NFPA 921 is that document. This reference was published prior to NFPA 921. It does not contain reliable information.

NFPA 921 is the document that is relevant for both the fire investigator and the prosecutor. Both working off the same page. First and foremost, the fire investigator brings a scientifically reliable determination of an incendiary fire to the prosecutor based on evidence (i.e. data that is both relevant and reliable). Without such, the decision is easy. No prosecution. Presentation of a reliable case of an incendiary fire to a jury is then also based on the SM and evidence. NFPA 921 provides a discussion of what is considered evidence based on the stage of the investigation. First determination the cause classification and then determine responsibility. Both determinations to be based on evidence.Using only evidence as to responsibility to back fill a cause classification via "circumstantial evidence" is not a reliable application of the SM in fire investigation.


Smokebuster5 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thanks Doug. I found a document (Arson
> Prosecution: Issues & Strategies) from 1988
> produced by the Fire Administration. It is
> clearly a testimate to how far the profession has
> come.
>
> I have articulated things like the SM to the
> attorney, but was hoping that someone smarter than
> me had made a "cheat sheet" of sorts that they
> give attorneys to help them have a better
> understanding of how to deliver the information we
> bring to them. I don't even know if anyone has
> made such a thing, just putting out feelers.
>
> [www.ncjrs.gov]
> 8NCJRS.pdf

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