rime% must be shown and the identity of the arsonist must be established. <$%+ i( Cor.'( !eli#+i 2t is the fact of that crime was committed. F%#+or( in8ol8e& &. B'rning that there was fire that may be shown by direct testimony of complainant, firemen responding to the crime, and other witnesses of the fire incident. /urned parts of the building may also indicate location. . Crimin% !e(ign a willful and intent action done must be shown. The presence of incendiary deices, flammable substancesAmaterials such as gasoline and )erosene may indicate that the fire is not accidental. ". E8i&en#e of In+en+ when aluables were remoed from the building before the fire, the ill'feeling between the accused and the occupants of the building inoled or burned ' absence of effort to put off the fire and such other indications. 4oin+( of Origin of Fire 2nitially, the important point to be established is the point of origin of the fire, or what particular place in the building the fire started. This may be obtained or established by an examination of witnessAes by the arson inestigator, by inspection of the debris at the fire scene, and by studying the fingerprint of fire T$e finger.rin+ of fire This occurs during the free'burning stage of the fire, or when it undergoes pyrolytic decomposition or heated gases moe upward on the walls leaing a burnt pattern.
H#s #,ent#ty3 hat attracte, h#s attent#on3 5he t#me of oservat#on3 H#s pos#t#on #n relat#on to the (re at the t#me of h#s oservat#on3 "xact locat#on of the lae3 5he rap#,#ty or the spee, of sprea, of the (re3 Color of ame an, o,or #f he;she #s #n pos#t#on to oserve th#s3 S#e an, #ntens#ty3 5 +ny other person in the icinity seen by the witness.
those 4#th ,es#re to ,efrau, the #nsurer employees or such other person 4ho has gr#evance those 4#th ,es#re to conceal ev#,ence of cr#me 5 those who set fire for purposes of intimidation. . 4er(on( :i+$o'+ mo+i8e
those 4ho are mentally #ll patholog#cal (re-setters
Page 1& of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology Pyros pyroman#ac/ 5 8sychos
=n ,eterm#n#ng mot#ve9 the arson #nvest#gator concentrates on the three 0/ 8a>or %actors namely: 1. Po#nt of Or#g#n 2. 8o,us Operan,# ". /eneficiaries <$%+ %re +$e #ommon mo+i8e( of %r(oni(+
1. "conom#c ?a#n =nsurance frau, - ene(ts 5 esire to dispose merchandise ' loss of mar)et alue being out of season, lac) of raw materials, oer supply of merchandise.
2. Pro(t y the Perpetrator other than the =nsure, Person =nsurance agent 4#sh#ng us#ness 4#th the #nsure, person @us#ness compet#tors plan to ,r#ve others Person see+#ng >o as personnel protect#on 5 (alagers and contractors wishing to contract another building.
0. Concealment of Cr#me when the purpose of hiding a crime or committing a crime, arson was used as a means.
!. Pyroman#a the uncontrollale #mpulse of a person to urn anyth#ng 4#thout any mot#vat#on. Anormal youth - ep#lept#cs9 #mec#les an, morons Hero type - a person respons#le sett#ng a u#l,#ng on (re an, preten,s to ,#scover #t9 turn the alarm or ma+e some rescue 4or+s to appear as Bhero. 6rug A,,#cts an, Alcohol#cs 5 (exual eiates and 8ererts !e8elo.men+ of 4rime S'(.e#+( This identification results from the full deelopment of leads, clues and traces, the testimony of persons particularly eyewitnesses and the deelopment of expert testimony.
Te#$ni?'e( '(e& in in8e(+ig%+ing Ar(on In#i&en+(
search of the (re scene for phys#cal ev#,ence protect#on of the scene mechan#cs of search collect#on an, preservat#on of ev#,ence laoratory a#,s ac+groun, stu,y of pol#cy hol,ers9 occupants of the prem#ses9 o4ner of the u#l,#ng or other person hav#ng ma>or #nterest #n the (re. #nterv#e4 an, #nterrogat#ons of person;s 4ho ,#scovere, the (re9 the person 4ho act#vate, the (re alarm9 (remen9 an, eye4#tnesses. 5 sureillance Tell T%le Sign( These signs maybe obious that the first fireman at the fire scene will suspect arson: &. B'rne& B'il&ing the type of building may indicate a set fire under certain circumstances. + fire of considerable si3e at the time the first apparatus arries at the scene is suspicious if a modern concrete or semi'concrete building is inoled. . Se.%r%+e fire( when two or more fire b rea)s out within a building, the building is certainly suspicious. ". Color of (mo7e
Page 2' of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology some fire burn with little or no smo)e but there are exceptions to this. The obseration of the smo)e must be made at the start of the fire since once the fire has consumed a major proportion9 the alue of the smo)e is lost, because the smo)e will not indicate the material used by the arsonist.
hen 4h#te smo+e appears efore the 4ater from the (re hose comes #n contact 4#th the (re9 #t #n,#cates hum#, mater#als urn#ng. "xamples: hay9 vegetales9 phosphorous 4#th garl#c o,or. @#t#ng smo+e #n,#cates lac+ of a#r ut #f accompan#e, large ames #t #n,#cates petroleum pro,ucts an, ruer. 5 #eddish'brown smo)e indicates nitrocellulose. (2, H, (O1, H6O ", H0l. In&i#%+ion of Color of Smo7e %n& Fire Color of Smo7e /lac) smo)e with deep red flame
Heay brown with bright red flame 4hite smo)e with bright flame /lac) smo)e with red and blue green flame 8urple'iolet flame reenish'yellow flame /right reddish'yellow flame 1. Smo7e M%r7(
M%+eri%l/S'(+%n#e 8etroleum products such as tar, rubber, plastics, etc. 6itrogen products Cagnesium products +sphalt 8otassium products 0hloride and manganese products 0alcium products
an experienced inestigator will determine the olume of smo)e inoled at a fire and the character as residue deposited on walls or elsewhere. (mo)e mar)s hae often been of assistance in determining the possibility of a fire haing more than one place of origin. . Color of Fl%me
5he color of the ame #s a goo, #n,#cator of the #ntens#ty of the (re9 #t #s an #mportant factor #n ,eterm#n#ng #ncen,#ar#sm. A re,,#sh glo4 #n,#cates heat of aout $DDD EC.9 a real l#ght re, aout 1DDD EC Re, ames #n,#cate presence of petroleum pro,ucts 5 /lue flame indicates use of alcohol as accelerant *. Si1e of fire The si3e of fire is important when correlated with the type of alarm, the time receied and the time of arrial of the first responder at the fire scene. Fire ma)es what might be termed a normal progress. (uch progress can be estimated after an examination of the material burned in the building, and the normal entilation offered to the fire. The time element and the degree of headway much by the flames became important factors to determine possible incendiarism. ;. !ire#+ion of Tr%8el 4hile it is admitted that no two fires burn in identical fashion, yet it can be shown that the fire ma)es normal progress through arious types of building. 0onsidering the type of construction, the building materials, combustibility of contents, channel of entilation and circumstances surrounding the sending of alarm, an experienced inestigator can determine whether a fire has spread abnormally fast. >. In+en(i+y The degree of heat gien off by a fire and the color of its flame often times indicate that some accelerant has been added to the material normally present in a building and the inestigator must loo) further for more eidence used of such accelerant. ifficulty in extinguishing the fire is often a lead to suspect presence of such fluid or liuid as gasoline and )erosene. G. O&or The odor of gasoline, alcohol, )erosene and other flammable liuids which are often used as an accelerant is a characteristics, and often times an arsonists is trapped because of this tell tale sign. Cost of fire'setters are inclined to use substances which will ma)e the bla3e certain and at the same time burn up any eidence of their crime. &<. Con&i+ion of Con+en+
Page 21 of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology 8ersons tending to set their house on fire freuently remoe objects of alue either materially or sentimentally. (tore and other business establishments remoe a major portion of their content or replace aluable merchandise with, out of style articles. &&. !oor( %n& :in&o:( Boc)ed doors and obstructed entrance and passageways are sometimes point to an attempt to impeded firemen in their operation to put out the fire. oors and windows showing signs of forced entry may point to arson preceded by burglary or arson by someone without a )ey to the premises. &. O+$er S'(.i#io'( Cir#'m(+%n#e( 2nterested by'standers of familiar faces and discoery of some objects which might be part of a mechanical fire'setting deice among debris. Ar(on %n& o+$er #rime( in8ol8ing &e(+r'#+ion
Arson 2t is the intentional or malicious destruction of p roperty by fire.
5he Fegal AspectGs of Arson;%#re =nvest#gat#on &. 2t is the concern of the fire inestigator to proe malicious intent of the offender. 2ntent must be proed, otherwise no crime exist.
.
The law presumes that a fire is accidental, hence criminal designs must be shown.
".
Fire caused by accident or criminal design must be shown.
1.
Fire caused by accident or negligence does not constitute arson.
@as#s of Cr#m#nal F#a#l#ty #n Arson: 1. #n, an, character of the u#l,#ng urne,3 2. Focat#on of the u#l,#ng3 0. "xtent of value of the ,amage3 1. 4hether inhabited or not. !e(+r'#+i8e Ar(on i( #ommi++e& y 'rning of +$e follo:ing
1. Any arsenal9 sh#pyar,9 storehouse9 m#l#tary #nstallat#on9 po4,er or (re4or+ factory9 or,#nance9 storehouse9 arch#ves or general museum of the government3 2. Any passenger tra#n or motor veh#cle #n mot#on9 or vessel out of ports3 0. =n an #nha#te, place9 any storehouse or factory of #nammale or explos#ve mater#als3 an, 1. +ny theatre, church, coc)pit arena, or other buildings where meetings are held, when occupied by numerous assemblage. O+$er form( of Ar(on (etting fires to any buildings, farmhouse, warehouse, hut shelter, or essel in port, )nowing it to be occupied at the time by one or more personAs9 /uilding burned is a public and purpose is to destroy eidence )ept therein to be used in legislatie, judicial or administratie proceedings, irrespectie of the damage, if the eidence is to be used against the dependant of any crime punishable under existing law9 /urned building is a public and the purpose is to destroy eidence )ept therein to be used in instituting prosecution for punishment of iolators of law, irrespectie of the amount of damage. Ar(on of 4ro.er+y of Sm%ll V%l'e 0Ar+* 363= R4C2 Elemen+(
1. @urn#ng of any un#nha#te, hut9 storehouse9 arn9 she,9 or any other property3 2. Ialue of property ,oes not excee, t4enty (ve pesos $.<<%. ". !nder circumstances clearly excluding all danger of the fire spreading. Crime( in8ol8ing !e(+r'#+ion
Page 22 of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology Offender causes destruction by any of the following means:
1. explos#on3 2. ,#scharge of electr#c current3 0. #nun,at#on9 s#n+#ng or stran,#ng of a vessel3 !. ta+#ng up the ra#ls from a ra#l4ay9 trac+3 $. mal#c#ous chang#ng of ra#l4ay s#gnals for the safety of mov#ng tra#n3 J. y us#ng any other agency or means of ,estruct#on3 ;. destroying telegraph wires and telegraph post or those other communication system. Ar+i#le 36@= R4C /urning of ones own property as a means of committing +rson. This article punishes the burning of oneIs, own property for the purpose of committing arson or great destruction of property. Ar+i#le 369= R4C (etting fire to property exclusiely owned by the offender. This article proides the purpose of the offender to:
,efrau, or cause ,amage to another9 or ,amage, #s actually cause, upon anotherGs property even such purpose #s asent9 or 5 thing burned is a building in an inhabited place.
4*!* No* 93 - Amen&ing +$e L%: on Ar(on S.e#i%l Aggr%8%+ing Cir#'m(+%n#e( in Ar(on
1. =f comm#tte, 4#th #ntent to ga#n3 2. =f comm#tte, 4#th the ene(t of another3 0. =f the oen,er #s mot#vate, y sp#te or hatre, to4ar,s the o4ner or occupant of the property urne,3 1. 2f committed by a syndicate $three or more persons%. 4rim% F%#ie E8i&en#e of Ar(on &. 2f the fire started simultaneously in more than one part of the building or establishment9 . 2f substantial amount of flammable substances or materials are stored within the building not necessary in the business of the offender nor for household use9 ".
2f gasoline, )erosene, petroleum, or other flammable or combustible substances or materials soa)ed therewith or containers thereof, or any mechanical, electrical, chemical, or electronic contriance designed to start a fire, or ashes, or traces of any of the foregoing are found in the ruins or premises of the burned building or property9
1. 2f the building or property is insured for substantially more than its actual alue at the time of the issuance of the policy9 .
2f during the lifetime of the corresponding fire insurance policy more than two fires hae occurred in the same or other premises owned or under the control of the offender andAor insured9
*. 2f shortly before the fire, a substantial portion of the effects indured and stored in a building or property had been withdrawn from the premises9 ;.
2f a demand for money or other aluable consideration was made before the fire in exchange for the desistance of the offender or for the safety of the person or property of ictim.
Se%r#$ing for E8i&en#e The safest procedure is for the inestigator to start at the top of the heap and carefully remoing the objects one by one, laying them aside until reaching the bottom where he will find the ?pot of gold@, the eidence. S+e.( in Tr%#ing +$e Origin of Fire %n& Se%r#$ing for E8i&en#e
1. ()ternal/*utside Survey
Page 2! of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology careful conduct of inspection to the burned building
2+ ,nternal/,nside Survey enter the building to correlate the same with the outside surey of the structure in uestion ". Bocate the point of origin of fire, the ceiling area must chec)ed first. Loo7 for 4rim% F%#ie E8i&en#e of Ar(on
1. "nter#ng the @u#l,#ng: hen enter#ng the u#l,#ng9 the #nvest#gator shoul, oserve the follo4#ng: 2. Foo+ for mar+ on ,oors an, 4#n,o4s not urne, for poss#le #n,#cat#on of forc#le entry. 0.
,+ -rrival and *.servation oserve person;veh#cle leav#ng the area character#st#cs of person;veh#cle leav#ng the area unusual roa,;street con,#t#on arr#ca,e sho4#ng the progress of response 5 ehicle par)ed in such a manner as to create obstruction to the fire scene.
O(er8%+ion
#,ent#fy the person 4ho calle, the (re ,epartment (rst person 4ho leave the (re scene ,#, the (re occur ,ur#ng or after us#ness hourK as #t ,ur#ng ,ayt#me or n#ght t#meK
5 0ondition of traffic in the area. II* T$e Fire S#ene 4ro+e#+ing +$e Fire S#ene
Cooperat#on of the (remen an, the Pol#ce 5 +ssignment of guards Me#$%ni#( of Se%r#$
Plann#ng S#ft#ng of the 6er#s Focat#on of the po#nt of or#g#n othe (re 5 eneral #ulesA(O8Is Colle#+ing %n& 4re(er8ing of E8i&en#e
Photography S+etch#ng Ass#stance .of Lual#(e, "xperts Han,l#ng of Phys#cal "v#,ence 5 Forwarding of 8hysical Eidence II* 4o(+ In8e(+ig%+ion Me+$o&( +mong the most li)ely method to be used by inestigators are the recording of the facts noted at the fire scene, s)etches and photographs as well as statements ta)en from the witnesses. +nd other sources of information that maybe useful in deeloping the inestigation and completing the reports, fire inspection reports and financial reports. +ll notes should be thorough, accurate, detailed and neat so that they are easily to transcribe andAor read. They will readily assist in correlating obserations and deeloping leads. These notes are the principal basis of all reports the inestigator ma)es and submits.
Page 2" of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology T$e Fire In8e(+ig%+ion Re.or+ 2t is the final written results of ta)ing notes, recording obserations and interiewing witnesses. 2t includes the written results of the construction and si3e of the burned structure, what the firemen obsered and encountered upon their arrial at the fire scene, the color of the smo)e and flame, and the intensity and location of the fire. In8en+ory of E8i&en#e +s the eidence is collected and mar)ed for identification purposes, it should be entered on some type of inentory sheet. 2n all cases, it will improe the admissibility of eidence by establishing chain of custody necessary to proe during the trial on an arson case.
RE4UBLIC ACT NO* @5 AN ACT ESTABLISHIN" A COM4REHENSIVE FIRE CO!E OF THE 4HILI44INES= RE4EALIN" 4RESE!ENTIAL !ECREE NO*D@ AN! FOR OTHER 4UR4OSES* Se#*D 4ro$ii+e& A#+(- T$e follo:ing %re &e#l%re& %( .ro$ii+ %#+ %n& omi((ion) a.
b. c. d. e.
f. g. h. i. j. ). l. m.
Obstructing or bloc)ing the exit ways or across the buildings clearly mar)ed for fire safety purposes, such as but not limited to aisles in inferior rooms, any part of stairways, hallways, corridors, estibules, balconies or bridges leading to a stairway or exit of any )ind, or tolerating or allowing said iolators9 0onstructing gates, entrances and wal)ways to building components and yards and temporary or permanent structures on public ways, which obstruct the o rderly and easy passage of fire fighting ehicles and euipment. 8reention, interference or obstruction of any operation of the fire serice, or of duly organi3ed and authori3ed fire brigades9 Obstructing designated fire lanes or access to fire hydrants: Oercrowding or admission of persons beyond the authori3ed capacity in moie houses, theaters, coliseums, auditoriums or other public assembly buildings, except in other assembly areas on the ground floor with open doors sufficient to proide safe exits9 Boc)ing fire exits during period when people are inside the building9 8reention or obstruction of the automatic closure of fire doors or smo)e partitions or dampers9 !se of fire protectie of fire fighting euipment of the fire serice other than for fire fighting except in other emergencies where their use are justified9 iing false or malicious fire alarms9 (mo)ing in prohibited areas as may be determined by fire serice or throwing of cigars, cigarettes, burning objects in places which may start or cause fire9 +bandoning or leaing a building or structure by the occupant or owner without appropriate safety measures9 #emoing, destroying, tampering or obliterating any authori3ed mar), seal, sign or tag posted or reuired by the fire serice for fire safety in a ny building, structure or processing euipment9 and !se of jumpers or tampering with electrical wiring or oerloading the electrical system beyond its designated capacity or such other practices that would tend to undermine the fire safety features of the electrical system.
9*9 S+'&y of fire in rel%+ion +o +$e N%+ion%l B'il&ing Co&e BUIL!IN" CO!E AN! BUIL!IN" REUIREMENTS B'il&ing Co&e + standard rules for safety in the construction of buildings. /uilding codes ary in their fire'resistance reuirements in accordance with the occupancy classification. B'il&ing Co&e Re?'iremen+( &. 2ntended Occupancy and !se . Bife (afety ". Fixed Fire 8rotection (ystem 1. (pacing of (tructures ' . Height #euirements *. Fire #etarding Features In+en&e& O##'.%n#y %n& U(e + building design is based upon the occupancy of the indiidual structure, considering both the combustibility of the contents and the human factors of occupancy. /uildings wherein large occupants are assembled such as dormitories, schools, hospitals, where crowds may generate panic ha3ards, call for a higher and greater degree of fire safety
Page 2# of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology protection than do warehouses and building which are less populated. /uildings that contain high combustible materials call for a greater degree of fire resistance in the structure. Life S%fe+y The proision of adeuate exits is the most important feature in designing a building for life safety. Once fire is notified, occupants can leae the building in the least possible time through exits free from fire, heat, and smo)e. +lthough panic in a burning building may be uncontrollable, it can be eased with the measures designed to help preent panic'an example of this is the exit signs. 8anic seldom deelops in a burning building as long as the occupants are moing towards exits that hae no obstructions in the path of trael. The life safety factor is affected by many building designs and features'designs and features that preent, reduce, or retard the spread of the fire, such as: fire stops, fire walls, and fire doors. Fi,e& Fire 4ro+e#+ion Sy(+em Fixed fire protection system installed will be in accordance with sound economical and engineering practices. These systems insure the maximum life safety'or maximum degree of property protection where the si3e, type of construction, occupancy, or other conditions create seere monetary fire'loss potential. S.%#ing of S+r'#+'re( 8lanning and construction of an adeuate separation of buildings and structures is ery important to preent the spread of fire from an adjacent building or from area to area. (pacing reuirements that restrict types of occupancies or specified areas hae an important bearing upon fire safety. 0onsideration will be gien to conenience, efficiency, and saings. 4hen buildings hae different occupancies and different types of construction are adjacent, maximum spacing reuirements hae to be obsered. Heig$+ Re?'iremen+( Owing to the life ha3ard inoled, it is a good practice to limit the height of structures that hae an unusually high degree of combustibility. The height of buildings of masonry or concrete wall and wood construction is generally limited to a height assumed to be the maximum at which the fire departments can operate and fight fire effectiely, wor)ing from the street leel. The operational limit is usually three $"% or four $1% stories. 4ood frame construction is generally gien lower height limits. Fire resistie, buildings are commonly permitted without any height limit, on the theory that the structural integrity of the buildings will be maintained. Fire Re+%r&ing Fe%+'re( 4hile a facility is still being designed, eerything possible should be planned and done to ma)e the facility eentually fire safe. Fire retarding features must be specified in the plans. For the safety of personnel, important proisions in preenting the spread of fire $both ertically and hori3ontally in buildings should be constructed%. a. Fire S+o.( 4ood is used as a fire stop, it must be at least inches thic). 0oncealed spaces in the building should be filled with noncombustible material. Fire stops must be inspected during the construction. b. Fire 4%r+i+ion( Fire partitions are installed to separate areas of ha3ardous occupancies from areas of ordinary or light ha3ard occupancies that resist the passage of fire from one area to another. Fire partitions must be constructed to hae fire' resistance ratings of & or hours. The degree of fire resistance will be goerned by the following factors:
type of u#l,#ng construct#on3 s#e of the haar,ous area3 5 the seerity of the fire ha3ard. c. Fire <%ll( Fire walls are installed for the purpose of preenting the p assage of fire from one building to another, or from one fire area of a building to another area. Fire wall must be structurally sound and may sere as an important wall if no combustible structural members are framed into the walls. 2t has a particular fire resistance rating depending on its construction and thic)ness. Fire walls must hae a parapet with a minimum height of three $"% feet aboe the roof for all types of roof construction except roofs top floor assemblies with a minimum fire'resistance rating of two $% hours. 4ing walls are
Page 26 of 26/ The University of Manila/ College of Criminology reuired except where exterior walls of building are of concrete or made up of masonry construction. Fire walls will be bonded into exterior walls. 0ombustible eae construction should be interrupted by fire wall parapets corbelled out two $% feet beyond the building wall. Fire wall returns at exterior building walls will be twenty $<% feet long of unbro)en exterior concrete or masonry without windows, doors, or other openings, and without combustible cornices or roof oerhangs. Mi(#ell%neo'( H%1%r&( The following are some of the ha3ards that can be found eerywhere: &. S.%r7( Bie spar)s from chimneys, refuse burners, stac)s, and other similar sources must be gien priority consideration. uring periods of low humidity and high wind elocity, special attention or precautions must be ta)en in those areas where fire ris) is possible or not negligible. . Me#$%ni#%l !e8i#e( Engines of any type, or other machines in which friction is created, are possible sources of fire. +n oerheated bearing of an engine or machine is one good example. Elimination of lint and dust from the surroundings of the moing mechanical deice, an all excessie flammable lubricants should be cleaned or remoe promptly to aoid possible combustion created from friction. rinding wheels and other spar)'producing euipment are a freuent cause of fires and should not be allowed in areas which might contain highly flammable gas or apors. 6either should flammable material of any type be left in an area where spar)s may fall upon them. ". A#i&( %n& o+$er C$emi#%l( +ll )inds of strong acids, such as nitric, sulfuric, and hydrochloric, although they are not themseles flammable or supporters of combustion. 1. The chief ha3ard of these acids is the possibility of their lea)ing or spilling from their containers. Fire or explosion is possible if they are come in contact with other acids. HEAT may cause nitric and hydrochloric acids to expand and burst their containers. (trong acids should be stored in a cool compartment unexposed to the hot sun and free from all flammable materials. 6itric +cids is capable of igniting some flammable materials. (ulfur melts and flows while burning. 2t should be stored away from heat and other chemicals. Handling of sulfur creates sulfur dust, which is subject to explosions. 8hosphorous, which ignites spontaneously upon contact with air, is poisonous and is a serious fire and personnel ha3ard. 2t should be )ept under water in a tin container in complete isolation from other chemicals. 0are should be ta)en to preent mechanical injury to the container. C$lorine a heay, greenish, poisonous gas, gien off by many manufacturing processes. 2s not flammable itself but may cause fire or explosion when in contact with ammonia, turpentine, or finely powdered metals. entilation is of paramount importance. 0hlorates, nitrates, and peroxides are all ha3ards because they emit large uantities of oxygen when heated. (ome of them may be detonated or explode when in contact with materials such as: starch, sugar, dust, organic matter, and sulfur compounds. Cany peroxides may ignite nearby flammables when e xposed to moisture. . Co%l-T%r !eri8%+i8e( 0oal'tar deriaties in both crude and refined forms are being used uite extensiely. yes, medicines, and explosies are manufactured from these coal'tar products. (ince coal'tar deriaties are ha3ardous, many fires and explosions hae been caused by carelessness. The preparation handling and storage of these materials reuire the same precautionary methods and do gasoline, ben3ene, and similar flammable liuids. *. Effe#+( of +$e S'n The sun is freuently responsible for fires, though it usually assisted by manmade implement. + forest fires hae been )nown to start from discarded bottles or other fragments of glass left by careless campers. The sun rays, shining through a piece of glass which may be ideally cured and placed as to act as a lens, are concentrated so as to ignite a piece of paper. (imilarly, curtains can be ignited by a window pane containing a bubble or some other irregularity. Fire may also result from the sunIs shining through such things as laboratory flas)s, fish bowls, water bottles, and concae mirrors $which reflects heat.%. The sun also contributes to spontaneous heating, thus aiding ignition. The possibility that the sun will start a fire is somewhat remote. Howeer, when we consider the numerous conditions which may create these so called frea) fires and the fact that any of them may completely destroy a building, we reali3e that these possibilities gien careful consideration.
