Combustion Combustion reactions — oxidation reactions that involve oxygen and produce flames Heat...
-
Upload
everett-lloyd -
Category
Documents
-
view
241 -
download
1
description
Transcript of Combustion Combustion reactions — oxidation reactions that involve oxygen and produce flames Heat...
Combustion
Combustion reactions — oxidation reactions that involve oxygen and produce flames
Heat of combustion — excess heat energy
Exothermic reactions — chemical reactions that release heat
1
The Fire TetrahedronFour ingredients are
required to start a fire and keep it burning Oxygen
Fuel
Heat
Chain reaction 2
Hydrocarbons
Compounds made only of hydrogen and carbon Used for Fuels Examples: natural gas, gasoline, kerosene, lighter
fluid
Can be used as accelerants
Flash Point & Ignition Temperature
4
Finding the Igniter
Matches — often burns in the fire
Cigarette lighters — often removed by arsonist
Molotov cocktail — may leave glass fragments
Faulty electrical wiring — causes an arc which causes a predictable pattern
Knowing the igniter helps form the criminal profile 5
Function of a Fire Investigator
Investigation must begin quickly, before evidence is lost
First Priority: Find the fire’s point of origin
Examine possible causesAccidentalArson
Classify the fire6
Psychology of an Arsonist Sense of power An emotional high No typical arsonist; possible
characteristics:
7
• Less than 25 years old• Father not in the home• Domineering mother• Academically challenged• Emotionally and/or psychologically disabled
• Unmarried• Living with parents• Inadequacy, insecurity• Fascination with fire• Alcoholism• Parental neglect or abuse
Motives for Arson
Financial Gain Revenge Excitement Vanity Crime Concealment Vandalism