The understanding of fire behavior comes from the fire investigator that brings the evidence of an incendiary fire to the prosecuting attorney. The attorney needs to have an understanding of NFPA 921, but is not required to meet the requirements of NFPA 1033 nor have the same knowledge and experience as a fire investigator.

The fire investigator needs to be qualified with respect to knowledge under NFPA 1033. The investigator needs to be able to apply fundamental knowledge of fire behavior using the reliable application of the Scientific Method in the context of a specific set of data associated with a specific incident. Just observing fire tests and having experience with conducting fire investigations may not solely produce reliable knowledge of fundamental fire behavior that can be applied in a scientifically reliable manner. Observation and experience still requires the application of fundamental knowledge within a reliable methodology for scientific reliability. That is why there are the requirements in NFPA 1033.

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