This document reports on full-scale spill and fire experiments that were conducted with gasoline and kerosene on vinyl, wood parquet, and carpet covered plywood floors using various quantities of fuel. Spill areas were measured, and for nonporous floors the results were compared to analytical predictions. Burn pattern areas are correlated with the spill areas, resulting in a method for predicting the quantity of spilled fuel required to form a burn pattern of a given size. These experiments help give fire investigators the ability to predict the quantity of liquid fuel necessary to create a burn pattern of a given size. Illustrated.

The Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) furnishes technical support to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) program to strengthen law enforcement and criminal justice in the United States. OLES's function is to conduct research that will assist law enforcement and criminal justice agencies in the selection and procurement of quality equipment.

Knowledge of the science behind fires is critical to understanding a fire’s cause and successfully presenting that determination to the authorities or in litigation. Now in its second edition, Scientific Protocols for Fire Investigation focuses on the practical application of scientific principles to determine the causes of fires. Uniquely qualified with years of experience in on-site investigations, lab analyses, and courtroom presentation, the author provides a resource that is unparalleled in depth and focus. The book explores: The history of fire investigation and the basic chemistry and physics of fire The science of fire dynamics—how things burn and how they interact with their surroundings while doing so Practical procedures for conducting fire scene inspections Laboratory examination of fire debris to test for the presence of ignitable liquid residues and for potential ignition sources Relevant scientific principles as applied to 30 actual fires The evolution of the mythology of arson investigation The common root causes of errors in fire investigation The final chapter discusses the professional practice of fire investigation. It examines quality assurance, business practices, and the fundamentals of being an expert witness, with advice for giving testimony in depositions and at trial. Other highlights of the second edition include new and expanded discussions on novel training methods, first assumptions, computer fire modeling, low voltage ignition sources, the questionable validity of some origin determinations, and recent changes in NFPA 921. Thorough and accessible, this volume not only provides the practical information necessary to conduct an effective inquiry but also offers insight into the science, history, and theory behind what makes fire investigation a multi-faceted profession. John Lentini discusses the book in a video on the CRC Press YouTube Channel.

While there are many resources available on fire protection and prevention in chemical petrochemical and petroleum plants—this is the first book that pulls them all together in one comprehensive resource. This book provides the tools to develop, implement, and integrate a fire protection program into a company or facility’s Risk Management System. This definitive volume is a must-read for loss prevention managers, site managers, project managers, engineers and EHS professionals. Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

Scientific Protocols for Fire Investigation, Third Edition focuses on the practical application of fundamental scientific principles to determine the causes of fires. Originally published in 2006, the First Edition was very well received by fire investigators and those who work with them. Since fire investigation is a rapidly evolving field—driven by new discoveries about fire behavior—the Second Edition was published in late 2012. This latest, fully updated Third Edition reflects the most recent developments in the field. Currently, serious research is underway to try to understand the role of ventilation in structure fires. Likewise, there is improved understanding of the kinds of errors investigators can make that lead to incorrect determinations of the causes of fires. In addition to the scientific aspects, the litigation of fire related events is rapidly changing, particularly with respect to an investigator's qualifications to serve as an expert witness. This book covers these latest developments and ties together the changing standards for fire investigations with the fundamental scientific knowledge presented in the early chapters of the book. The book is intended for those individuals who have recently entered the field of fire investigation, and those who are studying fire investigation with a plan to become certified professionals. In addition, professionals in the insurance industry who hire fire investigators will find this an invaluable resource. Insurance companies have sustained significant losses by hiring individuals who are not qualified, resulting in cases being settled or lost at a cost of millions. Insurance adjusters and investigators will learn to recognize quality fire investigations and those that are not up to today's standards. Lastly, this book is also for the many attorneys who litigate fire cases. Written with language and terms that make the science accessible even to the non-scientist, this new edition will be a welcome resource to any professional involved in fire and arson cases.

Contines a 71-year tradition of publishing the definitve guide for advanced fire service training.

The Fire Chief’s Handbook, 7th Edition continues Fire Engineering’s 82-year tradition of publishing the definitive resource for advanced fire service training. The text has been completely updated to meet the changing environment and added responsibilities of the fire service. Returning authors have rewritten their chapter to address today’s leadership and administrative concerns, while new authors are also introduced to offer new perspectives. This comprehensive guidebook is designed for firefighters, company officers, and chief officers of all ranks and department types who want the latest information on the fundamentals of leadership in the fire service, as well as managing the day-to-day operations of a fire department.