Fire Debris Analysis and Collection Guidelines

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Questions and Answers

What is the maximum amount to fill a can with fire debris?

Full

3/4 full (correct)

1/4 full

1/2 full

Why should evidence not be air dried for fire debris analysis?

It creates rust.

It can evaporate. (correct)

It attracts insects.

It is too heavy.

Which type of container is preferred for packaging fire debris evidence?

Cardboard boxes

Clean, unused, lined, metal paint cans (correct)

Glass jars

Platic ziplock bags

When submitting liquids, what is the recommended maximum volume to use?

1 - 2 tablespoons Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if liquids are collected using absorbent materials?

A control sample must be submitted separately. Signup and view all the answers

Indicating what on the RFLE is particularly important for certain fuels?

If there is a suspected ignitable liquid Signup and view all the answers

Which absorbent material should not be used for collecting liquid samples?

Haz-Mat absorbent material Signup and view all the answers

What should be noted regarding the collection of multiple samples from the same location?

Indicate on the RFLE if they may be combined. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of examining fire debris?

To determine if the fire was caused by arson Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of ignitable liquid examined in fire debris?

Water Signup and view all the answers

What type of container is preferred for submitting liquid samples suspected to be ignitable?

Small, clean, lined metal paint can Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a nonpetroleum-based ignitable liquid?

Acetone Signup and view all the answers

Which type of lining is appropriate for the cap of a glass jar used for submission?

Inert lining such as Teflon Signup and view all the answers

When collecting liquid samples, how much liquid should be placed in a container?

No more than 1-2 tablespoons Signup and view all the answers

What should not be used as a liner for the container when submitting ignitable liquids?

Cardboard Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary role of the Trace Evidence laboratory?

Identifying ignitable liquids in evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended amount of liquid to submit for analysis?

1-2 tablespoons Signup and view all the answers

Why should larger quantities of liquid not be submitted for analysis?

They could cause contamination. Signup and view all the answers

What type of container is recommended for packaging liquid from a Molotov cocktail?

Metal paint can Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if the container of a Molotov cocktail is broken and there is no liquid?

Package the wick in a separate can Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of packaging porous materials in metal paint cans?

To protect ignitable liquids from evaporation Signup and view all the answers

Why are glass jars with inappropriate lids not suitable for evidence?

They may dissolve and cause contamination. Signup and view all the answers

What indicates the correct method of packaging fire debris samples?

Fill metal cans no more than ¾ full. Signup and view all the answers

What materials should be collected near the point of origin of a fire?

Porous and charred materials Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in collecting comparison samples for fire debris analysis?

Avoid areas where accelerants may be present. Signup and view all the answers

How should comparison samples be packaged?

In clean, unused, lined metal paint cans. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated on the Request for Laboratory Examination form when evidence is too large for a paint can?

Items can be combined for analysis. Signup and view all the answers

Which items should not be submitted for fire debris analysis?

Suspected ignition sources such as matches. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when packaging items that cannot fit into a paint can?

Wrap the evidence multiple times in plastic. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of collecting comparison samples in fire debris analysis?

To determine possible interferences from substrate materials. Signup and view all the answers

When should evidence be submitted if it is wrapped in heavy plastic?

Same day or next day. Signup and view all the answers

How should suspected ignition sources like fuses be packaged?

In clean, unused, lined metal paint cans. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fire Debris Overview

Fire debris and other associated evidence may be examined to identify ignitable liquids used to spread and increase the rate and intensity of burning.
Commonly identified ignitable liquids are petroleum products like gasoline, kerosene, or charcoal starter fluids.
Nonpetroleum-based ignitable liquids, such as alcohols, acetone, or turpentine, may also be identified.

Collection Guidelines

For suspected ignitable liquids, collect no more than 1-2 tablespoons of liquid and place in a clean, unused, lined, metal paint can.
Alternatively, a glass jar with an inert cap/cap lining may be used, ensuring the jar is protected from breakage.
Polyethylene plastic bottles with polyethylene caps are also suitable.
Do not submit liquid-filled fuel containers; remove the liquid and submit the specified amount.
Empty fuel containers must have their caps securely attached or their openings closed and sealed.
The lab requires only a small amount of liquid for adequate analysis.
Do not air-dry evidence for fire debris analysis, as the evidence is volatile and evaporates.

Molotov Cocktails

Remove liquid from the container and package 1-2 tablespoons in a clean, unused, lined, metal paint can or a glass jar as described above.
Package the wick separately in a clean, unused, lined, metal paint can after air drying.
If the container is broken, package the wick and container remains separately in clean, unused, lined, metal paint cans.

Fire Debris Samples

Collect porous materials from the point of origin, focusing on the interface between heavily charred areas and areas of marginal burn.
Package the samples in clean, unused, lined, metal paint cans, no more than ¾ full.

Comparison Samples

Obtain comparison samples of unburned materials consistent with the fire debris sample, avoiding areas where accelerants may have been present.
Package in clean, unused, lined, metal paint cans, no more than ¾ full.

Samples Too Large for Paint Cans

Cut large evidence to fit into clean, unused, lined, metal paint cans, filling each can no more than ¾ full.
If the evidence cannot fit into paint cans, wrap it multiple times in heavy plastic and submit it promptly.
Five-quart metal cans are available for purchase to accommodate long neck bottles and shoes.

Suspected Ignition Sources

Candles and matches should not be submitted.
Other suspected ignition sources, like fuses and fireworks, should be packaged in a clean, unused, lined, metal paint can.

Hazardous Materials or “Dumping” Samples

Liquids should be packaged following guidelines for suspected ignitable liquids.
Non-liquids should be packaged in a clean, unused, lined, metal paint can, no more than ¾ full.

Submission Reminders

Preferred packaging for evidence is clean, unused, lined, metal paint cans with lids tightly closed.
Fill cans no more than ¾ full of fire debris.
When submitting liquids, use only 1-2 tablespoons in a paint can or an appropriate glass jar.
If collecting a liquid using absorbent material, submit a control sample of the absorbent material separately.
Do not use "Haz-Mat" absorbent material, newspaper, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, or toilet tissue due to potential interference.
Indicate on the RFLE if separate containers of fire debris from the same location may be combined.
Indicate on the RFLE whether a suspected ignitable liquid has been used, including fuel oil #2, kerosene, and diesel fuel.
Indicate on the RFLE if quick-evaporating ignitable liquids (alcohol, acetone, starter fluids, brush cleaners) or chemical incendiaries are suspected.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the examination of fire debris and the identification of various ignitable liquids. It also covers the proper collection methods for suspected ignitable liquids to ensure effective analysis. Prepare to test your understanding of fire investigation protocols and best practices.