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Kirk's Fire Investigation, 8th Edition

  • October 2017
  • Publisher: Pearson
  • ISBN: ISBN-13: 978-0134237923
Authors:
David J. Icove at University of Tennessee
David J. Icove
Gerald A. Haynes
Gerald A. Haynes
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Copyright © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc. or its aliate(s). All rights reserved. HEFLD4643 JK 08/17
NEW
EDITION!
Kirk’s Fire
Investigation
EIGHT EDITION
David J. Icove
Gerald A. Haynes
ISBN#9780134237923
• Meets the FESHE guidelines for Fire Investigation
and Analysis, with correlations to the 2017
Edition of NFPA 921.
• Provides background for NFPA 1033’s
“Basic Sixteen” knowledge requirements of
the 2014 Edition of NFPA 1033.
• Required reading for re investigation
professional certication programs and
promotional examinations.
• Describes a comprehensive approach to
reconstructing re scenes based on the
combined principles of re protection
engineering along with forensic and
behavioral science.
• Describes the scientic underpinnings of how
re patterns are produced and how they can
be used in assessing re damage and
determining a re’s origin.
What you need to know about Kirk’s Fire Investigation, 8th edition:
... The commitment within this discipline to conducting scientific scene examinations has resulted in improvement in the reliability of fire origin and cause determinations [22]. There are now manuals and guidelines produced by various leading forensic technical groups for the investigation of fire scenes [23], and as detailed in "Kirk's Fire Investigation" (refer 1.7.8 "Authoritative Scientific Testing"), multiple standards have been published for the range of scientific tests that are applicable to fire investigation, such as the analysis of fire debris samples [24]. However, research on the reliability and validity of the discipline, standardisation of education, training and method application, and cognitive bias are required [25]. ...
... Additionally, the results of laboratory analyses of samples that have been collected from the fire scene (i.e. for the presence of ignitable liquid residues) will also be considered. The examination of structural fires requires knowledge of the dynamics of fires and how they can develop and spread [24,36]. The interpretation of burn and smoke patterns is routinely considered in reaching conclusions on the point of origin of fires and the cause of ignition. ...
... Physical evidence present at fire scenes which may build support for the possibility that the fire may have been deliberately lit [24] was frequently found at fire scenes. Burn patterns (i.e. ...
The forensic examination of structural fires in Victoria, Australia: Decision-making processes and impact on judicial outcomes
Article
There is a body of published research that has evaluated the contribution of forensic science to the criminal justice system, but many disciplines of forensic science remain unexplored in this regard. The aim of this study was to examine the contribution that forensic fire examination services provide to criminal investigations and court processes in arson cases. Forensic fire examination services differ in a number of ways to the disciplines covered in previous research on the impact of forensic evidence on justice outcomes. Forensic fire examinations involve a combination of scene examination and laboratory analyses, and the results can provide critical evidence of whether an incident that has occurred is a criminal offence (i.e. whether a fire has occurred as the result of an act of arson). Forensic fire examination is also a discipline that has faced challenges and undergone development in recent decades regarding its scientific basis and the issue of contextual bias. In this study, data were collated for 273 structural fires that were examined by the forensic fire services in Victoria, Australia. In this jurisdiction, scene and laboratory forensic services are delivered within short time frames with a focus on providing impartial scientific and investigative services to assist criminal investigations conducted by police. The current dataset was highly skewed in terms of criminal justice outcomes and was not suitable for conducting the planned statistical analyses. Nonetheless, the pattern of findings obtained suggested that the inclusion of forensic evidence which supported the prosecution of arson may be associated with an increased likelihood of suspects being charged and defendants found guilty. Examination of the decision-making process of the forensic fire examiners has provided insight into the variety of evidence that is considered by forensic experts in reaching the important conclusion about the origin and cause of structural fires.
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... As the penalty of arson is so high the evidence must be unambiguous 8 Ignition of a fire is a result of a series of simultaneous chemical, oxidative and exothermic reactions. 9 A tetrahedron represents the four key principles required to start a fire; oxygen, heat, fuel and chain reaction. Isolation or removal of one of these factors will result in fire extinguishment (Figure 1). 9 There are 5 main stages to a fire; Pre-heat, Early growth, Flashover, Steady state and Decay. ...
... Isolation or removal of one of these factors will result in fire extinguishment (Figure 1). 9 There are 5 main stages to a fire; Pre-heat, Early growth, Flashover, Steady state and Decay. 9 It is important to understand these stages, as each stage will not only have a different detrimental effect on fingerprints and DNA, but also causes physical changes to the surfaces that they adhere to (Table 1) Evidently, the more smoke there is the more soot deposition will occur; the soot fuses to the ridge detail in the print. Thus, protecting the print from extreme temperatures and flames, preserving the unique pattern. ...
... As the temperature increase and flames spread, soot can be burnt off in a process known as 'clean burning'. 9 This is when oxidation reactions occur and the carbon dioxide in the soot is used as a fuel to burn. 9 This can be detrimental to any DNA or fingerprints that are directly exposed to such conditions; this often occurs at the flashover stage. ...
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... During the investigation, the consultants focus the attention on for main aspects: (I) the fire ignition causes, (II) the starting point, (III) the fire development modality and (IV) the temperature reached by the fire [1][2][3]. The investigation of these points often requires a lot of information related to the consequences of the flames in the area involved in the fire (fire patterns) and the witnesses present in the accident place. ...
How to Use Metallurgical Analysis for Fire Investigation: The Case of AISI 316 Stainless Steel
Article
Full-text available
  • Mar 2022
In this work, fire simulations were carried out on AISI 316 austenitic stainless steel sheets (similar to EN X5CrNiMo17-12-2), usually employed for the production of flue pipes. The thermal alteration induced by the fire was simulated by heating samples at different temperatures (from 20°C to 1050°C) and for different exposure times (1 h and 6 h) in a laboratory furnace. The metallurgical investigation concerned the surface coloring by photographic analysis; the morphology and chemical composition of the surface oxides by SEM and EDS; the microstructure as a function of temperature by LOM. The influence of the different parameters was discussed by a statistical ANOVA approach. The obtained results allowed to associate each temperature to one or more alterations in color, to the morphology and the chemical composition assumed by the surface oxides, as well as to the microstructure of the steel.
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... After a fire, the investigation always focuses on three main aspects: (i) discover the fire origin, (ii) determine the fire cause and (iii) establish the responsibility for the fire [2,3]. ...
Metallurgical Analysis as a Useful Method for Fire Investigation: the Case of Galvanized Steel Sheets
Article
Full-text available
  • Aug 2021
In this work, fire simulations were carried out on zinc-coated steel sheets usually employed for the structural parts of furniture, transformer rooms and aeration pipes. The thermal alteration induced by the fire was simulated by heating samples at 13 different temperatures (from 20° C to 1050° C) and for different exposure times (1 h and 6 h) in a laboratory furnace. The metallurgical investigation concerned the surface coloring by photographic analysis, the morphology and chemical composition of the surface oxides by SEM and EDS and the microstructure modifications as a function of the temperature by LOM. The influence of the different parameters was discussed by a statistical approach. The obtained results allowed to associate the temperature to one or more alteration of the steel microstructure and of the color, the morphology and the chemical composition of the surface oxides.
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... Contudo, a destruição da cena pode ser quase completa devido à queima prolongada e às necessárias operações de rescaldo e combate às chamas, fazendo com que praticamente nada possa ser verificado em seus remanescentes a fim de se determinar a origem, a causa ou a dinâmica do fogo 2 Um acelerante é, portanto, um combustível ou oxidante (geralmente um líquido inflamável) usado intencionalmente para iniciar um incêndio ou aumentar a taxa de crescimento ou propagação das chamas 3 . Via de regra, aqueles que são provocados intencionalmente (e, portanto, criminosos) sempre teriam um menor tempo de duração se não fosse a quantidade em excesso de substância acelerante empregada sendo, por esse motivo, mais intensos 1 A referência 2 esclarece que o melhor absorvente é a areia granulada à base de argila (um dos tipos mais populares de areia para gato), embora possam ser empregados diatomito (terra de diatomáceas, terra diatomácea) ou, de forma mais simples, até mesmo a farinha de trigo. ...
Coleta de Resquícios de Substâncias Acelerantes em Superfícies Porosas no Incendiarismo: Utilização do Método Proposto por Icove e Haynes
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2020
Resumo: O presente relato de caso tem por objetivo demonstrar a aplicação de um inusitado método de coleta de substância acelerante empregada em uma ocorrência de incendiarismo, utilizando farinha de trigo como material absorvente. Além de sua viabilidade, foi possível corroborar a conclusão acerca de fogo posto intencionalmente, por meio do reconhecimento da presença de padrões de queima característicos no veículo objeto do incêndio. Palavras-chave: Incêndio; Incendiarismo; Acelerantes; Local de crime; Perícia criminal | Abstract: The present case report aims to demonstrate the application of an unusual method of collecting accelerant substance employed in an arson scene, using wheat flour as absorbent material. Thus, it was possible to corroborate the conclusion about intentional fire by recognizing the presence of characteristic burning patterns in the damaged vehicle. Keywords: Fire scene; Arson; Accelerants; Crime scene; Forensic investigation
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... Icove and Haynes issued the eighth edition of the reference textbook in fire investigation, Kirk's fire investigation [5]. Lentini issued the third edition of his textbook Scientific protocols for fire investigation [6]. ...
Interpol review of fire investigation 2016–2019
Article
Full-text available
  • Mar 2020
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in fire analysis and investigation sciences from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20Papers%202019.pdf.
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Computer Fire Modeling and the Law: Application to Forensic Fire Engineering Investigations
Article
Full-text available
  • Jul 2021
Computer fire modeling can be a two-edged tool in forensic fire engineering investigations. Professional standards of care recommend that fire modeling’s primary use is in examining multiple hypotheses for a fire as opposed to determining its origin. This paper covers the current acceptable benefits of computer fire models, historical and pending legal case law, and methods to use modeling results within expert reports and testimony. Particular issues reviewed are the use of animations versus simulations, evidentiary guidelines, and authentication using verification and validation studies.
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State of the Arc (Mapping)
Article
Full-text available
  • Jul 2021
NFPA 921 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations considers the technique arc mapping to be one of the methodologies used in isolating a fire’s origin and spread. Provided the technique is used properly and understanding its limitations, it is a tool for investigators. Synthesized here is the latest peer-reviewed research and discussions on the implications of increased use of ground- and arc-fault circuit interrupters on arc mapping analysis. Incorporated are case studies and evaluations of recent legal decisions. The goal is to arm investigators with what’s needed to maximize the arc mapping’s efficacy and best present its use and results.
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A aplicação do protocolo NFPA 1033 no exame pericial de explosão: o caso da fogueira de Osasco-SP
Article
Full-text available
  • May 2020
O presente trabalho consiste em um relato de experiência a respeito da utilização do protocolo NFPA 1033 em uma perícia de local de explosão. Para tanto, aplicaram-se ao exame pericial as etapas pertinentes do referido padrão metodológico, sendo possível estabelecer as causas do sinistro. No presente relato são discutidos os aspectos e as dificuldades na aplicação da metodologia que culminaram na confirmação de sua importância como um protocolo padrão de atuação na realização de exames periciais de incêndio e explosão. Palavras-Chave: Explosão. Incêndio. Engenharia legal. Perícia Criminal. NFPA.
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Aplicação do método científico (NFPA 921-2017) em perícias de incêndio - o caso da fábrica de tintas
Article
Full-text available
  • May 2020
O presente trabalho consiste em um relato de experiência a respeito da utilização do método científico, derivado da norma internacional NFPA 921, quando da realização de perícia de local de incêndio em uma fábrica de tintas. Para tanto, aplicaram-se ao exame pericial as etapas pertinentes ao referido padrão metodológico, o que permitiu a perícia inferir sobre causas do sinistro. No presente relato são discutidos os aspectos práticos observados quando da aplicação do método, ratificando sua importância como um padrão de atuação na realização de exames periciais em locais de incêndio. Palavras-Chave: Incêndio. Tolueno. Engenharia legal. Perícia Criminal. NFPA.
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