Professional Investigative Engineers - Articles - Fire Origin and Cause

The Pitfalls of Modern Investigative Methodology Using Negative Corpus

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:50:39 CST

Conclusions regarding the cause of a fire, explosion, subrogation issue, or even a construction defect are often made in the absence of physical evidence or proof. The term Negative Corpus is not a legal term, but refers to a loose Latin translation meaning “without the body of the crime.”Many forensic investigators utilize the process of elimination in their examination. Simply stated, they use statements such as “I eliminated all other causes, thus it has to be…….” Or, “via the process of elimination, it is my conclusion that the cause is…..” These statements were acceptable for a long time in the fire investigation industry, but they are now being challenged. There are organizations that are now pursuing the freedom of alleged arsonists who were convicted without positive proof of arson.

Investigations of Wildfire and the Growing Natural Hazard

no@spam.com (Jeffrey A. Berino, CCFI, CFEI) — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 14:57:10 CDT

The wildfire problems of the United States continue to plague homeowners, firefighters,and insurers. In fact, the drought of the western U.S. is going into its 10th year, and its effects are showing increasingly. Georgia experienced its largest wildfire in history in April of 2007. A large, stubborn wildfire tied up federal resources in the Lake Superior region for several weeks in 2006. The state of California in particular continues to be plagued with high-loss fires. During the large Oakland fire several decades ago, one home was being consumed every 45 seconds.

Ignitable Fuels As Possible Causes for Vehicle Fires

no@spam.com (Michael C. Davidson, IAAI-CFI, CVFI) — Sun, 01 May 2005 17:30:00 CDT

Today’s vehicles have a higher amount of ignitable fuels than vehicles 30 years ago. Modern vehicles are designed for more power, less weight, and better fuel economy.

It is a fact that the required smog device systems have decreased the fuel mileage. To compensate for this, the automobile manufacturers came up with ways to increase the efficiency of the engine, design, and weight of the vehicle.

Steps Leading to a Successful Fire Investigation

no@spam.com (Frederick M. Pope, M.S., P.E.) — Wed, 01 Sep 2004 17:30:00 CDT

Fire investigations have been going on for centuries. We all recall historical references of these investigations, from Nero's burning of Rome to Mrs. O'Leary's cow. Over the years, the art and craft of the fire investigator has incorporated many techniques and applications.

Investigative Challenges in Todays Wildfires

no@spam.com (Jeffrey A. Berino, CCFI, CFEI) — Tue, 01 Apr 2003 17:30:00 CST

The wildfire season started early in 2002. Colorado experienced significant wildfires in early April at altitudes up to 10,000 feet. Snow is usually still falling at this time in the mountains and foothills, but low snow pack and warm temperatures led to an early wildfire season.

As portions of the U.S. experience extreme drought with an uncertain future, for the next few seasons we can expect to see an increase in the amount of wildfires. According to the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, in 2002 there were 73,457 reported wildfires in the U.S. with over 71,847 acres burned. With wildfires destroying hundreds of homes in the western United States last year, determining the cause of the wildfires has become an important issue for many insurance companies.

Fire Investigations and The Scientific Method (Part 3)

no@spam.com (PIE Staff Engineer) — Fri, 01 Jun 2001 17:52:08 CDT

Last month's newsletter introduced 3 of the elements of the scientific method. This month we will finalize this 3 part series as we explore the final 3 steps to "Fire Investigations and The Scientific Method."

Fire Investigations and The Scientific Method - (Part 2)

no@spam.com (PIE Staff Engineer) — Tue, 01 May 2001 17:40:57 CDT

Last month we discussed how fire investigation has evolved and how today's experts rely more on science and less on myth than their predecessors. Advances in technology and education have increased the standards in conducting a thorough fire scene investigation.

This month we will start taking a look at the specific steps to "Fire Investigations and The Scientific Method."

Fire Investigations and The Scientific Method - (Part 1)

no@spam.com (PIE Staff Engineer) — Sun, 01 Apr 2001 17:35:47 CDT

For years, tenured fire investigators would impart their varied skills and wisdom upon fire scenes as they kicked through the ashes looking for the mysterious cause of a fire. Their uncanny ability to determine the cause of a fire in a matter of hours; sometimes minutes; and on occasion in moments, was awe-inspiring and fodder for the making of legends.

"Red Flags" of Fire Losses

no@spam.com (PIE Staff Engineer) — Fri, 01 Oct 1999 10:30:00 CDT

The average loss associated with arson, also referred to as an “incendiary” fire, reaches a staggering $65,000. To make matters worse, arson destroys irreplaceable items such as baby photos, family heirlooms, and prized personal possessions.

Most states classify arson as a property crime. In 1994, arson killed 550 people and caused $1.45 billion in property damage. Arson does not discriminate. It affects all socio-economic groups, regardless of race, creed, or religion.