QUEST REVIEW CENTER - Heat

1550 Espana Blvd. Cor. Lacson Ave., Sampaloc, - Self-sustained chemical reaction
Manila
Each component of the tetrahedron
NOTES ON CRIME DETECTION AND must be in place for combustion to occur.
INVESTIGATION Remove one of the four components and
CDI-6: FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON combustion will not occur. If ignition has
INVESTIGATION already occurred, the fire is extinguished when
one of the components is removed from the
FIRE reaction.
- a rapid, self-sustaining oxidation process
accompanied by the evolution of heat and light OXYGEN (Oxidizing Agent)
of varying intensity - a colorless, odorless gas and one of the
- an active chemical reaction that takes place compositions of air which is approximately
between fuel, heat and oxygen in the form of 21% percent by volume
light and noticeable heat -
- a chemical reaction; the rapid oxidation of a Oxygen sources: Oxygen
fuel producing heat and light requirements:
- an oxidation taking place with a rate rapid 1. 21% of normal oxygen 1. 12% no fire
enough to produce heat and light 2. 78% nitrogen 2. 14% flash point
3. 1% other gases 3. 21% fire
TECHNOLOGY point
- the branch of knowledge that deals with
industrial arts and sciences FUEL
- the application of such knowledge that is used - the material or substance being oxidized or
to produce the material necessity of society burned in the combustion process.

ELEMENTS OF FIRE OR TRIANGLE OF FIRE Fuel sources

1. Solid
FUEL - molecules are closely packed together
- anything that will burn when heated with 2. Liquid
sufficient oxygen - molecules are loosely packed
3. Gas
OXYGEN - molecules are free to move
- aids in combustion; comes from the atmosphere
we breath; the atmosphere contains: 21% HEAT
oxygen, 78% nitrogen and 1% impurities - the energy component of the fire tetrahedron
HEAT - when heat comes into contact with a fuel, the
- source of ignition energy supports the combustion reaction
- heat energy is measured in units of Joules (J),
TRIANGLE OF FIRE however it can also be measured in Calories (1
For many years, the fire triangle (oxygen, fuel Calorie = 4.184 J) and BTU's (1 BTU = 1055 J)
and heat) was taught as the components of fire. While
this simple example is useful, it is NOT technically TEMPERATURE
correct. - a measure of the degree of molecular activity of
a material compared to a reference point
TETRAHEDRON OF FIRE - a measure of the degree of molecular activity of
- a geometric representation of what is required a material compared to a reference point
for fire to exist, namely, fuel, an oxidizing - measured in degrees Farenheit or degrees
agent, heat, and an uninhibited chemical Celsius
reaction  
ºC ºF Response
FIRE TETRAHEDRON 37 98.6 Normal human
oral/body temperature
- Oxygen (oxidizing agent) 44 111 Human skin begins to
- Fuel feel pain
48 118 Human skin receives a
first degree burn injury MECHANICAL ENERGY
55 131 Human skin receives a - an energy created by friction and compression
second degree burn injury
62 140 A phase where burned 1) Heat of friction - the movement of two
human tissue becomes numb surfaces against each other, thus producing
72 162 Human skin is instantly sparks
destroyed 2) Heat of compression - heat is generated when
100 212 Water boils and a gas is compressed in a container or cylinder
produces steam
140 284 Glass transition SELF-SUSTAINED CHEMICAL REACTION
temperature of polycarbonate Combustion is a complex reaction that requires
230 446 Melting temperature of a fuel (in the gaseous or vapor state), an oxidizer, and
polycarbonate heat energy to come together in a very specific way.
250 482 Charring of natural Once flaming combustion or fire occurs, it can only
cotton begins continue when enough heat energy is produced to cause
300 572 Charring of modern the continued development of fuel vapors or gases.
protective clothing fabrics begins Scientists call this type of reaction a “chain reaction”.
600 1112 Temperatures inside a A chain reaction is a series of reactions that
post-flashover room fire occur in sequence with the result of each individual
  reaction being added to the rest.
Types of Energy (common sources of heat)
1. Chemical Energy FIRE DEVELOPMENT
2. Electrical Energy
3. Nuclear Energy When the four components of the fire
4. Mechanical Energy tetrahedron come together, ignition occurs. For a fire to
grow beyond the first material ignited, heat must be
CHEMICAL ENERGY transmitted beyond the first material to additional fuel
- the most common source of heat in combustion packages.
reactions
Stages of Fire
When any combustible is in contact - Ignition
with oxygen, oxidation occurs. The reaction of - Growth
this process results in the production of heat. - Flashover
ex. Heat generated from burning match, self - Fully-developed
heating (spontaneous heating) - Decay

ELECTRICAL ENERGY IGNITION

- can generate temperature high enough to ignite - describes the period when the four elements of
any combustible material near the heated area the fire tetrahedron come together and
combustion begins

Examples: GROWTH
1. over current or overload - shortly after ignition, a fire plume begins to
2. arcing form above the burning fuel. As the plume
3. sparking develops, it begins to draw or entrain air from
4. static the surrounding space into the column.
5. lightning
FLASHOVER
NUCLEAR ENERGY - the transition between the growth and the fully
- generated when atoms either split apart (fission) developed fire stages and is not a specific event
or combine (fusion) such as ignition. During flashover, conditions in
Ex. the compartment change very rapidly as the fire
1. fission heats water to drive steam turbines changes from one that is dominated by the
and produce electricity burning of the materials first ignited to one that
2. solar energy is a product of a fusion reaction
 involves all of the exposed combustible - heat transfer within solids or between
surfaces within the compartment. contacting solids

FULLY-DEVELOPED When a hot object transfers its heat, conduction

- occurs when all combustible materials in the has taken place. The transfer could be to another object
compartment are involved in the fire or to another portion of the same object. As we have
discovered and will be constantly reinforced about,
DECAY combustion occurs on the molecular level. When an
- as the fire consumes the available fuel in the object heats up, the atoms become agitated and begin to
compartment, the rate of heat released begins to collide with one another. A chain reaction of molecules
decline. and atoms, like wave energy, occurs and causes the
agitated molecules to pass the heat energy to areas of
THREE (3) STAGES OF FIRE non-heat.
1. Incipient phase
2. Free burning phase
3. Smoldering CONVECTION
- heat transfer by the movement of
1. INCIPIENT STAGE liquids or gasses
- initial stage of fire
Air that is hotter than its surroundings rises. Air
Characteristics that is cooler than its surroundings sinks. Air is made up
- normal room temperature of many molecules floating about freely. Even so, it still
- oxygen plentiful has weight. Some molecules are made up of the same
- thermal updraft rise accumulates at element. For example, oxygen in its natural state will
higher point combine with another oxygen atom to form a stable
- temperature at 1000 F oxygen molecule. In a given volume, air at a given
- Producing C02, CO, SO2, water and temperature will have the same density. When heated,
other gases as in conduction theory, the molecules become agitated
and begin to collide with one another. In the process,
2. FREE BURNING PHASE the molecules are demanding more space to
- a phase of burning in which materials accommodate the vibrations and they push into one
or structures are burning in the presence another as they seek that space. When that happens, the
of adequate oxygen density of a given volume is reduced and it weighs less.
Because it weighs less, it rises until it reaches
Characteristics equilibrium-the level at which the weight is the same as
- fire has involved more fuel the surrounding atmosphere.
- oxygen supply has depleted
- heat accumulates at upper area RADIATION
- temperature exceeds 1,330 F - heat transfer by electromagnetic waves
- area is fully involved
The last form of heat transfer occurs by
3. SMOLDERING PHASE radiation. As we have already seen, heat energy can be
- final phase of burning wherein flame transmitted directly when molecules collide with one
ceases but dense smoke and heat another and cause the waves of heat energy to travel.
completely fill the confined room
MODES OF HEAT TRANSFER FLAME CONTACT
- heat may be conducted from one body to
Heat is by-product of combustion that is of another by direct flame contact
significant importance to the firefighter. It is heat that
causes fire to sustain its combustion and, more PROPERTIES OF FIRE
important, to extend. When heat given off as a product 1. Physical properties
of combustion is exposed to an unheated substance, 2. Chemical Properties
certain changes occur that can make the new substance
a contributing factor in extending a fire. 1. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
a. Specific gravity
CONDUCTION
 - the ratio of the weight of a solid or F
substance to the weight of an equal C
volume of water Gasoline 536
b. Vapor density 280
- the weight of volume of pure gas Kerosene 410
compared to weight of a volume of dry 210
air at the same temperature and Turpentine 488
pressure 253
c. Vapor pressure Paper 842
- the force exerted by the molecules on 450
the surface of the liquid at the Wood 489
equilibrium 254
d. Temperature Coal 750
- the measure of the thermal degree of 400
the agitation of molecules of a given
substance; the measure of the molecular CLASSIFICATIONS OF FIRE
activity within the substance
e. Boiling Point I. BASED ON CAUSE
- the constant temperature at which the a. Natural fire/ providential
vapor pressure of the liquid is equal to b. Accidental fire
the atmospheric pressure c. Intentional Fire/Incendiary
f. Ignition temperature d. Undetermined
- the minimum temperature to which the
substance in the air must be heated in A. NATURAL FIRE
order to initiate or cause self-contained - involves fires without direct human
combustion without addition of heat intervention
from outside sources Examples:
g. Fire point - Earthquake
- the temperature at which the material - Typhoon
will give off ample vapors to keep - Lightning
burning - Spontaneous combustion arising from
h. Flash point the storage of combustible materials in
- the temperature at which the material is poorly ventilated places
not hot enough to keep burning, but - Explosion from petroleum products,
still gives off enough vapors to cause a alcohol and other substances
flame across the surface - Sun rays focused on glasses which may
2. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES serve as a convex lens
a. Endothermic reaction
- are changes whereby energy is B. ACCIDENTAL FIRE
absorbed or is added before the reaction - Carelessly discarded cigarettes
takes place - Careless disposition of readily
b. Exothermic reaction combustible materials
- reactions or changes that releases or - Poorly managed or defective heating
give off energy facilities
c. Oxidation - Overheating, spark and electrical
- a chemical change in which defects
combustible material and an oxidizing - Overload electric circuits/ Octopus
material react connections
d. Combustion or flame - Children playing matches
- the manifestation of fire is in its gas- - Use of candles
phased combustion; matter that is
produced by fire. C. INCENDIARY FIRE
- is one deliberately set under
Material Ignition circumstances in which the person
Temperature knows that the fire should not be set
 D. UNDETERMINED FIRE CAUSE EXTINGUISHING AGENT
- whenever the cause cannot be proven, 1. Class A – water (all agents)
the proper classification is 2. Class B – foam/carbon dioxide (all agents)
undetermined 3. Class C – carbon dioxide/powder (never use
water, soda acid and foam)
II. BASED ON BURNING FUEL 4. Class D – special powder
5. Class E – all agents
CLASS A
- ordinary solid materials such as wood, paper, METHODS OF EXTINGUISHMENT
fabrics, etc. 1. COOLING – heat absorption.
- this will be indicated by deep cited fire, leaves 2. SEPARATION – the removal of the fuel.
ashes and embers (glowing coals) after burning 3. SMOTHERING – by expelling oxygen
4. Inhibition or the interruption of chemical
CLASS B chain reaction
- flammable liquids such as gasoline, lube oil,
kerosene, paint thinner, etc. Strategies Used in Firefighting:
1. Locate the fire
CLASS C 2. Confine the fire
- electrical appliances; causes electric shock 3. Extinguish the fire
4. Exposures
CLASS D
- metal fire such as magnesium (white element Factors to Consider in Extinguishment:
burning with dazzling light), sodium (a silver 1. Time
white metallic element), etc.; creates violent 2. Weather (temperature, humidity, wind)
reaction 3. Fire ( ex. Extent, location, bldg construction,
contents involved)
CLASS E 4. Occupancy
- flammable gases such as LPG, LNG, etc.; also 5. Ventilation (used for clearing the bldg of smoke
creates violent reaction and gases)

Fire Classes in the United Kingdom and Europe Types of Ventilation:

A – ordinary combustibles a. Vertical ventilation - must be worked from the
B – flammable or flammable liquids top to bottom
C – flammable gasses b. Cross or horizontal ventilation - used if gases
D – combustible metals have not reached the higher level through the
E – (this class is no longer existing in Europe) opening of windows
F – cooking oils and fats c. Mechanical force ventilation - a method
whereby a device such as smoke ejector is
Fire Classes in Australia and Asia utilized to remove faster excessive heat and
A – everyday combustibles dense smoke
B – combustible or combustible liquids
C – combustible gasses Factors to determine the location for the opening:
D – combustible metals 1. Location of intensity of fire
E – electrical equipment 2. Highest point on the roof
F – cooking fats and oils 3. Direction of wind
4. Existing exposure
Fire Classes in the U.S.A. (NFPA) 5. Extent of fire
A – regular combustibles 6. Obstruction
B – flammable liquids and gasses
C – electrical appliances ADDITIONAL BASIC TACTICS USED IN
D – combustible metals EXTINGUISHING FIRE
K – cooking oils and fats 1. RESCUE - any action taken by the firefighters
to remove occupants/ persons from building/
hazards to a safety place
FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT 2. OVERHAUL - a complete and detailed
checked of the structures and materials
 involved in the fire to make sure that every - the willful and malicious burning of all kinds of
spark and ember has been extinguished and to buildings and structures including personal
have assurance against re-ignition properties
3. SALVAGE - an action taken by the firefighters
in preventing excessive damage by fire, water INVESTIGATION
with the use of salvage cover or by removing - an art that deals with the identity and location
materials out from the burning building of the offender and provides evidence of his
guilt in criminal proceedings
Types of ladder
1. Ground ladders (10 to 55 ft. long) ELEMENTS OF ARSON
2. Aerial ladders 1. Actual burning took place
2. Actual burning is done with malicious intent
Purposes of ladders 3. The actual burning is done by person(s) legally
a. for rescue and criminally liable
b. to stretch line into a fire building
c. to provide ventilation by giving access to places that LAW AND JURISPRUDENCE
are hard to reach The law on arson in the Philippines is covered
by Articles 320 to 326 of the Revised Penal Code, as
Forms of ground ladders amended by PD No. 1613, PD No. 1744, and Sec. 50
a. Wall Rule VIII IRR of RA 6975 which provides that the
b. Extension Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) shall have the power to
c. Hook or straight ladder investigate all causes of fires and, if necessary, file the
d. Attic ladder proper complaint with the City/Provincial prosecutor
who has jurisdiction over arson cases.
LADDER TERMINOLOGY
1. Bed ladder - the lowest section of an extension LAWS ON ARSON
ladder 1. Article 320 – 326 of the Revised Penal Code
2. Fly ladder - the top section of an extension - defines arson, its forms and penalties
ladder 2. PD 1613 – the law amending the law on arson
3. Butt - the bottom end of a ladder - defining the prima facie evidence of
4. Heel - the part of the ladder that touches the arson
ground
5. Halyard - a rope or cable used to raised the fly 3. RA 7659
ladder - An Act to Impose Death Penalty on
6. Pawl or dog - the mechanism located at the end Certain Heinous Crimes, amending for that
of the fly ladder that locks to the bed ladder purpose the Revised Penal Code as amended,
7. Rung - the cross member of the ladder that is other special laws, and for other purposes
used for climbing 4. RA 6975 Sec. 54
8. Top or tip - it is the top part of the ladder - provides that the Fire Bureau shall have
9. Hooks - part of a ladder that is used to hook the power to investigate all causes of fires and
over a roof peak, sills, or walls where the heel if necessary file the proper complaint with the
does not rest on a foundation. (roof type City/Provincial Prosecutor who has jurisdiction
ladders) over the case
10. Stops - made of metal or wood blocks used to
prevent the fly of an extension ladder from What Constitutes Arson?
extending out further from the ladder 1. Burning
11. Guides - light metal strips of an extension 2. Willfulness – means intentional and implies
ladder that guides the fly ladder while it is that the act was done purposely and
being raised or lowered intentionally
3. Malice – denotes hatred or ill will or a desire
ARSON INVESTIGATIVE GUIDE AND for revenge; deliberate intention of doing
PROCEDURES unjustified harm for the satisfaction of doing it
4. Motive – the moving cause which induces the
ARSON commission of a crime; something that leads or
influences a person to do something
 5. Intent – the purpose or design with which the  In frustrated arson, the fact of having set fire to
act is done and involves the will; an essential some rags and jute sacks soaked in kerosene oil
element of crime, motive is not and placed near the partition of the entire soil of
an inhabited house, should not be qualified as a
Why is arson very hard to investigate? consummated arson, in as much as no part of
the house had begun to burn, although fire
Arson is one of the most difficult offenses to would have started in the said partition had it
investigate because the arsonist can be able to set a fire not been extinguished on time. The crime
and escape undetected. The fire can consume the scene committed was frustrated arson.
and destroy much physical evidence of the offense.
Harder forms of evidence are often buried in debris and
grossly altered in appearance.
What is Consummated Arson?
What Constitutes Burning?  The offender did in fact set fire to the roof of
 The mere fact that a building is scorched or the house and said house was partially burned.
discolored by heat is not sufficient nor will bare The crime was consummated arson,
intention or even an attempt to burn a house notwithstanding the fact that the fire afterwards
amount to arson, if no part of it is burned. extinguished for once it has been started, the
 Yet, if there is actual ignition of any part of the consummation of the crime of arson does not
building, arson is committed, although there be depend upon the extent of the damage caused.
no flame or the fire immediately goes out of  Setting fire to the contents of a building
itself. constitutes the consummated crime of setting
 To burn means to consume by fire and in the fire to a building even if no part of the building
case of arson, if the wood is blackened but no was burned.
fibers are wasted, there is no burning, yet the
wood need not be in flame or blaze, and the Basis of Liability in Arson:
burning of any part, however, small is sufficient 1. Kind and character of the building, whether of
to constitute arson, and if the house is charred public or private ownership.
in a single place so as to destroy the fibers of 2. Its location, whether in an uninhabited place or
the wood, it is sufficient to constitute arson. in a populated place.
3. Extent of damage caused; and
What is Attempted Arson? 4. The fact of its being inhabited or not.
 In attempted arson, it is not necessary that there
be a fire before the crime is committed. No hard Some of the Arson Evidence that the Investigator
and fast rule is laid down by the law as to the should seek at the Fire scene are the following:
requirements for attempted arson. The peculiar 1. Unusually rapid spread of the fire.
facts and circumstances of a particular case 2. Where it originated?
should carry more weight in the decision of the 3. Separate fires – when two or more separate
case. Thus, a person intending to burn a fires break-out within a building, the fire is
wooden structure, collects some rags, soaks certainly suspicious.
them in gasoline and places them beside the 4. Unusual odors – the odor of gasoline, alcohol,
wooden wall of the building. When he is about kerosene and other inflammable liquids are
to light a match to set fire to the rags, he is indicated by their characteristics and
discovered by another who chases him away. oftentimes, arsonists are trapped because of this
tell tale signs.
 The crime committed is attempted arson, 5. Objects that appear to be foreign to the scene
because the offender begins the commission of such as cans, candles, matches, explosives,
the crime directly by overacts (placing the rags electrical appliances such as irons, heating
soaked in gasoline beside the wooden wall of elements, clocks, radios, flammables, trailers,
the building and lighting a match) but he does etc.
not perform all the acts of execution (the setting 6. Charring pattern may indicate fire characteristics.
of the fire to the rags) due to the timely The fact that the fire feeds on combustible
intervention of another who chases away) the while propagating itself, indicates that the char
offender. will generally be deepest from where the fire
originates. When a fire is extinguished quickly,
What is Frustrated Arson? the charring is only slightly below the surface.
 Fire burning for a longer period of time will materials necessary to complete the
indicate a char that is deep and pronounced. contracts, overstock in the absence of
These facts are most apparent in the charring of expected order or a changing market.
wood as a fire burns. The charring from fire on 3. Property Transaction
woods looks like the hide of a black alligator. – the business itself may no longer be
Fire extinguished quickly on wood will show a desirable because of impending
large alligatoring pattern that has not penetrate liquidation, settlement of an estate of
the wood to any extent. Fire burning for a long which it is a part, the need for cash,
period of time on wood will show small prospective failure, the comparatively
alligatoring pattern but the char will go deep greater value of the land, or the
into the wood. The direction of fire can also be comparatively greater value of the
taken into consideration with charring. The insurance benefits.
exposed side of combustible will have a deeper B. Profit by the Perpetrator other than the
char than the unexposed side. assured:
7. Evidence of forcible entry or lack of same may 1. Insurance agents wishing business
be important depending on the circumstances at 2. Insurance adjusters desiring to adjust a
the time of the fire. If the investigator loss by securing a contract
determines there was no forcible entry and finds 3. Business competitors
that the building was secured prior to discovery 4. Persons seeking jobs as protection
of the fire, he can reasonably suspect there is personnel
possibility that the person who sets the fire 5. Salvagers
entered the building with a key. Doors and 6. Contractors wishing to rebuild or wreck
windows showing signs of forced entry may
point to arson preceded by burglary or arson by Concealment of Crime:
someone without a key to the premises.  the arsonists may set fire to a building
in order to conceal a projected or past
Motives of Arson crime. He may wish to divert attention
Motive in order to loot the burning premises or
 Motive is the moving cause which induces a steal in other places. The burning may
person to commit a crime. be for the purpose of destroying
evidences.
Is Motive Necessary to be Proven in Criminal
Proceedings? Punitive Measure:
 No. motive is not necessary to be proven in - An arsonists may use fire as a means of
criminal proceedings but once motive is shown, punishing another person for reason of jealousy,
then intent can easily established. hatred or revenge.
 In the crime of arson, the distinction between
motive and intent is clearly defined. INTENT is Intimidation or Economic Disabling:
a material element of arson while motive is not. - The fire may be used as a weapon of the
INTENT is the purpose of design with which saboteurs, the strikers or the racketeers to
the act is done and involves the will while intimidate or to disable economically as a step
MOTIVE is what induces the criminal. toward forcing submission to certain demands.

Motive Can Be Established By: Pyromania

I. Economic Gain – is the uncontrollable impulse of a person to
A. Insurance fraud with the assured directly burn anything without motivation. Pyromaniacs
benefiting: usually do not run away from the scene of the
1. Desire to move crime, usually alone and feel satisfied watching
– the premises may no longer be the flame
desirable because of the condition of
the building, the fact that the quarters Types of Pyromaniacs:
are outgrown or because of the locality. 1. Abnormal Youth – Epileptics, imbeciles and
2. Disposing of Merchandise morons may set fire without knowing the
– the stocks on hand may have lost value seriousness of the act.
by reason of the seasonal nature of the 2. The Hero Type – a person may set fire on a
business, obsolesce, scarcity of building, subsequently pretends to discover it
 and turn in the alarm so that he will appear a FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
hero to the public. A person may burn a
building and endeavor to achieve spectacular Republic Act No. 9514
rescue in order to attract the attention of - Approved on December 19, 2008
spectators. - Repealed PD 1185
3. Alcoholics and Drug Addicts – persons who - known as the "Revised Fire Code of the
subject themselves to intense artificial Philippines of 2008".
stimulants such as narcotics sometimes develop
a strong urge toward incendiaries. Definition of terms
4. Sexual Deviates – some sex perverts derive Abatement - Any act that would remove or neutralize a
sexual stimulation from setting a fire and fire hazard.
watching the flame. Frequently, he is chronic
masturbator who stimulates and enhances his Administrator - Any person who acts as agent of the
sexual gratification by means of arson. owner and manages the use of a building for him.

Public Disturbance Blasting Agent - Any material or mixture consisting of a

- an offender may resort to arson as a means of a fuel and oxidizer used to set off explosives.
public disturbance because a fire attracts people
and destruction causes confusion that gives rise Cellulose Nitrate Or Nitro Cellulose - A highly
to attendant problems that divert police combustible and explosive compound produced by the
attention. reaction of nitric acid with a cellulose material.

Vandalism Cellulose Nitrate Plastic (Pyroxylin) - Any plastic

– is a general term denoting intentional burning to substance, materials or compound having cellulose
destroy properties. nitrate (nitro cellulose) as base.

In determining motive, a fire investigator Combustible, Flammable or Inflammable - Descriptive

concentrates on three major factors: of materials that are easily set on fire.
1. Points of origin of the fire Combustible Fiber - Any readily ignitable and free
2. Modus operandi of the arsonist burning fiber such as cotton, oakum, rags, waste cloth,
3. Identify of persons who might benefits from the waste paper, kapok, hay, straw, Spanish moss, excelsior
fire. and other similar materials commonly used in
commerce.
Incendiary Materials
- materials used to start a fire; combustible fuels Combustible Liquid - Any liquid having a flash point at
1. Arson Chemicals (liquids) – are incendiary or above 37.8_C (100_F).
materials often used by arsonists as accelerants.
Possess excellent properties. Examples: Corrosive Liquid - Any liquid which causes fire when
alcohol, benzene, petroleum ether, gasoline, in contact with organic matter or with certain chemicals.
kerosene, naptha, turpentine.
2. Gases as acetylene, butane, CO, ethylene, Curtain Board - A vertical panel of non-combustible or
hydrogen, natural gas, propane, these are fire resistive materials attached to and extending below
common gases resulting in fires from explosion. the bottom chord of the roof trusses, to divide the
These when mix with air possess excellent in underside of the roof into separate compartments so that
ignition properties and when present in an heat and smoke will be directed upwards to a roof vent.
enclosed area can lead to explosion.
3. Solids as chlorates, perchlorates, chromates, Cryogenic - Descriptive of any material which by its
bichromates, nitrates, permanganates – are nature or as a result of its reaction with other elements
typical families of oxidizing agents which give produces a rapid drop in temperature of the immediate
off oxygen on decomposition thus aiding in surroundings.
combustion.
Damper - A normally open device installed inside an air
duct system which automatically closes to restrict the
passage of smoke or fire.
Distillation - The process of first raising the products and other warning system components,
temperature in separate the more volatile from the less personal protective equipment such as fire blankets,
volatile parts and then cooling and condensing the helmets, fire suits, gloves and other garments that may
resulting vapor so as to produce a nearly purified be put on or worn by persons to protect themselves
substance. during fire.

Duct System - A continuous passageway for the Fire Safety Constructions - Refers to design and
transmission of air. installation of walls, barriers, doors, windows, vents,
means of egress, etc. integral to and incorporated into a
Dust - A finely powdered substance which, when mixed building or structure in order to minimize danger to life
with air in the proper proportion and ignited will cause from fire, smoke, fumes or panic before the building is
an explosion. evacuated. These features are also designed to achieve,
among others, safe and rapid evacuation of people
Electrical Arc - An extremely hot luminous bridge through means of egress sealed from smoke or fire, the
formed by passage of an electric current across a space confinement of fire or smoke in the room or floor of
between two conductors or terminals due to the origin and delay their spread to other parts of the
incandescence of the conducting vapor. building by means of smoke sealed and fire resistant
doors, walls and floors. It shall also mean to include the
Ember - A hot piece or lump that remains after a treatment of buildings components or contents with
material has partially burned, and is still oxidizing flame retardant chemicals.
without the manifestation of flames.
Flash Point - The minimum temperature at which any
Finishes - Materials used as final coating of a surface material gives off vapor in sufficient concentration to
for ornamental or protective purposes. form an ignitable mixture with air.

Fire - The active principle of burning, characterized by Forcing -A process where a piece of metal is heated
the heat and light of combustion. prior to changing its shape or dimensions.

Fire Trap - A building unsafe in case of fire because it Fulminate - A kind of stable explosive compound
will burn easily or because it lacks adequate exits or fire which explodes by percussion.
escapes.
Hazardous Operation/Process - Any act of
Fire Alarm - Any visual or audible signal produced by a manufacturing, fabrication, conversion, etc., that uses or
device or system to warm the occupants of the building produces materials which are likely to cause fires or
or fire fighting elements of the presence or danger of explosions.
fire to enable them to undertake immediate action to
save life and property and to suppress the fire. Horizontal Exit - Passageway from one building to
another or through or around a wall in approximately
Fire Door - A fire resistive door prescribed for the same floor level.
openings in fire separation walls or partitions. Hose Box - A box or cabinet where fire hoses, valves
and other equipment are stored and arranged for fire
Fire Hazard - Any condition or act which increases or fighting.
may cause an increase in the probability of the
occurrence of fire, or which may obstruct, delay, hinder Hose Reel - A cylindrical device turning on an axis
or interfere with fire fighting operations and the around which a fire hose is wound and connected.
safeguarding of life and property.
Hypergolic Fuel - A rocket or liquid propellant which
Fire Lane - The portion of a roadway or public way that consists of combinations of fuels and oxidizers which
should be kept opened and unobstructed at all times for ignite spontaneously on contact with each other.
the expedient operation of fire fighting units. Industrial Baking And Drying - The industrial process
of subjecting materials to heat for the purpose of
Fire Protective And Fire Safety Device - Any device removing solvents or moisture from the same, and/or to
intended for the protection of buildings or persons to fuse certain chemical salts to form a uniform glazing the
include but not limited to built-in protection system surface of materials being treated.
such as sprinklers and other automatic extinguishing
system, detectors for heat, smoke and combustion
Jumper - A piece of metal or an electrical conductor Smelting - Melting or fusing of metallic ores or
used to bypass a safety device in an electrical system. compounds so as to separate impurities from pure
metals.
Occupancy - The purpose for which a building or
portion thereof is used or intended to be used. Sprinkler System - An integrated network of
hydraulically designed piping installed in a building,
Occupant - Any person actually occupying and using a structure or area with outlets arranged in a systematic
building or portions thereof by virtue of a lease contract pattern which automatically discharges water when
with the owner or administrator or by permission or activated by heat or combustion products from a fire.
sufferance of the latter.
Standpipe System - A system of vertical pipes in a
Organic Peroxide - A strong oxidizing organic building to which fire hoses can be attached on each
compound which releases oxygen readily. It causes fire floor, including a system by which water is made
when in contact with combustible materials especially available to the outlets as needed.
under conditions of high temperature.
Vestibule - A passage hall or antechamber between the
Overloading - The use of one or more electrical outer doors and the interior parts of a house or building.
appliances or devices which draw or consume electrical
current beyond the designed capacity of the existing Vertical Shaft - An enclosed vertical space of passage
electrical system. that extends from floor to floor, as well as from the base
to the top of the building.
Owner - The person who holds the legal right of
possession or title to a building or real property.
Collection of Liquid Samples for Accelerant Testing
Oxidizing Material - A material that readily yields Liquid accelerants may be collected with
oxygen in quantities sufficient to stimulate or support a. New syringe
combustion. b. Siphoning device
c. Evidence container itself
Pressurized Or Forced Draft Burning Equipment - d. Sterilize cotton balls or gauge pads may also be
Type or burner where the fuel is subjected to pressure used to absorbed the liquid
prior to discharge into the combustion chamber and/or
which includes fans or other provisions for the Where liquid accelerants are believed to have become
introduction of air at above normal atmosphere pressure trapped in porous materials such as concrete floor:
into the same combustion chamber. a. Lime
b. Diatomaceous earth
Public Assembly Building - Any building or structure c. flour
where fifty (50) or more people congregate, gather, or
assemble for any purpose. Collection of liquid evidence absorbed by solid
materials including soils and sand:
Public Way - Any street, alley or other strip of land a. Scooping
unobstructed from the ground to the sky, deeded, b. Sawing
dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated for c. Scraping
public use. d. Core drilling
Pyrophoric - Descriptive of any substance that ignites Collecting of Solid samples for accelerant testing
spontaneously when exposed to air. Solid accelerant may be common household materials
and compounds or dangerous chemicals. When
Refining - A process where impurities and/or collecting solid accelerants:
deleterious materials are removed from a mixture in a. The fire investigator must ensure that the solid
order to produce a pure element of compound. It shall accelerant is maintained in physical state in
also refer to partial distillation and electrolysis. which is found
b. Some incendiary materials remain Corrosive
Self-Closing Doors - Automatic closing doors that are and Reactive
designed to confine smoke and heat and delay the c. Ensure the corrosive nature of these residue
spread of fire. does not attack the packaging container

Collection of Gaseous samples

Method of Collection:
a. Use of commercially available mechanical
sampling device
b. Utilization evacuated air sampling cans. These
cans are specifically designed for taking
gaseous samples
c. Use of clean glass bottled filled with distilled
water. Distilled water use as it has had most of
the impurities removed from it. This method
simply require the investigator poured the
distilled water out of its bottle in the
atmosphere to be sampled. As distilled water
leaves the bottle it is replaced by the gaseous
sample

Guide on Interpreting the Damage on Electrical Wire

Collection of Electrical Equipments and Components

Before wires are cut, a photograph should be taken of
the wires, and the both ends of the wire should be
tagged and cut so that they can be identified as one of
the following:
a. The device or appliance to which it was
attached or from which it was severed
b. The circuit breaker or fuse number or location
to which the wire was attached or from which it
was severed
c. The wire’s path or the route it took between the
device and the circuit protector,
electrical switches, receptacles, thermostats,
relays, junction boxes, electrical distribution
panels, and similar equipment and components
are often collected as physical evidence.