Arson Review

Flashcards for exam review on arson investigation.

Arson

The criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property.

Arson Investigator

Identifies and detects accelerants and reconstructs how the fire occurred.

Three items needed to sustain a fire

Fuel, oxygen, and heat.

Point of Origin

The location where the fire began.

Common Accelerants

Portable hydrocarbons like gasoline, kerosene or lighter fluid.

Arson Evidence Collection

Arson evidence must be collected in airtight containers so it does not evaporate.

Common Reasons for Arson

Insurance fraud, crime concealment, pyromania, or revenge.

Factors Speeding Up Burn Rate

More accelerant, ventilation, or more fuel.

Normal Burn Pattern

A 'V' pattern or doughnut pattern.

Accelerant

A substance used to aid in starting or sustaining a fire.

Hydrocarbon

Any compound consisting of hydrogen and carbon.

Inflammable container

Similar, but un-contaminated sample used for comparison.

Combustion

A rapid chemical reaction in which a substance combines with an oxidant, usually oxygen, to produce heat and light.

Oxidation

A chemical reaction in which a substance loses electrons.

Pyrolysis

The decomposition of organic matter by heat in the absence of oxygen.