Reference resources used to develop the procedures and faq answers included. Bats is also part of the national curriculum at the hazardous devices school bomb technicians at redstone arsenal in huntsville, alabama and the national fire academys firearson originandcause investigations course in emmitsburg, md. For further assistance, investigators use gas detection equipment to help examine and assess arsonrelated sites and to further analyse suspicious samples. Hes currently a firefighter and served as a fire investigator for more than 14 years. This definition can be regarded as containing two important considerations in relation to the use of accelerants in starting fires. This would allow them to progress in a definite direction with a degree of certainty, and without being delayed by having to wait for confirmation of. Conduct investigations to determine causes of fires and explosions. Computer modeling has proven successful in the courtroom. Fire investigators have a duty and a responsibility to themselves and to others to conduct a safe fire scene investigation. Detection of fire accelerants is the process that a fire investigator uses to determine if fire accelerants were used at a fire scene. This unit will detect the presence of hydrocarbons that may be present at the fire scene and is equally effective as a general purpose gas detector. An accelerant detection canine adc is trained to sniff out minute traces of ignitable liquid accelerants that may have been used to start a fire. The practice is similar to the examination of crime scenes in that the scene must be preserved and evidence collected and analysed, but with numerous additional difficulties and dangers.
In order for a positive identification of a fire accelerant to occur both field work and. Basic fire investigator class tickets, mon, sep 9, 2019 at. New tools for fire investigators insurance journal. Use virtual reality from the interfire vr scene to teach fire prevention in this custom course designed for your presentations. Many of the collection procedures are also demonstrated in video. Baldwin evidence technician biddeford police department biddeford, maine. The identity of the type of accelerant is consequently very useful information for investigators in cases where arson is suspected. Acetone is a common accelerant used in arsonrelated fires, though it is so common, it can also serve as an accelerant in an accidental fire. This note describes initial work on kores ms200 as a fire investigation tool, giving investigators positive information at the scene. Arson analysis by automated thermal desorptiongcms.
Who does the investigation varies by state and city, it could be the fire marshal or some combination of the fire and police departments. Accelerant identification in fire debris by tctgcms. In fire protection, an accelerant is any substance or mixture that accelerates or speeds the development and escalation of fire. In many arson cases accelerants such as ignitable liquids are used to initiate or accelerate a fire.
Aug 06, 2012 he said ts very important that a fire investigator validates its accelerant detection dogs. Wal stern explains how, by using modern methods of chemical analysis, even a small quantity from a dismal fire scene can. The search of the fire scene must focus on finding the fires origin, which may be most productive in any search for an accelerant or ignition device. In addition to putting criminals behind bars, accurate determination of origin and cause can provide fire department leaders with valuable information about fire trends in their community, such as by occupancy or building construction type. The investigation of fires to determine origin and cause, as well as evidence of arson, is a critical function for any fire department. In fire protection, the term accelerant is used very broadly to include any substance or mixture that accelerates the development of fire to commit arson. When a fire is accelerated, it can produce more heat, consume the reactants more quickly, burn. Investigators aid for detection of hydrocarbons, accelerants, petroleum volatiles, and various gases.
Fire administration gathers and shares information to raise awareness of arson or youth firesetting and provide individuals with strategies to combat these problems in their community. Dean castaldo accelerant detection arson k9 handler. If a fire s ignition is suspicious, the analysis will include gas chromatography gc as a means to detect the presence of a liquid accelerant. While our society has one careless way of shaping the hearts and desires of young people, jesus has a far better way. The use of investigative field equipment at crime scenes is an invaluable tool to investigators providing that the equipment is reliable and accurate. Each dog is part of a team that is comprised of the canine and its handler. Fire and explosion investigations and forensic analyses. Each type of evidence includes a stepbystep written collection procedure. Jurisdictional, logistical or legal conditions may preclude the use of particular procedures. Arson investigation software investigation management software. Accelerant exists to challenge and encourage teens to know who they are in christ and to live that out everyday in his presence and power. Some fire investigators use the term accelerant to mean. Through computer software programs, these agents can utilize mathematical equations that, in certain situations, can describe the chemical and physical behavior of fire.
May, 2016 in many arson cases accelerants such as ignitable liquids are used to initiate or accelerate a fire. Accelerant detection k9 accelerant dog, fire investigation. An accelerant detection canine should be considered for all fire explosion investigations. The fire scene evidence collection guide app from the international association of arson investigators puts detailed proper procedures for collecting more than 30 types of evidence at your fingertips. Therefore, the detection of ignitable liquid residues ilr at fire scenes is a key step in any fire investigation. Tools and services for arson enforcement bureau of alcohol. The model 950ash investigator s aid is a ruggedly constructed gas detection and field survey tool. Some fire investigators use the term accelerant to mean any substance that initiates and promotes clarification needed a fire without implying intent or malice. There is an array of devices and systems to help you determine where and how a fire started heres a closer look at some of those. The fire scene and available evidence has often been burnt, melted, smokestained, waterdamaged and trampled on, but the fire investigator still has to make important distinctions between whether a fire was accidental or deliberate arson.
Use virtual reality from the interfire vr scene to teach fire prevention in. Practical applications of hydrocarbon and photoionization. If you pride yourself in conducting a thorough investigation meeting the standards of nfpa 921, then consider the use of an accelerant detection k9 team to assist in your investigation. Law enforcement professionals use scout as an arson investigation software for police, fire, arson and bomb investigations. Practical applications of hydrocarbon and photoionization detection units in arson investigations matthew d. After firefighters extinguish a fire, an investigation is launched to determine the origin and cause of the fire or explosion. If a fires ignition is suspicious, the analysis will include gas chromatography gc as a means to detect the presence of a liquid accelerant. How do fire investigators determine the cause of a blaze.
Intrinsic in any fire scene investigation is the investigators need to follow the scientific methodology in rendering an opinion as to the fires origin and cause. Fire investigation software by albx solutions 8662393400. This guide can be viewed for free on the nfpa website which is an excellent way to become familiar with the standards. Arson, as defined in the encarta encyclopedia, is the act of willfully and maliciously setting fire to a building or other property. Through computer software programs, these agents can use mathematical equations to describe the chemical and. How 3d laser tech cracked the 36 pit fire using this new technology, fire investigators were able to quickly and efficiently map the scene of the. During a recent fire investigation in yonkers, several children displaced as a result of the fire remembered daisy from a visit to their school. If someone is facing criminal charges, or having a claim denied, it is incumbent upon the investigator to utilize all tools available to them. Daisy comforted the children during this trying time. Rick freier has worked for the spokane valley fire department for 20 years. Steve carman is qualified as an iaai cfi certified fire investigator. Grace arson investigation hydrocarbon accelerant detector. Fire investigation involves the examination of all fire related incidents once firefighters have extinguished the fire.
This interactive training module will assist you in understanding how the accelerant detection canine unit is trained, and when and how they work a scene. Arson preventionfire investigation juvenile fire setter programs, continuing education courses, digital and specialized cameras, accelerant detection equipment deadlines for submitting your application. I have another question id like to ask the audience. How the fire started gives the best indication as to whether the fire was accidental or intended. Introduction if someone said that dogs have provided irrefutable evidence in criminal courts, this would most likely be met with skepticism, laughter or disdain. Kirks fire investigation, a pocket guide to accelerant evidence collection, fire debris analysis, best practices for seizing electronic evidence, cfitrainer. The use of accelerant detection k9s in fire investigation. Carman and associates fire investigation publications. Bats is agencyadministered and reports are printed with your agencys letterhead. Atfs cfi program has taken fire investigation and analysis beyond a discipline based on experience and has applied scientific and engineering technology.
As a fire investigator for the svfd he was a commissioned law enforcement office for 9 years and accelerant detection k9 handler for 5 years. Fire administration, the campaign highlights how using an accelerant detection canine adc closes more cases and deters arson. Accelerant soot extraction analysis in fire investigation article in ranshao kexue yu jishujournal of combustion science and technology 175. Arson investigation software case management software. Dean castaldo seeking a position as an accelerant detection k9 investigation handler fire investigations inspections. Deadlines for receipt of applications are march 31, june 30, september 30 and december 31. Actions taken following these guides should be performed in accordance with department policies and procedures and federal and state laws. Scout provides case management, field work, tracking, court documentation, data analysis, compliance, and more. Acetone is one of the primary ingredients in nail polish remover.
This process involves a combination of both field work and laboratory analysis by fire investigators and chemists. Accelerant samples were obtained from mississippi state chemical laboratory, and fire debris samples were from oktibbeha county fire services. We offer a certified accelerant detection canine team to assist both public and private sector fire investigators. I am 16, i live in arizona, and i wanted to know what the requirements for an accelerant detection dog handler is. A major benefit to using an accelerant detection dog on a fire scene is the cost savings. The handler is a law enforcement officer who has been trained to investigate fire scenes. At the fire scene various indicators are used to predict the presence and.
Tools and services for arson enforcement bureau of. My organization is currently using firehouse for its management of records. The use of the accelerant detection canine allows the fire investigator to more precisely pinpoint items of evidentiary value to be analyzed using this systematic methodology. I have a 1 yr old mastiff and just for a challenge i started training her, it surprised me. Accelerant detection canines each year for national arson awareness week, the u.
Fire scenes, as can be expected, are dangerous places. A fire is a selfsustaining, exothermic oxidation reaction that emits heat and light. Financial audit support one of the most significant phases of an arson investigation is the financial analysis conducted by auditors assigned to atfs audit services division. A wide range of substances can act as an accelerant in the right. Because of the reasons illustrated above it is important to sample debris as soon as possible after the fire so the laboratory analysis will yield as much data as possible on which to base a conclusion regarding the presence and identity of an accelerant. In fire investigation terms, an accelerant is defined as a fuel that is used to initiate or increase the intensity, or speed of spread, of fire dehaan and icove, 2012. The analysis of fire accelerants in arson suspected crime scenes by. Houston, texas provided the modulator and software. Training for accelerant detection canines and their handlers. The use of accelerant detection dogs in fire scene investigations. This includes a module for fire investigations and arson based incidents. Steve carmans scientific education and twenty plus years of experience as a highly awarded federal agent and fire and explosion investigator is the backbone of our company.
Accelerant soot extraction analysis in fire investigation. Pdf accelerant identification in fire debris by tctgcms. This would allow them to progress in a definite direction with a degree of certainty, and without being delayed by having to wait for confirmation of results following laboratory analysis. Mar 21, 2017 alex mutin of shimadzu scientific instruments provided the gcms, and edward ledford of zoex corp. Acetone has an ignition temperature of 869 degrees f. The theme for this years national arson awareness week focuses on canine contributions to fire investigations. Fire investigation involves the examination of all firerelated incidents once firefighters have extinguished the fire. Accurate detection of an accelerant can help police in arson investigation. A very narrow vshape might indicate a fire that was hotter than. Scout cms, arson investigation software can be used for the management of police, fire, arson and bomb investigations by improving your efficiency. Fairfax county virginia chooses fire files as their software platform for fire, arson, bomb and hazmat investigations. Chemists would distinguish an accelerant from a fuel. Fire investigation, arson investigation, unconfirmed accelerant, admissibility, expert evidence, opinion, search dogs, accelerant detection canine. In 20, daisy worked 67 cases with nearly half identified as intentional, resulting in further arson investigation.
Chapter 4 fire scene investigation introduction due to the destructive powers of fire, investigators must be aware of their surroundings. Fire files is the industrys leading investigation software for the case management of police, fire, arson, and bomb investigations. The national fire protection association publishes this manual which is the standard of care in fire investigation. Through computer software programs, these agents can use mathematical equations to describe the chemical and physical behavior of fire. Arson division chief, arson investigator, canine handler k9 handler, fire and explosion investigator, fire investigator, fire lieutenant, fire marshal, investigator, lieutenant, state fire marshal. Fire investigation software firehouse forums firefighting. Fire investigation is arguably one of the most difficult areas of investigation. This is a common way of determining whether or not an accelerant was used. This handbook is intended as a guide to recommended practices for the collection and preservation of evidence at firearson scenes. Accelerants are often used to commit arson, and some accelerants may cause an explosion.
946 1537 808 325 713 1522 291 1417 1242 12 1151 1231 289 893 328 715 1056 1085 1547 1629 1392 1544 292 588 923 1350 1333 1039 964 948 821 852 62 797