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This picture
shows a room
that is not safe
for the
investigator to
enter. All smoke
must be cleared
first. Monitoring
the air quality in
the structure is
vital.
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Melting of
plastics in a
structure can
give the
investigator an
idea of the heat
present during
the fire. Was
the heat in this
room high, low,
or evenly
distributed?
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This fire was
reported as a
structure fire,
but after the
smoke cleared it
was obvious
that something
was not right. As
the investigator
it is now
important to
determine the
cause.
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The car had to
be removed in
order to safely
examine the
scene. A
definite burn
pattern is
visible on the
car.
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An interior
examination of
the vehicle is
an important
part of the
investigation.
Burn and heat
patterns can
help the
investigator
determine the
cause and
origin of the fire.
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Take a close
look at the
drivers side
wheel. Even
with a large
amount of fire,
there is still
remnants of the
tire on the rim.
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The passenger
side wheel has
no rubber and
is damaged.
What could
have been the
reason for this?
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Look for rust.
The areas with
the heaviest
concentrations
of rust
generally
indicate the
hottest,
longest
burning fire.
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Looking at this
engine
compartment it
is difficult to
determine all of
the
components
involved.
Having a
strong
understanding
of the
mechanical
aspects of a
vehicle will aide
the investigator.
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Comparing the
fire vehicle to a
like car is very
useful in
determining
what the
compartment
looked like
before the fire.
This is the
same year and
model as the
fire vehicle.
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Always examine
the possible
means of
entrance in to
any areas
around the fire
scene. Look at
the chain and
lock to
determine if
entry was forced.
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As you
approach, look
at everything
around the fire
area. This is the
front of a camper
parked next to
the fire vehicle.
Look for
anything out of
the ordinary.
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This is a close
up of the
bottle closest
to the fire.
Closer
examination
revealed that
the bottle was
open.
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Check all
doors for
signs of forced
entry. Tool
marks or
damage to the
door would
indicate a
possible crime.
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Areas above
doors and
windows will
sustain heavier
damage as the
fire break free.
Note the position
of the door, you
should be able
to tell if it was
open or closed
during the fire.
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Look at the
cabinets and the
cushions. The
fire patterns are
very clear. High
heat and smoke.
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Note the
position of all
objects in
each room .
Photograph
any thing you
intend to
move prior to
moving the
item. Also
notice the
burn patterns.
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Once the chair
has been
removed, take
another
picture. Can
you see the
protected
areas on the
cabinet and
the floor.
These areas
will aide in
reconstruction
the scene.
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This photo was
taken after the
area around the
step into the RV
was cleared
away. Look for
the heaviest
areas of char.
This is where
the gasoline
was poured to
start this fire.
Samples sent to
the lab
confirmed the
presence of gas.
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Scene
examination
is critical, it
could turn
up valuable
evidence
that could
possible
make your
case.
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