Module 1 in CDI

108:
FIRE AND
ARSON
INVESTIGATION
 SCIENCE OF FIRE

What is Fire?

❑ Is the manifestation of a rapid chemical reaction occurring between fuel and an oxidizer-
typically the oxygen in the air.

❑ Heat and light resulting from the rapid combination of oxygen, or in some cases gaseous
chlorine, with other materials.
ELEMENTS OF FIRE

It is a form of energy generated by the

transmission of some other form of
HEAT energy, as in combustion of burning

A colorless, odorless gas and one of the

compositions of air which is
OXYGEN approximately 21% by volume

Any substance which reacts

FUEL chemically with oxygen and
produces flames.

Fire Triangle

The graphical representation of the three elements of fire, namely: Oxygen,

Heat, and Fuel.

1 FUEL – combustible materials to vaporize and burn

2 OXYGEN- oxygen in air is the common oxidizing agent, to combine with fuel
vapor, air contains 28% O, 78 n, 1% inert gas.

3 HEAT- to raise temperature of the fuel vapor to its ignition temperature

Three ways to extinguish fire:

❑ Remove the fuel

❑ Cut- off the oxygen supply

❑ Reduce the temperature (cooling)

 FOUR GENERAL CLASSES OF FIRE

NATURAL ACCIDENTAL ARSON UNKNOWN

FIRE FIRE FIRE

THREE GENERAL CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE

INNOCENT UNKNOWN
INCENDIARY
FIRE FIRE
FIRE

NATURAL ACCIDENTAL ARSON UNKNOWN

FIRE FIRE
FIRE

CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE

BASED ON BASED ON
CAUSE BURNING
FUEL
❑ NATURAL FIRE ❑ CLASS A
❑ ACCIDENTAL FIRE ❑ CLASS B
❑ INTENTIONAL FIRE ❑ CLASS C
❑ CLASS D

BASED ON CAUSE
Spontaneous heating
The automatic chemical reaction that results to spontaneous
combustion due to auto-ignition of organic materials, the gradual
rising of heat in a confined space until ignition temperature is
NATURAL reached.
CAUSES Lightning
A form of static electricity; a natural current with a great magnitude,
producing tremendous amperage and voltage.
 ❑ Hot Bolt
longer in duration; capable only of igniting combustible materials

NATURAL • Cold Bolt shorter in duration, capable of splintering a property and

CAUSES very high in temperature.
• Radiation of Sunlight
• When sunlight hits a concave mirror, concentrating the light on a
combustible materials thereby igniting it.

Electrical accidents in the form of:

❑ Short Circuit
unusual or accidental connections between two points at different
potentials (charge) in an electrical circuit or relatively low resistance.

❑ Arcing
the production of sustained luminous electrical discharge between
separated electrodes; an electric hazard that results when electrical
current crosses the gap between 2 and electrical conductors.

❑ Sparking
ACCIDENTAL
production of incandescent particles when two different potentials
CAUSES
(charged conductors) come in contact; occurs during short circuits or
welding operations.

❑ Induced Current
induced line surge, increased electrical energy flow or power voltage;
induced current; sudden increase of electrical current resulting to the
burning of insulating materials.

❑ Overheating of electrical appliances

the increase or rising of amperage while electrical current is flowing
in a transmission line resulting to the damage or destruction of
insulating materials, maybe gradual or rapid, internal or external.

If in the burned property, there are preparations or traces of

accelerant, plants and trailers, then the cause of fire is intentional.

▪ Accelerant

highly flammable chemicals that are used to facilitate flame

propagation
INTENTIONA
L ▪ Plant

CAUSES the preparation and or gathering of combustible materials needed to

start a fire
(Incendiary)
▪ Trailer
 the preparation of flammable substances in order to spread the fire

BASED ON BURNING FUEL

(CLASSES OF FIRE)

CLASS A FIRE
Ordinary fires; they are the types of fire resulting from the burning wood, paper, textiles,
rubber, and other carbonaceous materials.

CLASS B FIRE
Liquid fires; they are caused by flammable and or combustible liquids such as kerosene,
gasoline, benzene, oil products, alcohol, and other hydrocarbon deviations.

CLASS C FIRE
Electrical fires; they are fires that starts in live electrical wires, equipment, motors, electrical
appliances and telephone switchboards

CLASS D FIRE
Metallic fires; fires that result from the combustion of certain metals in finely divided forms. These
combustible metals include magnesium, potassium, powdered calcium, zinc, sodium and titanium.

Phases of Fire
Incipient Phase (Initial Stage)

Beginning stage of fire - under this stage,

the following characteristics are observed:

▪ normal room temperature

▪ temperature of the base of the fire

is 400- 800 degrees Fahrenheit.

▪ The pyrolysis products are mostly water

▪ vapor and carbon dioxide, small quantities of

▪ carbon monoxide and sulfides may be present.

Free Burning Phase

The phase of burning in which materials or
structures are burning in the presence of adequate
oxygen supply. It has the following characteristics:
 • accelerated pyrolysis process take place
• development of convection current: formation
of thermal columns as heat rises
• Temperature is 800-1000 degrees farenheit at the
base of fire, 1200-1600 degrees farenheit at ceiling
• Occurrence of flashover

Smoldering Phase

The final phase of burning wherein flame ceases but

dense smoke and heat completely fill the confined room.
This stage has the following characteristics:
• oxygen content drops to 13% or below causing
the flame to vanish and heat to develop in layers
• Building/ room contains large quantities of
superheated fuel under pressure but little oxygen

STAGES OF FIRE
1. IGNITION
- Describes the period when the four
elements of the fire tetrahedron come
together and combustion begins.
2. GROWTH
- A fire plume begins to form above the burning fuel.
• where the fire started
• what combustibles are near it
• ceiling height
• Potential for “thermal layering”
3. FULLY DEVELOPED
- When the growth stage has reached its max and
all combustible materials have been ignited.
• All combustible materials are involved in the fire
• Hottest phase of the fire and most dangerous to anybody
trapped within
4. DECAY
- Fire consumes the available fuel
and the rate of heat released begins to decline
• Usually longest stage of a fire
• Significant decrease in oxygen and fuel,
putting an end to the fire
 TRANSFER OF HEAT
The physical methods by which energy in the form of heat can be transferred between
bodies are conduction and radiation. A third method, which involves the motion of matter, is
called convection.
1. CONDUCTION
- It is the transfer of heats by molecular activity
with in a material or medium, usually a solid.
Direct contact is the underlying factor in conduction.
2. CONVECTION
- It is the transfer of heat through a circulating
medium, usually air or liquid. Heat transfer by convection
is chiefly responsible for the spread of fire in structures.
The super-heated gases evolved from a fire are lighter
than air and consequently rise, they can and do initiate
additional damage.
3. RADIATION
- Radiated heat moves in wave and rays much
like sunlight. Radiated heat travels the speed, as does
visible light: 186,000 miles per second. It is primary
responsible for the exposure hazards that develop and
exist during a fire.
 BASIC TACTICS USED IN FIREFIGHTING OPERATION

FIREFIGHTING TECHNIQUES
Fire can arise anywhere, especially in places such as high rise buildings. Every person
needs to be able to at least have the basic knowledge of firefighting techniques. This will help in
ensuring the fire safety of those who are either living or using these buildings. Sometimes fire
breaks out and there’s an accelerant that may make it spread quite quickly.
In such cases, every single person who can handle a fire extinguisher should be able to
employ some of the basic techniques for firefighting before the firefighters get to the scene. Each
fire is unique in the sense that their causes and how they spread are different. As such, there are
different techniques that are unique to each of these scenarios.

DIRECT INDIRECT COMBINATION FOG

THE TWO
ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK LINES IN

1. DIRECT ATTACK
This must be the most well-known technique
for firefighting. Water is aimed at the base of
the burning fire in order to suffocate the flames.
Due to how this technique works, it’s best done
by the use of a concentrated and powerful water
jet that is capable of suffocating the flames. These
water jets are often operated by firefighters and
require that they have a clear line of sight to the blaze.
When used on a fire that’s in a non-vented area, less
steam will be produced causing the fire to be put out faster.

2. INDIRECT ATTACK
This involves aiming the water at the ceiling so
that the water can drop down, thereby extinguishing
the fire from above. It’s often used in closed apartment
fires which are mostly high rise buildings and is very
effective in such scenarios. Instead of the water stream
being directed at the fire, it’s aimed at either the wall or
ceiling above the flame.
This allows the water to fall back above the fire and hence
putting it off. It works by the water cooling the ceiling to
 disrupt the thermal balance and the water absorbs the vapour. Alternatively, water that is
not absorbed by the surface falls like rain on the flames to put the fire off.
3. COMBINATION ATTACK
The combination attack uses both the direct and
indirect techniques in combating overhead flames
and gases at the same time. In this method, the direct
attack here is used to attack the fire itself while the
aspect of the indirect attack combats the gases that are
overhead. These two methods both ensure that fire is
extinguished quickly and the risk of it spreading is
minimized.

4. THE TWO LINES IN

Here, two teams and two hoses are used to combine
a solid water stream and a fog nozzle. The technique
is used for fires that are in high wind areas. Of the
two teams, one focuses on ensuring that the fire
doesn’t spread while the other one focuses on the
direct attack of the fire. With proper communication
between the teams, this technique will be quite effective.

5. FOG ATTACK
In this method, the hose makes use of a fog to
extinguish the blaze. It’s ideal for fires that break
out in places where there’s no wind, known as
compartment fires. It’s the one that’s commonly
used by fire brigades due to its efficiency in fighting
fires. It doesn’t use a jet but rather a fog nozzle of a
hose. It often very effects in places that aren’t ventilated.
However, in places where the wind is a problem, its
effectiveness is substantially reduced.

In addition to the basic tactics the following are also added:

1. RESCUE
Any action by the firefighters to remove occupants/ person from a burning building/hazards to a
safety place.
2. OVERHAUL
A complete and detailed check of the structures and materials involved in the fire to make sure
that every spark and ember has been extinguished and to have an assurance against re-ignition.
3. VENTILATION
It is a method used for clearing the building of smoke and gases, localize the fire, and reduce
smoke and forcible entry damage.
4. SALVAGE
An action taken by the firefighters in preventing
excessive damage by fire, smoke, and water with
the use of a salvage cover or removing out from
the burning building.
Methods of salvage covers
• Salvage cover catch basin
Salvage operations sometimes require quick
construction of devices to trap large amounts
of water. The catch basin can be used for this
purpose although a suitable method for draining
the water must also be considered to eliminate
the danger of Run over.
• Window drain chute
A very practical method of draining large amounts
of water from the upper floor is by use of chutes
constructed on the floor below the water to drain through
windows or doors to the exterior.
• Stairway drain
When water is directed down stairways,
cover the treads and risers in the standard
manner. After proper placement of the covers,
direct the water toward the stairway with brooms
or squeegees. Covers must lead to the exterior or
to a drainage point
 STRUCTURAL FIREFIGHTING
• Structural firefighting means the activities of rescue, fire suppression, and property
conservation in buildings, enclosed structures, or like properties that are involved in a fire
or emergency-situation.
• A firefighter performs duties related to public service, both emergent and non-emergent.
Typical assignments will include responding to alarms and assisting in the suppression of
structural, chemical, petroleum, vehicle and wildland fires, while utilizing established
tactics and strategies to contain and control the incident.
• The firefighter will operate and maintain variety of fire apparatus in multiple settings
during weekly preventative maintenance, open and closed course driving, multi-company
training evolutions and fire ground pumping. Firefighters lay water supply lines from
hydrants, deploy hand held attack lines from fire engines, place ladders on buildings,
perform forcible entry, carry hose and equipment up multiple flights of stairs to access
and battle high rise fires, rescue victims and evacuate occupants. They will also perform
auto extrication to remove victims from entangled vehicles.
• Firefighters are involved in public education, fire inspection and prevention. They
inspect buildings and make recommendations regarding the correction of hazards,
educate and interact with the community, familiarize themselves with public
establishments to determine pre-fire planning.

Strategies used in Firefighting

1. LOCATE THE FIRE
Location –Locating the fire sounds like a simple matter. In an open lumber yard where flames
are reaching for the sky, it is simple matter. But finding or locating a fire in a room in a cellar of
a three-storey dormitory or building which is filled with dense smoke is not an easy task.
Examination of what appears to be a clean burn,
a rundown burn or a classic “V” pattern burn among
others provide strong directional help to determine
the particular area of origin.

2. CONFINE THE FIRE

Confinement –Confining the fire is the next step in strategy. Judgement, skill, and experience
must be used to utmost to determine whether or not the fire is to be routine or a disaster.
Confining the fire simply means to restrict its spread to its point of origin or at least to the area
involved.
Fire Confinement – Firefighters control a
fire's spread by removing one of the three
ingredients fire needs to burn: heat, oxygen,
or fuel.

3. EXTINGUISH THE FIRE

Extinguishment –When fire confinement has been accomplished, fire extinguishment is the next
tactical operation. Extinguishing a fire by removing the fuel, air supply, or most commonly, the
heat.
What is the purpose of fire extinguishment?
• To bring burning materials below their ignition temperature to stop flame production
Three methods of extinguishing fires
• Cooling
• Smothering
• Starving

4. EXPOSURES
Exposure –it is an action taken by the firefighters to cover or rescue other building/s, people
from exposing themselves near the affected area or danger from fire.
Types of exposures
1. Fire exposure - refers to the property exposed to the fire, such as property directly across
alleys or besides the fire building.
2. Life exposure - refers to the danger to the lives of the occupants of any building that is in
line with the travel of dangerous fumes or gases thrown off by fire as well as to the
occupants of any building that is seriously exposed to the fire from the building on fire.
 LADDER OPERATIONS
I. Ladder Operations
Preliminaries
The use of ladders is crucial in the fire service. When doing emergency operations, a member must be
able to move up and down stairs. Although stairs are typically accessible, they may provide risks such as
fire or other dangers. Hence, members are need to furnish their own means of climbing or descending to
higher floors. The extension and right positioning of fire service ladders may also be necessary for rescue,
roof top operations, ventilation, and fire stream operation. Fire service ladders necessitate strong
cooperation and seamless teamwork. The capacity of the member to complete all tasks promptly and
correctly is essential for both the protection of the public and other members.
TYPES OF LADDERS
1. GROUND LADDERS
- Ground Ladders vary in sizes from 3.1 to 17 meters (10-55
feet) long. It is being carried on a pumper or firetrucks.

2. AERIAL LADDERS
- This type of ladder that is mounted on a turntable, capable of
extending up to 3.5 meters (100 feet), may have three or four
metal fly sections of ladder that can be raised or lowered by
hydraulically controlled cables.

Forms of Ground Ladder

1 2 3 4

Hook Ladder
Wall Extension Attic
(roof) or
Ladder Ladder Straight Ladder
Ladder

1. Wall Ladder – This type of ladder best used in rescue where a ladder in
place is already falls short of the endangered person. It allows the user
to climb up or down, one storey as at time (e.g. scaling or pompier, and
fire scape).

2. Extension Ladder – An extension ladder that has a stay pole is called

tormentors. Tormentors support the beams and give extra stability
when raising or lowering the ladder. It ranges from 45 to 10 meters
in length (15-33 feet).
3. Hook Ladder (roof) or Straight Ladder – This type of ladder
that contains only one section. It ranges in length from 12
to 16 feet. The most common size is the 14-foot straight ladder.
The hook or roof ladder is a straight ladder adapted for a special
purpose. Hooks are mounted on a movable socket that permits
them to fold inward when not in use.

4. Attic Ladder – It provides means of reaching through an opening

into attics, lofts, and other areas that are somewhat difficult to
reach without a special ladder. It can be folded or collapsed for
a small room or closet works. They are usually short because
they are required only a short distance.

1 2

Hydraulic Elevating
Aerial Platform
Ladders (Articulated
Boom)

1. One-man Carry
 2. Remove the
ladder from the
apparatus and
pass either arm
through the
ladder at
3. the middle of
its length. Carry
it with the hooks
forward and
lowered.
Remove the ladder from the apparatus and pass either arm through
the ladder at the middle of its length. Carry it with the hooks forward
and lowered.

2. Two-man Carry
Normally extension ladders from 24 to 36 feet in length require at least two men. To remove the
ladder from the fire apparatus, place one man near each end. Each man then passes one arm through the
ladder and grasps the second rung forward. Both men must be on the same side.
3. Four-man Carry
Remove the ladder from the apparatus and place it on the ground with the fly up. Have the four
men take their positions, two near each end, on opposite sides of the ladder. Face the top of the ladder.
Reach down and grasp a rung with the hand nearest it. Raise the ladder on the shoulder.

4. Six-man Carry
This procedure is the same as the four-man carry except that an
additional two men are placed in the middle on the opposite sides to
carry heavier ladder.

LADDER RAISES
Ladder raises requires practice and cooperation. Before raising a ladder, you must know
how far you should place the heel of the ladder from the building.

Way or Methods to Determine the Distance of the Ladder Heel from the
Building:

Divide the length of the ladder by 5 and Divide the length of the ladder by 4. If
add 2. you used a fully extended 35-foot.

TYPES OF LADDER RAISES

 One-man Raise
 Two-man Raise
 Three-man Raise
 Four-man Raise

1. STEPS IN One-man Ladder Raise

 a. Place the heel of the ladder against the building;
b. “Walk” the ladder up to the building by using the rugs;
c. Place the ladder against the building;
d. After the ladder is in upright position, lift the ladder off the ground and place it back
to the correct climbing angle;
e. Safety the ladder by placing the ball of either foot on the bottom rung, then place
hand on the rung.
2. STEPS IN Two-man Ladder Raise
a. Place the ladder close the building. One man stands at the bottom rung inside to steady the ladder.
The other man is at the top with one hand on a rung and one hand on the beam;
b. The man on the top “walks” the ladder up to the building by using the rungs of the ladder;
c. Turn the ladder so the extension is in the correct position for raising. The smaller man in the
front; when the ladder is turned, he is on the inside between the wall and the ladder;
d. Untie the halyard and raise the ladder to the desired height;
e. Tie the halyard on the rung and move the ladder out to the proper climbing height.

3. STEPS IN Three-man Ladder Raise

a. Place the heel of the ladder as close to the building as possible. One man is at the bottom
rung of the ladder closest to the wall. The other two at the top holding onto the beam;
b. The two men “walk” the ladder up to the building by using the beam of the ladder;
c. Turn the ladder so the extension is the correct position for raising;
d. Raise the extension ladder;
e. Tie the halyard on the rung. Bring the ladder correct climbing angle. Two men safety the
ladder.

4. STEPS IN Four-man Ladder Raise

The 36-foot extension ladder should not be raised by less than three people. Four men are
better. The four-man raise very similar to the three-man raise; but two men are used at the heel of
the ladder on the raise.

Proper Climbing Angle: Rule of Thumb

Stand with your toes against the butt, with out-stretched arms, reach for a
rung at about shoulder level (applicable only an average firefighter, on the other
hand an exceptionally tall have to make some adjustments short firefighter might
have approximately 75 degrees angle of inclination between the lade and the
ground.

FIRE SUPPRESSION, CONTROL EXTINGUISHMENT, AND

EXTINGUISHING AGENTS
Definition of Terms
1. FIRE SUPPRESSION
- Means slowing down the rate of burning.
2. CONTROL
 - Means keeping the fire from spreading or holding the fire to one area.
3. EXTINGUISHMENT
- Means putting the fire completely out.
4. EXTINGUISHING AGENTS
- An extinguisher on a particular fire depends on the amount and type of agent in the
extinguisher.

FOUR METHODS OF FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT AND HOW IT WORKS

COOLING SEPARATION

CHEMICAL CHAIN
SMOTHERING
REACTION

Under the triangle-of-fire-concept tetrahedron concept

1. COOLING
The cooling process uses an extinguishing agent whose primary characteristic is heat
absorption. Water is the best general cooling agent for firefighting purposes.
2. SMOTHERING
Excludes the oxygen from the fuel so that the gases or vapors of the fuel cannot ignite
and continue the combustion.
3. SEPARATION
The removal of the fuel, as in the example of turning off a valve in a gas line prevents the
fuel and oxygen from coming together.
4. CHEMICAL CHAIN REACTION
Extinguishment is known as inhibition or the interruption of chemical reaction.

FOUR METHODS OF FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT AND HOW IT WORKS

CHEMICAL CHAIN REACTION
The sequence of events in suppressing or extinguishing a fire with dry chemicals or vaporizing
liquids includes some aspects of the first three methods.
1. The heat of the fire vaporizes the potassium bicarbonate thereby producing water, carbon
dioxide, and potassium dioxide.
2. The chemical reaction resulting when the potassium dioxide unites with the water formed
by the fire creates an amount of potassium hydroxide.
3. Some potassium hydroxide reacts with certain products released from the fuel, thus
forming water and potassium monoxide.
4. This combination of reactions halts the process of fuel uniting with oxygen of the air,
thereby breaking the chemical chain reaction and stopping the fire.
 Extinguishing Agent

Removing oxygen Removing the fuel

Removing heat Interrupting the

chemical chain reaction

The following are the most common extinguishing agents, the class of fire they are used, and
the extinguishing methods used:
1. Water.
Water is the most effective in cooling the burning material below its ignition temperature. It is
also used only on Class A fires.
ADDITIVES:
There are many additives for water used in fire- fighting. Each of these has a specific purpose
and effect on the water.
WAYS OR METHODS WATER EXTINGUISHES FIRES
• Cooling -The outstanding heat absorbing qualities of water make it an excellent cooling
agent.
• Smothering- When water is used to smother a fire, stream must be generated in
sufficient amounts to exclude or displaced tendency to air.

2. Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A number of its properties make CO2 a desirable extinguishing agent. It is non-
combustible and non-reactive with most substances.
EFFECTS:
Extinguishment with CO2 is primarily by smothering. It covers or blankets the burning
materials and reduces the oxygen content to below levels needed for combustion. Even
though it is very cold, it has a little cooling effect on a fire when compared with equal
amounts of water. This is the reason when fires that have been apparently extinguished
with CO2 re-ignite from hot surfaces or embers as the CO2 dissipates.
USAGE:
Due to its non-conductivity, CO2 is very effective for use on Class C fires. It is also used
on Class B fires, but another agent is needed in blanketing or smothering on large are
fires to prevent re-ignition.
3. Dry Chemical
The dry chemical extinguishing agents in use today are mixtures of powders and various
additives that improve the storage, flow, and water repellency of the powders.
EFFECTS:
Flames banish almost at once when dry chemical is applied directly to the fire area. But
the exact chemistry and mechanism of the extinguishing agent are not fully known. It has
been suggested that the dry chemical agents inhibit the chain reaction in the combustion
zone has a greater effect in the extinguishment than the smothering or cooling actions and
radiation shielding have.
USAGE:
There are two basic types of Dry Chemical:
a) Ordinary and Regular Dry Chemical g
b) Multi-purpose Dry Chemical
4. Dry Powder
- is a generally term for agents used to extinguish combustible metal fires.
EFFECTS:
Dry 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 G.I. powder).
USAGE:
Class D Fires
5. Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)
Has replaced protein foam for all around firefighting purposes.
EFFECTS:
The quick "knock-down" and "heat reduction" properties of AFFF have proven it to be a
highly effective agent. These properties, combined with its ability to seal the surface of
burning hydrocarbon fires to prevent "flashback”, make it an outstanding and effective
extinguishing agent with which to work. When AFFF is applied to the surface of a
flammable liquid fire, the surface active material (surfactant) provides a vapor sealing
effect. This is not only extinguishes the fire but also prevents the release of fuel vapors
which could result in flashbacks. This vapor seal is also very hard to break-up by
walking, or moving some hose lines through it.
USAGE:
As with any other extinguishing agent, its effectiveness depends on the proper
application. The AFFF is designed to be applied at a 6% mixture (94 parts water to 6
parts AFFF concentrate).

6. Halogenated Agents (Halons)

 Effectiveness in interrupting the chain reaction they possess along with a decrease in life
safety hazard.
EFFECTS:
Halogenated agents work chemically to extinguish fire. They stop the combustion
process by breaking the fire chain reaction and prevent further fire propagation, This chemical
fire-stopping action happens with only a low concentration of halogenated agent used.
Application 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 effective in
controlling or extinguishing surface fires involving flammable liquid, solids, or gases, such as
dip tanks, quench tanks, transformers, or vapor vents. spray booths, oil-filled

USAGE:
Halogenated agents are very effective on Class B and Class C fires and have some
effects or success on Class A fires.

SIMULATION ACTIVITIES REGARDING FIRE AND ARSON

INVESTIGATION

Findings
* After 5 minutes of intense heat, some portion of the bamboo starts to deform. The whole property of
the bamboo changes its physical appearance.
Fire Scene Evidence Collection Guide
* The burning indicator is the ALIGATORING EFFECT as we can see in the images.
* MORE AIRFLOW, the faster the fire will burn.
Type of Evidence: Its Collection and Packaging Procedure
 Soil/Grass
Soil samples that may contain ignitable liquid residue should be refrigerated or frozen as
soon as possible and then left refrigerated or frozen until they are submitted for testing so
that soil decomposition does not break down any ignitable liquid residues that may be
present.
 To collect soil and/or grass:
 Select a productive sampling area.
 Photograph the soil or soil particles in place.
 Wear new, unused, clean latex or nitrile gloves.
 If you are digging soil from the ground, use a new or properly cleaned trowel or other
suitable tool. Sample the top 2 to 4 inches of topsoil, including surface material. Soil that
may contain ignitable liquid residue must be collected in an airtight container. If not
confined in an airtight container, the ignitable liquid vapors may evaporate. Therefore,
place the soil in a new, clean, unused metal paint can. Do not pack down the soil. Leave
1/3 headspace in the can for vapors.
 If you are collecting particles from a substrate, collect the entire item if possible and
secure it in an appropriate container that will not allow soil particles to escape. If you
cannot collect the entire item, using a new or properly cleaned brush, gently brush the
soil particles onto a new, clean sheet of white paper. Then, either pharmacy-fold this
paper and place it in an evidence envelope or funnel the particles into a glass jar with a
screw-type lid.
 If needed, collect a comparison sample from a location not within the ignitable liquid
pattern in a separate container using new gloves and a new or properly cleaned tool. A
comparison sample for ignitable liquids testing will help the laboratory exclude
compounds occurring naturally in the soil.
 Clean the lip of the can using a new or properly cleaned screwdriver or other suitable
tool.
 Tightly close the can by gently tapping it with a rubber mallet to seal it. Do not dent the
can because it may compromise the seal.
 Seal the container(s) with evidence tape, and initial and date the tape.
 Label each container with identifying information, including case number, date, exhibit
number, a brief description including recovery location, and your name.
 Store the item(s) in a secure location, such as a locked evidence van or your vehicle, until
you are able to transport it to the laboratory.

 Laboratory examination of soil:

 Soil particles can be examined for microscopic characteristics and makeup.

Questioned soil particles may be able to be compared to a known soil source in an
attempt to determine the origin of the questioned particles.
 Soil can be tested for ignitable liquids using gas chromatography mass
spectrometry. This test can determine the classification of the ignitable liquid.
References:
https://www.firerescue1.com/incident-command/articles/fire-building-exposures-how-and-why-
to-protect-them-fiDRTCsqBNwI5ZXo/
https://www.firerescue1.com/archive/articles/confinement-tactics-in-a-fire-attack-
myX49PIVOtDTPNza/#:~:text=This%20allows%20crews%20to%20suppress,the%20interior
%20quickly%20for%20extinguishment.&text=Many%20people%20will%20argue%20that,the
%20occupants%20of%20the%20building.
https://www.doi.gov/wildlandfire/suppression#:~:text=Firefighters%20control%20a%20fire's
%20spread,(using%20helicopters%2Fairplanes).
https://slideplayer.com/slide/7480220/
https://www.ukfrs.com/modal/general-cm/13785/313689/document/nojs#:~:text=All%20fires
%20can%20be%20extinguished,process%20to%20extinguish%20the%20fire.&text=One%20of
%20the%20most%20common,is%20by%20cooling%20with%20water.
https://guides.firedynamicstraining.ca/g/fd205-decision-making-pres/119122
http://ufsw.org/pdfs/salvage_manual.pdf
https://pcfsm.org/salvage/#:~:text=Controlling%20damage%20at%20the%20scene,amount
%20of%20damage%20as%20possible.
https://www.firerescue1.com/incident-command/articles/fire-building-exposures-how-and-why-
to-protect-them-fiDRTCsqBNwI5ZXo/
https://www.firerescue1.com/archive/articles/confinement-tactics-in-a-fire-attack-
myX49PIVOtDTPNza/#:~:text=This%20allows%20crews%20to%20suppress,the%20interior
%20quickly%20for%20extinguishment.&text=Many%20people%20will%20argue%20that,the
%20occupants%20of%20the%20building.
https://www.doi.gov/wildlandfire/suppression#:~:text=Firefighters%20control%20a%20fire's
%20spread,(using%20helicopters%2Fairplanes).
https://slideplayer.com/slide/7480220/
https://www.ukfrs.com/modal/general-cm/13785/313689/document/nojs#:~:text=All%20fires
%20can%20be%20extinguished,process%20to%20extinguish%20the%20fire.&text=One%20of
%20the%20most%20common,is%20by%20cooling%20with%20water.
https://guides.firedynamicstraining.ca/g/fd205-decision-making-pres/119122
http://ufsw.org/pdfs/salvage_manual.pdf
https://pcfsm.org/salvage/#:~:text=Controlling%20damage%20at%20the%20scene,amount
%20of%20damage%20as%20possible.
Metals | Evidence Collection (iaaievidenceguide.com)