Once the point of origin is determined, it may confirm or contradict the statements of owners / occupants / witnesses / suspects. One of the most important aspects of any fire investigation is the proper recognition, identification,
and analysis of fire patterns
.
What is the point of origin in arson?
The “point of origin” is
the smallest area you can identify
, which can be as small as a thimble or as big as a room. In the case of a wildland fire, you’re probably talking [about] an area of origin around a half acre to an acre, and a point of origin the size of a campsite or a campfire.
What is the significance of the term point of origin fire?
The
exact physical location within the Ignition Area where a heat source and the local fuel interact
, resulting in a fire.
Why is arson evidence important?
Evidence of arson is
nearly impossible to preserve
. Not only will the fire likely destroy physical proof but the water and chemical foam used to put out the blaze can also destroy potential evidence. Because of this, an arson investigator’s most important witnesses are the firefighters that first arrive on the scene.
Does more than one point of origin indicate arson?
The point of origin can be a clue to
possible arson
. For example, if two or more distinct points of origin are found, that means two or more separate fires-an indication of deliberate setting.
How do you find the point of origin?
By measuring the width and length of a single drop of blood, you can determine the angle of impact. By
using the Law of Tangents
, you can calculate the height from which the blood fell, or the point of origin for the blood.
How do you prove crime of arson?
The main elements necessary to prove arson are
evidence of a burning and evidence that a criminal act caused the fire
. The accused must intend to burn a building or other structure. Absent a statutory description of the conduct required for arson, the conduct must be malicious, and not accidental.
Which is an example of evidence spoliation?
As well, in some jurisdictions,
witness tampering (i.e. intimidating a witness, physically preventing them from testifying, or persuading them to alter their testimony)
can be considered an example of spoliation of evidence.
How does ventilation impact a fire?
Fire ventilation means that fire gases must be vented out, but also that fresh air will flow in (generally). This supply of air normally affects the fire in such a way that
the rate of heat release from the fire increases or the fire spreads faster
.
What is the relationship between char and a fire’s point of origin?
What is the relationship between char and a fire’s point of origin?
The deeper the char, the closer that material was to the point of origin.
What are the 3 elements of arson?
FORENSIC SCIENCES | Arson Residues
It can be defined as the deliberate and malicious burning of property having three main elements.
First, there has been a burning of property. Second, the burning is incendiary in origin, and finally, the burning was started with the intent of destroying the property.
What are the 4 key elements of fire investigation?
With few exceptions, the proper methodology for a fire or explosion investigation is to first determine and establish the origin(s), then investigate the cause:
circumstances, conditions, or agencies that brought the ignition source, fuel, and oxidant together
.
Is arson a violent crime?
Arson is defined as the willful and malicious burning of the property of another. It is considered
a violent crime
and is treated as a felony in most states.
Who is most likely to commit arson?
Findings revealed that most serial arsonists were
young white males
; 58.7 percent of fires were set by offenders before 18 years of age, and 79.7 percent were set before 29 years of age.
How many arsonists get caught?
It’s estimated that only
10 percent of all arson cases
are “cleared” by arrest-and that only one percent of all arsonists are convicted of the crime. (A few others are institutionalized for psychiatric treatment as an alter- native to conviction.)
Why are arson cases so difficult to prove?
Arson is difficult to investigate for three main reasons:
The arsonist can plan out the arson well in advance and bring all the tools needed to commit the act with him/her
. The arsonist does not need to be present at the time of the act. The fire itself destroys evidence tying the arsonist to the crime.
