If one cannot reliably apply the SM, we are all out of a profession. The justice system through Daubert requires reliability. Sometimes, the justice system seems to understand the science better than scientific communities, such as fire investigation.

As an example, if you only apply a couple of steps of the SM or apply them in an unreliable manner, you will not obtain a reliable determination based on the application of an unreliable methodology (think Daubert). If it takes 10 GPS coordinates to reliably route you to your destination, then what happens when one or more coordinates are ignored or are inaccurate? Can you reliably reach your desired destination?

I do not have a problem with using the phrase or not using the phase. I disagree with those who say it has no value. There is such a thing as scientific certainty. Can it be quantified as applied to the application fo the SM in the investigation of fires? No. Again, the phrase is qualified with the term "reasonable."

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