Your time frame for gasoline to burn out is misleading in this instance. The values you put fourth are associated with unconfined liquid pool fires on relatively smooth and non-porous surfaces. For a fixed volume of liquid, the surface area controls the peak heat release rate, but the depth controls the burning duration. The depth of an unconfined pool is controlled by the surface tension. An unconfined gasoline pool on such a smooth and non-porous surface tends to produce a depth on the order of a few millimeters. The commensurate burning duration is on the order of tens of seconds to minutes, as you have stated. The problem is that liquid gasoline spilled on "bed clothing" is not "substantially similar" to the conditions of an unconfined gasoline pool fire on a smooth and non-porous surface.

Why does it have to be "black smoke?"

What is the basis for your determination that this situation is unlikely based on "smoke filling" times?

How much is "a lot of gas?"

How is your determination any different in terms of scientific reliability when compared to the opinions of the previous fire investigator?

Scientifically unreliable determinations not only can potentially hurt individual investigators, but they can hurt the integrity of our profession. The professional community needs help associated with producing scientifically reliable determinations and opinions. Unreliable determinations and opinions based on ignorance are not helping the professional community.

Douglas J. Carpenter, MScFPE, CFEI, PE, FSFPE
Vice President & Principal Engineer
Combustion Science & Engineering, Inc.
8940 Old Annapolis Road, Suite L
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 884-3266
(410) 884-3267 (fax)
www.csefire.com