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Re: Fire Cause Classification
Posted by:
dcarpenter (IP Logged)
Date: May 05, 2022 02:15PM
In general, a fire investigator using NFPA 921 would ultimately determine if the fire was accidental or incendiary. After such, a determination of responsibility, motive, means, and opportunity are usually investigated by the public sector.
The physical evidence in the initial section of the Incendiary Fire chapter is used as surrogate evidence of intent. The rest of the evidence in the chapter is for determinations that are subsequent to a determination of an incendiary fire.
Even if a determination of an incendiary fire is made by the public sector, the use of the physical evidence in this chapter does require fundamental knowledge, experience, and education to apply it in a reliable manner. So applying the physical evidence with respect to intent and an incendiary fire determination should remain with the fire investigator under NFPA 921.
Bottom line: Someone has to determine that the fire was incendiary, if there is evidence of such. Who is in the best position, with respect to fundamental knowledge and use of a reliable methodology, than the fire investigator who determined the fire cause using NFPA 921?
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