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Re: So no causes what do yall think.
Posted by:
dcarpenter (IP Logged)
Date: June 30, 2021 12:44PM
Some initial thoughts:
Based on the SM, it can be reliably argued that an "undetermined" cause classification is unnecessary and irrelevant (not saying that an undetermined fire cause is not necessary or relevant).Once you have evidence that a fire was initiated, you have sufficient evidence to formulate a valid hypothesis of an accidental fire cause classification. You need to look for other evidence that may disprove your hypothesis. If you find evidence of such, it can be used to disprove your accidental classification. It can be also used as evidence to formulate a valid hypothesis of an incendiary cause classification. That is how the SM is reliably applied to fire investigation in this specific context.
Also, there is also no need for a natural cause classification. It fundamentally falls under one of the accidental scenario. Specifically, no human involvement with the initiation of the fire.
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