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What are the reasons for investigating fires? - ANS-To eliminate reoccurrence Upgrade existing fire codes Determine if a criminal act took place What is NFPA 921 - ANS-Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations What is NFPA 1033 - ANS-Standards for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigation What is NIST? - ANS-National Institute of Standards and Technology What is CCAI? - ANS-California Conference of Arson Investigators Subrogation - ANS-The assumption of a third party, such as an insurance company, of another's legal right to collect a debt or damages. High Explosive - ANS-An explosive that detonates at a supersonic velocity speed of greater than 3,300 ft/sec Low Explosive - ANS-An explosive that detonates at a subsonic velocity speed usually less than 3,300 ft/sec Low Order Explosive - ANS-An explosion where the explosive is not completely consumed. Flashback - ANS-Reignition of flammable vapors immediately following a suppression attempt Fire Bomb - ANS-A breakable container filled with a flammable liquid with a flash point of 150F or less with a wick or similar device. What is a device? - ANS-Any arrangement of material used to start a fire or explosion ANFO - ANS-A highly explosive mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil- Classified as a Blasting Agent What is a Blasting Agent? - ANS-Any material or mixture consisting of a fuel and an oxidizer What is Fragmentation Primary? - ANS-Actual parts or pieces of a bomb or improvised explosive device What is Fragmentation Secondary? - ANS-Parts or pieces of material other than the explosive device that are thrown or projected by the blast What is a Pyrotechnic? - ANS-A mixture of chemicals, one of which must be an oxidizer, designed to produce heat, light, smoke, gas, or noise Michigan vs. Tyler - ANS-Once a fire has been extinguished and firefighters have left the premises, a warrant is required to re-enter and search the premises When is an Inspection Warrant necessary? - ANS-When the following DO NOT exist: Consent Exigent Circumstances Abandonment No probable cause for a criminal search warrant When re-entry is beyond a reasonable time What are the parts of a Criminal Investigation? - ANS-Scene Examination Collection and preservation of evidence Interviewing witnesses Developing suspects Arresting the responsible Presenting the case in court The prosecution has the burden to prove to the jury... - ANS-Beyond a reasonable doubt The prosecution must establish the Corpus Delecti of Arson meaning... - ANS-The cause of the fire That it was a deliberate and malicious act What information is included in a Curriculum Vitae? - ANS-Current duties Past positions Investigative experiences Formal and vocational related educational training Certificates Memberships Court experience Types of Crimes - ANS-Infraction, misdemeanor, felony What is Pyrolysis? - ANS-The thermal or chemical decomposition of fuel. Heat energy is absorbed by the fuel and gives off flammable gases. What is the Melting point of Plastic? - ANS-338 F What is the Melting Point of Glass? - ANS-1350 F What is the Melting Point of Aluminum? - ANS-1221 F What are the steps of the Scientific method? - ANS-Identify the Problem Define the Problem Collect Data Analyze Data Develop Hypothesis Test Hypothesis Select Final Hypothesis What is a Code? - ANS-A standard that is an extensive compilation of provisions which is suitable to be adopted into law What is an accelerant? - ANS-A fuel or oxidizer used to initiate fire What is Char? - ANS-Carbonaceous material that has been burned or pyrolyzed and has a blackened appearance What is a Combustible Liquid (Flammable)? - ANS-Any liquid that has a closed cup flash point at or above 100 F What is Combustion? - ANS-A chemical process of oxidation that occurs at a rate fast enough to produce heat and usually light in the form of glow or flame What is an explosion? - ANS-The sudden conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy with the production and release of gases under pressure What are common electrical wiring colors? - ANS-Black- Hot White- Neutral Green (or Bare)- Grounding Conductor All other colors are additional "Hot" wires What is the Penal Code for Terrorism? - ANS-11413- Use of a destructive device or explosive or Arson in certain places, ie. Public Buildings and Assemblies What was the study commissioned by Congress to address Arson? - ANS-America Burning What does the NIST Fire Research Division do? - ANS-They develop, verify, and utilize measurements and predictive methods to quantify the behavior of fire and the means to reduce the impact of fire on people, property, and the environment A Fire Investigator should maintain proficiency and remain current in... - ANS-Fire Investigation Methodology Fire Protection Technology Code Requirements What years was NFPA 921 published? - ANS-1992, 1995, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2008, 2011, 2014, 2017 What are Exigent Circumstances? - ANS-Fire officers may remain on scene for a reasonable time to investigate the cause. Additional entries with consent must be made through a warrant. What is the definition of an Expert Witness? - ANS-A person with special skills, training, experience, or education on a particular subject of Arson. Used to help the judge and jury understand complex issues that are beyond the scope of the average person. What is an Inspection Warrant? - ANS-An order, in writing, in the name of the people, signed by a judge, directing a state or local official to conduct any inspection relating to Buildings, Fire, Safety, etc. It should be accompanied by an affidavit, directing the subject to inspected and why. It is good for no more than 14 days It cannot be issued between 6:00pm and 8:00am. What is the criminal act of burning? - ANS-To constitute the setting fire to, or the burning of property, it is not necessary that the property involved be completely destroyed. The burning of any part, however small, is all that is required. Charring is burning, NOT blackening from smoke What is Arson? - ANS-Maliciously and intentionally or recklessly starting a fire or causing an explosion What is Fire? - ANS-A rapid oxidation process, which is a chemical reaction resulting in the evolution of light and heat in varying intensities What are Fire Effects? - ANS-The observable or measurable changes in or ona material as a result of fire What are Fire Patterns? - ANS-The visible or measurable physical changes, or identifiable shapes, formed by a fire effect or group of fire effects Arresting the Responsible Presenting the Case in Court What is a Voir Dire? - ANS-The opportunity to question a proposed expert witness regarding their expertise What persons are not capable of committing crimes? - ANS-Children under 14, in the absence of proof that at the time of committing the act, they knew it was wrong The mentally incapacitated What is the definition of a Structure? - ANS-Any building, tent, bridge, tunnel, or power plant What is the definition of Forestland? - ANS-Any brush covered land, forest, grassland, or woods What is the definition of Inhabited? - ANS-Currently being used for dwelling purposes whether occupied or not What is the definition of Reckless? - ANS-Aware of and consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk What is the definition of Ignition Temperature? - ANS-The minimum temperature a substance should attain in order to ignite Define Vapor - ANS-The gas phase of a substance Define Spalling - ANS-Chipping or pitting of concrete or masonry What is Spontaneous Ignition? - ANS-Initiation of combustion of a material by an internal chemical or biological reaction that has produced sufficient heat to ignite the material Define the Flash Point of Liquids - ANS-When sufficient vapor concentration is generated to allow ignition by a pilot source What is the temperature of cigarette embers from puffing? - ANS-1520-1670 F What is the temperature of cigarette embers- Free Burn? - ANS-930-1300 F What are the Six Classifications of Fire Starters? - ANS-Vandalism Excitement Revenge Crime concealment Profit Extremist- Terrorism What is a Line of Demarcation? - ANS-A line that is the border between two different fire effects on a material What is a Guide? - ANS-A document that is advisory or informative in nature and that contains only non-mandatory provisions What is an accelerant? - ANS-A fuel or oxidizer, often an ignitable liquid, intentionally used to initiate a fire or increase the rate of growth or spread of fire Define Ambient - ANS-Someone or something's surroundings What is Arc Mapping? - ANS-The systematic evaluation of the electrical circuit configuration, spatial relationship of the circuit components, and identification of electrical arc sites to assist in the identification of the area of origin and analysis of the fire's spread What Is an Arc? - ANS-A high temperature luminous electrical discharge across a gap or through a medium such as charred insulation What is an Arc Site? - ANS-The location on a conductor with localized damage that resulted from an electrical arc Define Area of Origin - ANS-A structure, part of a structure, or general geographic location within a fire scene, in which the "Point of Origin" of a fire or explosion is reasonably believed to be located Define Auto-ignition - ANS-Initiation of combustion by heat but without a spark or flame Define Auto-Ignition Temperature - ANS-The lowest temperature at which a combustible material ignites in air without a spark or flame Define Backdraft - ANS-A deflagration resulting from the sudden introduction of air into a confined space containing oxygen-deficient products of incomplete combustion Define a "Bead" - ANS-A rounded globule of re-solidified metal at the end of the remains of an electrical conductor caused by arcing and characterized by a sharp line of demarcation between the melted and un-melted conductor surfaces. What is a "B.L.E.V.E.?" - ANS-Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion Define the "Blast Pressure Front" - ANS-The expanding leading edge of an explosion reaction that separates a major difference in pressure between normal ambient pressure ahead of the front and potentially damaging high pressure at and behind the front What is a "Passive Fire Protection System?" - ANS-Any portion of a building or structure that provides protection from fire or smoke without any type of system activation or movement Define "Pyrolysis" - ANS-A process in which material is decomposed or broken down, into simpler molecular compounds by the effects of heat alone; pyrolysis often precedes combustion Define "Radiant Heat" - ANS-Heat energy carried by electromagnetic waves that are longer than visible light waves and shorter than radio waves; radiant heat (electromagnetic radiation) increases the sensible temperature of any substance capable of absorbing the radiation, especially solid and opaque objects Define "Radiation" - ANS-Heat transfer by way of electromagnetic energy Define "Spark" - ANS-A moving particle of solid material that emits radiant heat due to either its temperature or the process of combustion on its surface Define "Specific Gravity" - ANS-(Air)/ (Vapor Density) The ratio of the average molecular weight of a gas or vapor to the average molecular weight of air Define "Specific Gravity of a Liquid or a Solid" - ANS-The ratio of the mass of a given volume of a substance to the mass of an equal volume of water at the temperature of 4 degrees C What is "a Competent Ignition Source?" - ANS-A source capable of transferring enough energy to raise a fuel to its ignition temperature (sufficient temperature and energy contact) Why does Backdraft Occur? - ANS-It occurs because the fuel/fire uses up all available oxygen within a compartment and maintains enough heat to stay hot until more air/oxygen is re-introduced What is the Controlling Factor in Post-Flashover Burning? - ANS-Ventilation (Oxygen) What are the Three Primary Methods of Heat Transfer in a Compartment Fire? - ANS- Radiation Convection Conduction Name the four Fire Causes (Classifications) as Defined in the NFPA - ANS-Incendiary Natural Accidental Undetermined What are the Lowest and highest Concentrations of Fuel Vapors Known as? - ANS- Lower Flammable/ Explosive Limit Upper Flammable/ Explosive Limit List the Seven Steps of the Scientific Method - ANS-Identify the Need Define the Problem Collect the Data Analyze the Data Develop Hypotheses Test the Hypotheses Select a Final Hypothesis List the Factors that May Affect Flashover in a Compartment Fire - ANS-Fuel Load (Orientation and Position Relative to Fire) Oxygen (Ventilation Openings) Compartment Size (Height, Width, Volume, Shape) Location of Fire With-in a Compartment Relative to Fuel and Ventilation What Does the Size (Geometry) of a Compartment have to do with the onset of Flashover? - ANS-Bigger Compartments Can Delay or Prevent Flashover Conditions What Temperature of the Ceiling Jet is generally associated with the onset of Flashover? - ANS-1100 degrees F Define "Ground" - ANS-A conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental, between an electrical circuit or equipment and earth or to some conducting body that serves in place of the earth Ground - ANS-A conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental, between an electrical circuit or equipment and earth or to some conducting body that serves in place of the earth Gas - ANS-The physical state of a substance that has no shape or volume of its own and will expand to take the shape and volume of the container or enclosure which it occupies Define "Forensic" - ANS-The application of science to answer questions of interest to the legal system Define "Flammable" - ANS-Capable of burning with a flame Define "Flame over" - ANS-The condition where unburned fuel (pyrolysate) from the originating fire has accumulated in the ceiling layer to a sufficient concentration (ie. at or above the lower flammable limit) that it ignites and burns; can occur without ignition of, or prior to, the ignition of other fuels separate from the origin Define "Explosion Dynamics" - ANS-The study of how chemistry, physics, fire science, engineering disciplines of fluid and solid mechanics, and heat transfer interact to influence explosion behavior Define "Explosion" - ANS-The sudden conversion of potential energy (chemical or mechanical) into kinetic energy with the production and release of gases under pressure. These high-pressure gases do mechanical work such as moving, changing, or shattering near-by materials Define "Conduction" - ANS-Heat transfer to another body or within a body by direct contact Define "Convection" - ANS-Heat transfer by circulation within a medium such as a gas or a liquid What are the Burning Characteristics of Materials such as Polyurethane Foam? - ANS- Hot, fast, and have a high heat release rate (HRR) What is the difference between movement and intensity patterns? - ANS-Movement Patterns- Produced by the growth movement of the fire and products of combustion away from the initial heat source Intensity Patterns- Produced by the response of materials to the effects of various intensities of heat exposure (lines of demarcation) Comparing the elements of hydraulics to the elements of electricity, the flow of liquid as GPM is the same as to electricity. - ANS-"Current" What is a "Service Drop"? - ANS-If cables come from the transformer on a pole, they are called a "Service Drop" If cables come from the transformer in or on the ground they will be buried and are called a "Lateral Service" True or False.... An electrical overload is proof of a fire cause? - ANS-False- Overloads are unlikely to occur on wiring circuits with proper overcurrent protection When investigating a fire suspected of being electrical in nature, where is the best place to start? - ANS-Outside- Find the primary transformer, get information from the utility company, find out when the scene was energized, etc. Can a de-energized circuit breaker display a tripped position? - ANS-Yes Define a ground-fault circuit-interrupter and what does it detect? - ANS-GFCI's are specific outlets with reset buttons required for bathrooms, kitchens and outside connections on newer construction, etc. GFCl's trip with a slight ground fault or about five milliamps. They also have overcurrent protection of a normal circuit breaker Typically, what size copper conductors are approved for residential branch circuits, lighting, and receptacle loads? - ANS-14 Gauge Define an "Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter" and what does it detect? - ANS-AFCI's are devices designed to protect against fires caused by arcing faults in home electrical wiring They detect between normal (switch opened/ plug pulled from receptacle) and unwanted arcing List the stages in the development of a room compartment fire - ANS-Ignition Early Compartment Fire Development (Established Burning) Upper Layer Development Pre-Flashover Conditions Flashover Conditions Post-Flashover Conditions or Full Room Involvement What are the most important steps of the scientific method that directly affect the formation of opinion concerning cause and origin? - ANS-Data Collection Analysis Evaluation Define "Vapor" - ANS-The gas phase of a substance, particularly of those that are normally liquids or solids at ordinary temperatures Define "Trailer" - ANS-Solid or liquid fuel used to intentionally spread or accelerate the spread of a fire from one area to another Define "Thermometry" - ANS-The study of the science, methodology, and practice of temperature measurement Define "Fire" - ANS-A rapid oxidation process which is a chemical reaction, resulting in the evolution of light and heat in varying intensities Define "Combustion" - ANS-A chemical process of oxidation that occurs at a rate fast enough to produce heat and usually light in the form of either glow or flame Define "Deductive Reasoning" - ANS-The process by which conclusions are drawn by logical inference from given premises Define "Current" - ANS-A flow of electrical charge Define an “Electric Spark" - ANS-A small, incandescent particle created by some arc Define "Combustion Products" - ANS-The heat, gases, volatized liquids and solids, particular matter, and ash generated by combustion Can wood char always be relied upon to indicate the temperature and time of fire? - ANS-No- It can be used to determine direction of fire spread What are some misconceptions about spalling concrete, annealing of springs, crazing of glass and melted aluminum thresholds? - ANS-That they are indicators of accelerant use What effects does the size of ventilation openings have on Flashover? - ANS-The bigger the opening, the quicker there can be Flashover Why is fuel loading so important in fire origin and cause determination? - ANS-Type, quantity and specific location of structural and content fuels involved should be analyzed. It is important to identify not only the first fuel ignited but also subsequent fuels involved What can be said about organic materials as they relate to self-heating? - ANS- Oxidation resulting from bacteria in organics results in self-heating. If a fuel load cannot release heat, thermal runaway can result and ignition will result if the fuel’s ignition temperature is reached How does the ignition of solids differ from liquids? - ANS-Liquids evaporate into a vapor that burns when mixed with the right ratio of air Solids chemically decompose into gases that burn when mixed with the right ratio of air What is an "Oxidizing Agent" and in what ways does it affect the combustion process? - ANS-Any agent that provides oxygen AND will speed up the combustion process: (necessary for combustion to be completed) What is the significance of the angles of as "V" pattern with respect to determine the speed of the fire? - ANS-Nothing Are the angles of "V" patterns useful to determine duration of a fire? - ANS-No What do the angles of a "V" pattern indicate? - ANS-They define the borders of the fire effects What is the primary cause of an "Inverted "V" (cone) Pattern"? - ANS-Vertical flame plumes not reaching the ceiling What significance do the "Lines of Demarcation" have on various materials? - ANS- They demonstrate the affected area and adjacent, less affected area (not exposure time) Name two types of "Overcurrent" protection devices - ANS-Fuses Circuit Breakers What is Ohm's Law? - ANS-E(Voltage)= (Amperage) R(Resistance) Identify the two basic types of fire patterns that involve growth of a fire and the response of materials to a fire - ANS-Movement Patterns Intensity Patterns The determination of the area of origin of a fire involves evaluation and analysis of information derived from one or more of four elements. What are these four elements as outlined in Chapter 17 of NFPA 921? - ANS-Witness Information Fire Patterns Arc Mapping Fire Dynamics What are the three sources of data available to investigators that should be evaluated as part of the Scientific Method in a fire investigation? - ANS-Fire Patterns and Fire Dynamics Principles Witness Observation and Testimony Photograph, Drawings and Lab Results 
