Investigating arson and bombings Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Investigating arson and bombings - Essay Example In a preliminary investigation, an investigator should be searching for two things once the fire has been extinguished: the point of origin and the cause of the fire. The point of origin is where the fire began; it is easier to determine the cause of the fire once the point of origin is discovered. For instance, the presence of combustible materials far away from an electrical outlet could indicate the point of origin and a candidate for the cause of the fire. In addition, the United States Justice Department recommends that arson investigators, upon arriving to the scene, mentally note evidence at the scene, recognize threats to evidence, and protect evidence from threats. Part of the advantage of arriving on the scene of a potential arson is the identification of the color and height of smoke and flames. The intensity of the fire and the role that accelerants played in starting it can be inferred from the nature of its flames. Depending on the temperature, flames range from red to yellow to blue to white. According to Burke (2006), normal flames tend to burn with a combination of yellow and orange; generally, hydrocarbon accelerants produce a yellow-to-deep red flame and deep red flames with dense black smoke indicates petroleum products. By arriving at the scene early enough, the arson investigator can visually observe these signs of accelerants and infer additional clues. In addition, the flame and smoke of arson cases also gives clues to the other senses, including the sense of smell. The seasoned arson investigator should be able to recognize the scent of accelerants. Gasoline and kerosene, for instance, have noticeably different smells. The investigator should also be able to distinguish between paint thinner and lacquer, which are common accelerants used in arson cases. These various scents are given off and carried when they fuel a fire. Evidence comes in a number of forms. Primary evidence includes direct, material evidence of a crime