The following is a problem that still exist with the fire investigation profession. The following is from a deposition of an investigator with thirty years of experience. This investigator works for a large national fire investigation company. This investigator determined a fire in the bedroom traveled through the ceiling and into the attic in less than one minute. Because of his testimony the person was arrested and charged with arson.

Q• • Are you familiar with fire dynamics?
A• • Yes.
Q• • And fire dynamics studies?
A• • Yes.
Q Did you conduct a fire dynamics study of the time it would have taken for the flames, the fire to have spread from your point of origin into the attic?
A• • Well, I felt it happened pretty quickly because right outside the entrance door to that bedroom is your attic access, so you can get fire coming around that opening in the ceiling where that access is and your fire is going to get up into that space pretty quickly.
Q• • I know.• I'm just asking you, specifically, did you conduct a fire dynamics study where you were able to determine how long it would take for the fire to originate where you believe it did and breach the attic?
A• • I didn't do any calculations, if that's what you're asking; no.
Q• • There are calculations available.
A• • Yes, I know there are.• I didn't do any.
Q• • You didn't do any?
A• • No.

Is there any wonder why there are those that consider our profession witchcraft.

Jim Mazerat
Forensic Investigations Group