Arson Forensics Flashcards
What are the 6 motives for arson HIRVED
Hero syndrome Insurance fraud Revenge Vandalism Excitement Destroy evidence
How is arson evidence sealed?
With a sealed metal container
What is the first thing that arson investigators do?
Find the point of Origin
What is the most common accelerant used
Gasoline
What’s the term called when analyzing a chemical sample and providing data to identify a chemical?
Gas chromatography
Exothermic reaction
Chemical reaction that releases heat
What are the four categories of fire
Accidental, natural, deliberate, undetermined
What is an example of a natural fire?
Lighting strikes a tree and a forest fire starts
What is an example of an accidental fire?
You leave a candle burning which starts a fire
What is an example of a undetermined fire?
Investigators cannot determine the the reason of the fire
What is an example of a deliberate fire?
Pouring gasoline on the floor and throw a match on it to start the fire
Why do you NOT need a search warrant at a crime scene?
The accelerants can vaporize quickly which would destroy the evidence of a possible arson investigation
Accelerant
Any material used to start or sustain a fire
Arson
The intentional and illegal burning of property
Combustion reaction
Oxidation reaction that involves oxygen
Heat of combustion
Excess heat that is given off in a combustion reaction
Hydrocarbon
Any compound consisting only of hydrogen and carbon
Oxidation reaction
The complete or partial loss of electrons or gain of oxygen
Substance control
A similar but uncontaminated sample
Pyrolysis
Decomposition of organic matter by heat
What are the 5 most common used accelerants
Acetone gasoline mineral spirits turpentine kerosene
How many carbons does the prefix meth have?
1
How many carbons does the prefix eth have?
2
How many carbons does the prefix prop have?
3
