CRIMINAL DETECTION AND INVESTIGATION

FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION

HISTORY

FIRE IN LEGEND AND RELIGION:

1. In Persian Literature- Fire discovered during a fight of hero with a dragon. A stone that the hero used as weapon missed the monster and struck a
rock. Lights show forth and human beings saw fire for the first time.

2. In Greek Mythology, PROMETHEUS was bestowed with godlike powers when he stole the god s fire to give it to humanity.

3. Fire has played a central role in religion. It has been used as God (for example the Indo Iranian Agn) and recognized as a symbol of home and
family (the heart fire) in many cultures.

4. Fire has also been a symbol of purification and of immortality and renewal, hence, the lighting of flames of remembrances and the myths of the
PHOENIX.

5. The Temple of Vesta in Rome was originally example of the importance of fire to the Romans Vesta was originally the goddess of the fire and
her shrine was in every home. But when religion became an affair of the state, a temple was erected in which the scared fire was kept burning at all
times.

6. Vigiles of Rome – the first firefighter.

7. Ancient Hawaiian Chants Pele was considered as the GODDESS OF FIRE.

What are the basic concepts of fire technology?

Fire has been produced by the two principal methods.

• Friction – Uses to temperature of combustible material (kindling) to ignition temperature.

• Percussion – Produce a spark to set a kindling fire.

IMPORTANT PERSONALITIES AND THEIR INVENTIONS

1. JOHN WALKER – he was the English Pharmacist who invented the first match in 1872, the tip of his match was coated a mixture sulfide
and potassium chlorate that was held on the wooden matchstick by gym Arabic and Starch

2. ANTOINE LAVOISER – A French Chemist who proved in 1777 that burning is the result of the rapid union of oxygen with other
substances. As substances burn, heat and light are produced.

3. THOMAS ALYA EDISON – An American inventor who was able to send an electric current through a carbon filament (wire) until the
filament become so hot that it gave off light.

IMPORTANT WORDS TO REMEMBER

1. FIRE – The rapid oxidation of combustible material accompanied by release of energy usually in the form of heat and light.

2. OXIDATION – A chemical process in which a substance combine with oxygen during the process energy is given off usually in form of heat.

3. FIRE TRIANGLE – A graphical representation of the three elements of fire namely the oxygen, heat, and fuel.

4. OXYGEN –A colorless, odorless gas and pone of the composition of air which is approximately 21% by volume.

5. HEAT – a form of energy generated by transformation of some other form of energy as in combustion of burning.

6. FUEL – any substance which reacts chemically with oxygen and produces flames or burn

FUEL SOURCE

• Solid molecules are closely packet

• Liquid- molecules are loosely packet

• Gas – molecules are free to moved

7. FIRE TETRAHEDRON – A solid figure with the four triangular sides illustrating how the chain reaction sequences or intersects with heat, fuel,
and oxygen to support and sustain combustion.
8. FLASH POINT – The minimum temperature at which a liquid fuel gives off sufficient vapor to form an ignitable mixture with a near surface. At
this temperature, the ignited vapor will flash but will not continue to burn.

9. FIRE POINT – The temperature at which a liquid fuel will produce vapors sufficient to support combustion once ignited.

10. IGNITION TEMPERATURE – The minimum temperature to start self-sustained combustion independent of the heating source.

11. CHAIN REACTION – A series of events of which causes of influences its succeeding event.

12. FREE RADICALS – Highly combustible vapors such as:

• Hydrogen gas (H)

• Carbon Monoxide (CO)

• Carbon dioxide (CO2)

• Nitrogen (N)

13. PYROLYSIS – It refers to the chemical process whereby fire consumes to most solid part of the fuel.

• It is the thermal decomposition of combustible matter. It is the chemical decomposition of the solid fuel through the action of the heat.

14. HEAT SOURCES

– Open flame

– Friction

– Electrical circuit

– All sources of ignition

– Hot surface

– Sparks

15. OXYGEN SOURCE / COMPOSITION OF AIR OXYGEN REQUIREMENT

– 21 normal oxygen 12% no fire

– 79% nitrogen 14% flash point

– 1% other gasses 16-21% fire point

16. TEMPERATURE – the measure of thermal degree of the agitation of molecules of a given substances the measure of the molecule’s activity
within substance.

– 21 degree Celsius – normal room temperature

– 37 degree Celsius – normal body temperature

17. FLAME: the matter produced by fire. It is composed of burning incandescent gasses. It is the manifestation of fire, when fire is in gas phased
combustion.

18. Biteback- Biteback is a fatal condition that takes place when the fire resists extinguishment operation and becomes stronger and bigger instead.

TEMPERATURE SCALES

1. CELSIUS – the freezing point of water is 0 Celsius and boiling point of 100 degree Celsius.

*Boiling pt = 100’C and Freezing pt = 0’C

2. FAHRENHEIT – the freezing point of water is 32 degrees F and a boiling point of 212 degree.

*Boiling pt = 212’ F and Freezing pt = 32’ F

FIRE TRIANGLE

FIRE

OXYGEN
HEAT

PROPERTIES OF FIRE

A. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

1. Specific Gravity – the ratio of the weight of a solid or

liquid substance to the weight of an equal volume of water.

2. Vapor density – the weight of a volume of pure gas composed

to the volume of water.

3. Vapor Pressure – the force exerted by the molecules on the surface of the liquid at equilibrium.

4. Temperature – the measure of thermal degree of the agitation of molecules of a given substances the measure of the molecular activity of the
substance.

5. Boiling point – the constant temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid is equal to the atmospheric pressure.

6. Ignition temperature or Kindling temperature – the minimum temperature to which the substance in the air must be heated to initiate on cause self-
contained combustion without the addition of heat from outside sources.

7. Fire point – the temperature at which the material will give off enough vapors to keep burning.

B. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

1. Endothermic Reaction – are changes whereby energy is absorbed or is added before the reaction takes place.

• *Absorbed / added energy

2. Exothermic Reaction – reactions or changes that release or gives off energy (heat) thus they produce substances with less energy that are reactants.

• * Give off / Release energy

3. Oxidation – a chemical changes in which combustible material (fuel) and an oxidizing agent part.

4. Combustion Flame – the manifestation of fire when the fire in gas-phased combustion. A matter that is produced by fire. (Result of fire)
FLAME

TYPES OF FLAME

• According to color and completeness of combustion

1. Luminous Flame – a reddish orange in color, it deposits soot because it is a product

of incomplete combustion, it has lower temperature.

2. Nonluminous flame – bluish in color, it does not deposit soot because it is a

product of complete combustion, it has higher temperature than luminous flame.

According to burning fuel and air mixture

• Premixed Flame – e.g., flame of Bunsen burner.

• Diffusion Flame – e.g., flame of oxyacetylene torch (diffused – dispersed; widely spread)

Based on smoothness

• Laminar Flame – (Smooth Flame) flame is laminar when a particle follows a smooth path through a gaseous flame.

• Turbulent Flame – (Rough Flame) those having unsteady, irregular and eddies.

CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE

Based on cause

1. Natural fire

2. Accidental fire

3. Intentional fire

Based on burning facts

Class A - (Solid Fire) Fires involving ordinary combustible materials. (Wood)

Class B - (Liquid and Gas Fire) Fire involving flammable and gasses. (Gasoline)

Class C - (Electrical Fires) Fires that starts in live electrical wire, equipment, motors, electrical appliances and telephone switchboard.

Class D - (Metal Fires) Fires that result from the combustion of certain metal in finely divided form. These combustible metals include:

• Magnesium

• Powdered Calcium

• Sodium

• Lithium

• Potassium

• Zinc

• Titanium

• Zirconium

Class K Fires – Fires involving the burning of spontaneously combustible materials

WHAT ARE THE METHODS OF EXTINGUISHMENT?

1. Cooling – to reduce the temperature of a fuel below its ignition temperature. This is a direct attack on the heat side of the fire tetrahedron.

2. Smothering – to separate fuel from oxygen. This can be considered as attack on the edge of the fire tetrahedron where fuel and oxygen
meet.

3. 3. Oxygen Dilution – to reduce the amounts of oxygen below the needed amount to sustain combustion. This is an attack to the oxygen side
of tetrahedron.

4. 4. Chain Breaking – to disrupt the chemical process that sustains the fire. This is considered an attack in the chain reaction side of the fire
tetrahedron

METHODS OF HEAT TRANSFER

1. Conduction – heat transfer through solid materials. During a fire heat can be transferred through steel beams, metal conduct, wire, and ducts and so
on which are good conductors of heat.

2. Convection – heat transfer by air motion. During a fire heated air expands and moves away from the fire exerting presence against doors, dampers
in air ducts and the fire penetrating the opening.

3. Radiation – heat transfer by electromagnetic waves. During a fire hot surface can radiate heat igniting combustible considerable distances away.
For combustible example fire leapfrog wide walls in shopping centers by radiation of heat energy.

4. Flame contact – when a substance is directly heated by flame, vapors will be given off or increased. The vapors are by nature flammable thus
containing the existence of flame.

FIRE BEHAVIOR

1. THERMAL BALANCE – the rising movement pattern of fire, which is deemed to be normal behavior when the fire is undisturbed.

2. THERMAL IMBALANCE - the abnormal movement of fire due to an interference of foreign matter, thermal balance often confuses the fire
investigation in determining the exact point where fire originated. (Causes confusion in fire investigation)

DANGEROUS / FATAL BEHAVIOR OF FIRE

1. Back Draft – is the sudden and rapid (violent) burning of heated gasses in a confined area that occurs in the form of explosion,

2. Flash Over – is the sudden ignition of accumulated radical gasses produced when there is incomplete combustion of fuels.

CAUSES OF FIRE

1. NATURAL CAUSES

2. ACCIDENTAL CAUSES

3. INTENTIONAL CAUSES

A. NATURAL CAUSES

1. Spontaneous Heating – automatic chemical reaction the results to spontaneous combustion due to auto ignition of organic materials the gradual
rising of heat in confined space until ignition temperature is reached.

2. Lighting – a form of static electricity a natural electric current with great magnitude producing tremendous amperage and voltage.

• Holt Bolt- longer in duration capable only is igniting combustible materials.

• Cold Bolt- shorter is duration, capable of splintering a property of literally blowing a part an entire structure produced electrical amperage
and very high temperature.

3. Radiation of sunlight – when a light lies a concave mirror, concentrating the light on combustible materials thereby ignites.

B. ACCIDENTAL CAUSES

Electrical accidents

1. Short circuit –unusual or accidental connecting between points at different potentials (charge) an electrical circuit of relatively low resistance.
2. Arcing – production of sustained luminous electrical discharge between separated electrodes an electric hazard that result when electrical
current crosses the gap between two electrical conductors.
3. Sparkling – production of incandescent particles when different potential (charged conductors) come in contact occurs during the short circuit
or welding operations.
4. Induced current – included line surge increase of electrical energy flow or power voltage induced current sudden increase of electrical resulting
to the burning of isolating materials exploding of the fuse box or burning of active electric appliances
5. Overheating of electrical appliances – increase or rising of amperage while electric current is flowing in a transmission line resulting to the
damage or destruction of insulating materials may be gradual or rapid internal or external.

C. INTENTIONAL CAUSES

If the burned property, there are preparations or traces accelerated and plants and trailer then the cause of fire are intentional.

1. Accelerant – highly flammable chemical that are used to facilitate flame propagation.

2. Plant – the preparation and/ or gathering of combustible materials needed to start a fire.

3. Trailer – the preparation of flammable substances to spread fire.

CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE

1. Class A fire – These are fires involving ordinary combustible materials

2. Class B Fire – It involves flammable and combustible liquids

3. Class C Fires – These are fires involving energized electrical equipment.

 4. Class D Fire – It involves combustible Metals such as titanium

5. Class K Fires – Fires involving the burning of spontaneously combustible materials

Fire Extinguisher’s Classification and Ratings:

Different type of fire extinguishers are designed to extinguish fires involving different types of fuels

• Class A – used on fires involving ordinary combustible materials.

• Class B – used on fires involving liquids, grease, and gases.

• Class C – used on fires involving energized electrical equipment.

• Class D – used on fires involving combustible metals.

• Class K – used on fires involving materials in the kitchen.

Steps in using portable fire extinguishers:

• Pull the pin at the top of extinguisher.

• Aim or point the nozzle or outlet toward the base of the fire.

• Press the handle above the carrying handle to discharge the agent. To stop the discharge, release the handle.

• Sweep the nozzle inside to side motion before the flames to spread the extinguishing agent. Direct the agent at the base of the flames.

THE INVESTIGATION OF FIRE

. Fire protection- is the description term referring to the various method used to stop, extinguish, and control destructive fire for eventual prevention
of loss of life and property.

B. Fire prevention- is the descriptive term of the various methods or safety measure utilized to stop harmful or destructive fires from starting.

C. Fire Hazard- any condition or act that increase or may cause increases in the probability that tire will occur, or which obstruct, delay hinder
interfere with the firefighting operations and the state guarding of life and property.

The law on arson in the Philippines is covered by Article 320 to 326 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by PD No. 1613, PD No. 1744, and RA
6975, Sec 54 which provides that the fire Bureau shall have the power to investigate all cases of fire and, if necessary, file the proper complaint with
the City/Provincial prosecutor who has jurisdiction over arson cases.

Laws related with fire prevention and fire protection in the Philippines setting

• PD# 1185 Fire Code of Philippines August 26,1977

• PD# 1096 Building Code of the Philippines

• PD# 6975 The DILG Sat of 1990 chapter 4, section 53-59)

• RA. 9514- New Fire Code of the Philippines

Arson is the intentional or malicious destruction of property by fire.

Elements of Arson:

1. Actual burning took place.

2. Actual burning is done with malicious intent.

3. The actual burning is done by person(s) legally and criminally liable.

What constitutes arson?

1. Burning to constitute burning, pylori must take place. In other word, there must be burning or changing e.g., fiber of the wood must be destroyed,
it identify changed.

2. Willfulness- means intentional and it implies that the act was purposely and intentionally.

3. Malice- it denotes hatred of a deceit for revenge.

4. Motive- is the moving cause that includes the commission of the crime.

5. Intent- is the purpose or design w/ w/c the act is done and involves the will.

• Art. 325, RPC- burning one’s own property as a means of committing arson.

• ART. 326, RPC- setting fire to property exclusively owned by the offender.

PD # 1613 – Amending the law of arson

Special aggravating circumstances in Arson

• if committed with intent to gain

• If committed with the benefit of another

• If spite or hatred toward the owner or occupant of the property motivates the offender burned.
 • Or committed by syndicates

Motive in Arson:

Fires are set by

1. Person with motives

 those with desire to defraud the insurer

 employ or such other person who had grievance (fire revenge)

 those with desire to conceal evidence of the crime

 those who set fire for purposes of intimidation

2. Person without motives

 those who’re mentally ill

 pathological fire setters

 pyres (pyromaniac)

 psychos

Pyromania- the uncontrollable impulse of a person to burn anything without any motivation. They do not run away from the fire scene; they love
watching fire burning.

Types of Pyromania:

• Abnormal youth- epileptics, imbeciles, and morons.

• Hero type- a person set a building of fire and pretends to discover it, turn on the alarm or make some rescue work to appear as a hero.

• Drug addicts and alcoholic

• Sexual deviates and perverts

Tell-tale signs of Arson

• burned building

• separate fires

• color of smoke

• color of flame

• size of fire

• direction of travel

• intensity

• odor

• condition of content

• doors and windows

• other suspicious circumstances

Tell-tale signs of Arson – incendiary fire

1. Plants

2. Trailers

3. Accelerants

Meaning of color of smoke and fire

1. Black smoke with deep and flame- petroleum products, tar, rubber, plastic, etc.

2. Heavy brown with bright and flame- nitrogen products

3. White smoke with bright flame- magnesium products

4. Black smoke with red and blue green flame- asphalt

5. Purple violet flame- potassium products

6. Greenish- yellow flame- chlorine or manganese products

7. Bright reddish yellow flame- calcium products

8. White smoke with yellow flame- humid materials

PRE- FIRE PLANNING

This activity involves developing and defining systematic course of action that maybe performed to realize the objectives of the fire protecting
involves the process of establishing the SOP in case of the breakout.

EVALUATION- SIZE- UP

(On – the- spot- planning, or sizing up the situation)

(Evaluation of the situation)

1. Learn the facts of the situation by answering the 5 W’s and 1H.

2. Understand the probabilities of dangerous/total behavior of fire.

3. Know your own situation and capabilities weakness and strengths: available manpower and equipment.

4. Determined the specific course of action – entry or rescue.

EVACUATION

 the activity of transforming people livestock, and property away from the burning area to minimize damage or destruction that might incur
in case it propagates to other adjacent buildings.

ENTRY

 this is the process of accessing the burning structure. Entry may be done in a forcible manner. Purposes of conducting forcible entry:

• To provide access for the lighter with the equipment for fire extinguishment.

• To provide rescue

• To provide in a ventilation

RESCUE

 this is the operation of removing (extracting) this saying people and other livestock from burning building and other involved properties
conveying them to a secure place.

EXPOSURE

 This is the activity of securing other building near the building structure in order to prevent the fire from extending to another building.

CONFINEMENT

 this activity of restricting the fire at the place (room) where it started; the process of preventing from extending from another section or
from one section to another section of the involved building.

VENTILATION

 this is the operation purposely conducted to displace toxic gasses. It includes the process of displacing the heated atmosphere within the
involved building with normal air from outside atmosphere.

EXTINGUISHMENT

 this is the process of putting out the main body of fire suing the four general methods of fire extinguishment.

OVERHAUL

 this is the complete and detailed check of the structure and all materials therein to eliminate conditions that may cause re-flash; involves
complete extinguishment of sparks or smoldering (glowing) substances (embers) to prevent eliminate possibilities of the re-ignition of
rekindling.

FIRE SCENE INVESTIGATION

 This is the final stage of the fire suppression activities. It is an inquiry conducted to know or determine the origin and cause of fire.
THANK YOU I WARN YOU , YOU WILL PASS!!!