Jimmy:


I see no problem with the wording of the cause of the fire and the area/point of origin youlist above. However, as you already know, "Intentional" is not a proper NFPA 921 Chapt 19.2.1 Classification. Incendiary is. However, under such a call, the classification of "incediary" must still meet the legal requirements and guidelines 19.2.1.3 and 19.2.1.4 in order to be proper and accepted.

--------------------2004-----NFPA 921 - Chapt 19 ----------------------
19.2.1.3 Incendiary Fire Cause. The incendiary fire is one intentionally ignited under circumstances in which the person knows that the fire should not be ignited. When the intent of the person’s action cannot be determined or proven to an acceptable level of certainty, the correct classification is undetermined. (See Section 18.6.)
19.2.1.4 Whenever the cause cannot be proven to an acceptable level of certainty, the proper classification is undetermined. (See Section 18.6.)
(A) Undetermined fire causes include those fires that have not yet been investigated or those that have been investigated, or are under investigation, and have insufficient information to classify further. However, the fire might still be under investigation and the cause may be determined later with the introduction
or discovery of new information.
( In the instance in which the investigator fails to identify all of the components of the cause of the fire, it need not always be classified as undetermined (see 18.2.5, Process of Elimination). If the physical evidence established one factor, such as the use of an accelerant, that evidence may be sufficient to establish the cause even where other factors such as ignition
source cannot be identified. Determinations in the absence of physical evidence of an ignition source may be more difficult to substantiate. Therefore, investigators should strive to remain objective throughout the investigation
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It is interesting also because the definition of "incendiary" in 19.2.1.3 is moderately different than the legal Black's Law Dicitionary definition, "Incendiary" as, "n. 1. One who deliberately and unlawfully sets fire to property. --Also termed arsonist; firebug." One is dealing with the act, the other is dealing with the individual.

Perhaps the 921 TG might want to review this issue at the next meeting as a POSSSIBLE TIA, due to the ramifications involved for all.

Chris