FIRE TECHNOLOGY

AND ARSON
INVESTIGATION

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 Fire has been both a help and a hindrance
to mankind throughout history. Fire has
heated our homes, cooked our food, and
helped us to become technologically
advanced. Fire, in its hostile mode, has also
endangered us for as long as we have used it.
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FIRE

- Is a rapid, self-sustaining oxidation

process accompanied by the evolution
of heat and light of varying intensity.

- is an active chemical reaction that

takes place between fuel, heat and
oxygen in the form of light and
noticeable heat.
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- Is a chemical reaction. It is the
rapid oxidation of a fuel producing
heat and light.

- It is an oxidation taking place with

a rate rapid enough to produce
heat and light.

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Technology

- is the branch of knowledge

that deals with industrial arts
and sciences. It is the
application of such knowledge
that is used to produce the
material necessity of society.
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ELEMENTS OF FIRE OR TRIANGLE OF
FIRE

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Fuel
– is anything that will burn when heated with
sufficient oxygen.

Oxygen
– aids in combustion; comes from the atmosphere
we breath; the atmosphere contains: 21% oxygen,
78% nitrogen and 1% impurities.

Heat
– source of ignition
TRIANGLE OF FIRE

For many years, the fire

triangle (oxygen, fuel
and heat) was used to
teach the components
of fire. While this
simple example is
useful, it is NOT
technically correct.

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TETRAHEDRON OF FIRE
- a geometric representation of what is
required for fire to exist, namely, fuel, an
oxidizing agent, heat, and an uninhibited
chemical reaction.

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 Fire Tetrahedron
For combustion to
occur, four
components are
necessary:
 Oxygen (oxidizing
agent)
 Fuel

 Heat

 Self-sustained
chemical reaction 10
 Fire Tetrahedron
Each component of the tetrahedron
must be in place for combustion to
occur. Remove one of the four
components and combustion will not
occur. If ignition has already occurred,
the fire is extinguished when one of the
components is removed from the
reaction.
-
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OXYGEN (Oxidizing Agent)
A colorless, odorless
gas and one of the
compositions of air
which is approximately
21% percent by
volume.

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Oxygen sources: Oxygen Requirements

1. 21% of normal oxygen 1. 12% no fire

2. 78% nitrogen 2. 14% flash point
3. 1% other gases 3. 21% fire point

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 FUEL
Fuel is the material or substance
being oxidized or burned in the
combustion process.

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WHAT ARE THE FUEL SOURCES?

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Fuel sources

1. Solid
- Molecules are closely packed together

2. Liquid
- molecules are loosely packed

3. Gas
- molecules are free to move 16
 HEAT
Heat is the energy component of
the fire tetrahedron. When heat comes
into contact with a fuel, the energy
supports the combustion reaction.

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Heat
- is the energy component of fire
tetrahedron.
- Heat energy is measured in units of
Joules (J), however it can also be
measured in Calories (1 Calorie = 4.184 J)
and BTU's (1 BTU = 1055 J).

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Temperature

- is a measure of the degree of molecular

activity of a material compared to a
reference point.
- Temperature is measured in degrees
Farenheit (melting point of ice = 32 º F,
boiling point of water = 212 º F) or
degrees Celsius (melting point of ice = 0 º
C, boiling point of water = 100 º C).

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ºC ºF Response

37 98.6 Normal human oral/body

temperature
44 111 Human skin begins to feel pain
48 118 Human skin receives a first
degree burn injury
55 131 Human skin receives a second
degree burn injury
62 140 A phase where burned human
tissue becomes numb
72 162 Human skin is instantly destroyed

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ºC ºF Response

100 212 Water boils and produces steam

140 284 Glass transition temperature of
polycarbonate
230 446 Melting temperature of polycarbonate
250 482 Charring of natural cotton begins
300 572 Charring of modern protective
clothing fabrics begins
600 1112 Temperatures inside a post-flashover
room fire

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Types of Energy (common sources of
heat)

1. Chemical Energy
2. Electrical Energy
3. Nuclear Energy
4. Mechanical Energy

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1. Chemical Energy
- it is the most common source of heat in
combustion reactions. When any
combustibles is in contact with oxygen
oxidation occurs. The reaction of this
process results in the production of heat.

ex. Heat generated from burning match,

self heating (spontaneous heating)

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2. Electrical Energy
- electrical energy can generate
temperature high enough to ignite any
combustible materials near the heated area.

Ex.
1. over current or overload

2. Arcing

3. Sparking

4. static

5. Lightning
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3. Nuclear Energy
- Nuclear heat energy is generated when
atoms either split apart (fission) or
combine (fusion)
Ex.
1. fission heats water to drive steam
turbines and produce electricity
2. solar energy is a product of a fusion
reaction

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4. Mechanical Energy
- an energy created by friction and
compression

1. Heat of friction- is the movement of two

surfaces against each other, thus
produced sparks.

2. Heat of compression- heat is generated

when a gas is compressed in a container
or cylinder.
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SELF-SUSTAINED CHEMICAL
REACTION

Combustion is a complex reaction

that requires a fuel (in the gaseous or
vapor state), an oxidizer, and a heat
energy to come together in a very
specific way. Once flaming combustion
or fire occurs, it can only continue when
enough heat energy is produced to
cause the continued development of
fuel vapors or gases. Scientists call this
type of reaction a “chain reaction”. A
chain reaction is a series of reactions
that occur in sequence with the result
of each individual reaction being added
to the rest. 27
 Fire
Behavior

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 Fire Development
When the four components of
the fire tetrahedron come
together, ignition occurs. For a fire
to grow beyond the first material
ignited, heat must be transmitted
beyond the first material to
additional fuel packages.
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 Stages of Fire

 Ignition

 Growth

 Flashover

 Fully
developed
 Decay

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 IGNITION
Ignition describes the period
when the four elements of the
fire tetrahedron come together
and combustion begins

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 GROWTH
Shortly after ignition, a fire
plume begins to form above the
burning fuel. As the plume
develops, it begins to draw or
entrain air from the surrounding
space into the column.

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 FLASHOVER
Flashover is the transition between the
growth and the fully developed fire stages
and is not a specific event such as
ignition. During flashover, conditions in
the compartment change very rapidly as
the fire changes from one that is
dominated by the burning of the materials
first ignited to one that involves all of the
exposed combustible surfaces within the
compartment.
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 FULLY DEVELOPED
The fully developed fire stage
occurs when all combustible
materials in the compartment are
involved in the fire.

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 DECAY

As the fire consumes the

available fuel in the
compartment, the rate of heat
released begins to decline.

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3 STAGES OF FIRE

1. Incipient phase
2. Free burning phase
3. Smoldering

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1. Incipient phase
- initial stage of fire

Characteristics
- normal room temperature
- oxygen plentiful
- thermal updraft rise accumulates at
higher point
- temperature at 1000 F
- Producing (C02, CO, SO2, water and
other gases
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2. Free-burning phase
- a phase of burning in which materials or
structures are burning in the presence of
adequate oxygen.

Characteristics
- fire has involved more fuel
- oxygen supply has depleted
- heat accumulates at upper area
- temperature exceeds 1,330 F
- Area is fully involved
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3. Smoldering
- final phase of burning wherein flame
ceases but dense smoke and heat
completely fill the confined room.

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MODES OF HEAT
TRANSFER

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 Heat is by-product of combustion that
is of significant importance to the
firefighter. It is heat that causes fire to
sustain its combustion and, more
important, to extend. When heat given
off as a product of combustion is
exposed to an unheated substance,
certain changes occur that can make the
new substance a contributing factor in
extending a fire.

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Conduction
- is heat transfer within solids or between
contacting solids.

Convection
- is heat transfer by the movement of
liquids or gasses.

Radiation
- is heat transfer by electromagnetic
waves. 42
 CONDUCTION
When a hot object transfers its heat,
conduction has taken place. The transfer
could be to another object or to another
portion of the same object. As we have
discovered and will be constantly
reinforced about, combustion occurs on the
molecular level. When an object heats up,
the atoms become agitated and begin to
collide with one another. A chain reaction
of molecules and atoms, like a wave
energy, occurs and causes the agitated
molecules to pass the heat energy to areas
of non-heat. 43
 CONVECTION
Air that is hotter than its surroundings
rises. Air that is cooler than its surroundings
sinks. Air is made up of many molecules
floating about freely. Even so, it still has
weight. Some molecules are made up of
the same element. For example, oxygen in
its natural state will combine with another
oxygen atom to form a stable oxygen
molecule. In a given volume, air at a given
temperature will have the same density.
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 When heated, as in conduction theory,
the molecules become agitated and begin
to collide with one another. In the process,
the molecules are demanding more space
to accommodate the vibrations and they
push into one another as they seek that
space. When that happens, the density of a
given volume is reduced and it weighs less.
Because it weighs less, it rises until it
reaches equilibrium-the level at which the
weight is the same as the surrounding
atmosphere.

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 RADIATION
The last form of
heat transfer occurs
by radiation. As we
have already seen,
heat energy can be
transmitted directly
when molecules
collide with one
another and cause the
waves of heat energy
to travel. 46
FLAME CONTACT

Heat may conducted from one body to

another by direct flame contact.

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PROPERTIES OF FIRE

1. Physical properties
2. Chemical Properties

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1. Physical properties

a. Specific gravity- the ratio of the weight of a

solid or substance to the weight of an equal
volume of water.
b. Vapor density- the weight of volume of
pure gas compared to weight of a volume of
dry air at the same temperature and
pressure.
c. Vapor pressure- the force exerted by the
molecules on the surface of the liquid at the
equilibrium.
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d. Temperature- the measure of the
thermal degree of the agitation of molecules
of a given substance; the measure of the
molecular activity within the substance.
e. Boiling Point- the constant temperature
at which the vapor pressure of the liquid is
equal to the atmospheric pressure.
f. Ignition temperature- the minimum
temperature to which the substance in the
air must be heated in order to initiate or
cause self-contained combustion without
addition of heat from outside sources.
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g. Fire point- the temperature at which the
material will give off ample vapors to keep
burning.
h. Flash point
- the temperature at which the material is
not hot enough to keep burning, but still
gives off enough vapors to cause a flame
across the surface.

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2. Chemical Properties

a. Endothermic reaction- are changes whereby

energy is absorbed or is added before the
reaction takes place.

b. Exothermic reaction- reactions or changes

that releases or give off energy

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c. Oxidation- a chemical change in which
combustible material and an oxidizing
material react

d. Combustion or flame- the manifestation of

fire is in its gas-phased combustion. A
matter that is produced by fire.

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Material Ignition Temperature
F C
Gasoline 536 280
Kerosene 410 210
Turpentine 488 253
Paper 842 450
Wood 489 254
Coal 750 400

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CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE

I. Based on Cause
II. Based on Burning Fuel

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I. Base on Cause
a. Natural fire/ providential
b. Accidental fire
c. Intentional Fire/Incendiary
d. Undetermined

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a. Natural fire - it involve fires without direct
human intervention.

- Earthquake
- Typhoon
- Lightning
- Spontaneous combustion arising from the
storage of combustible materials in poorly
ventilated places.
- Explosion from petroleum products,
alcohol and other substances.
- Sun rays focused on glasses which may
serve as a convex lens.
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B. Accidental fire

- Carelessly discarded cigarettes.

- Careless disposition of readily combustible
materials.
- Poorly managed or defective heating facilities.
- Overheating, spark and electrical defects.
- Overload electric circuits/ Octopus
connections
- Children playing matches
- Use of candles
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C. Incendiary Fire Cause
– is one deliberately set under circumstances in
which the person knows that the fire should
not be set.

D. Undetermined Fire Cause

– whenever the cause cannot be proven, the
proper classification is undetermined.

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II. Classification of fire base on burning fuel

1. Class A
– ordinary solid materials such as wood,
paper, fabrics, etc. this will indicated deep
cited fire, leaves ashes and embers (glowing
coals) after burning.

2. Class B
– flammable liquids such as gasoline, lube oil,
kerosene, paint thinner, etc.
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3. Class C
– electrical appliances. It causes electric shock.

4. Class D
– metal fire such as magnesium (white element
burning with dazzling light), sodium (a silver
white metallic element), etc. This creates violent
reaction.

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5. Class E
– flammable gases such as LPG, LNG, etc. This
will also creates violent reaction.

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Fire Classes in the United Kingdom and
Europe

A – ordinary combustibles
B – flammable or flammable liquids
C – flammable gasses
D – combustible metals
E – (this class has stopped being employed
in Europe)
F – cooking oils and fats

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Fire Classes in Australia and Asia
A – everyday combustibles
B – combustible or combustible liquids
C – combustible gasses
D – combustible metals
E – electrical equipment
F – cooking fats and oils

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Fire Classes in the U.S.A.
A – regular combustibles
B – flammable liquids and gasses
C – electrical appliances
D – combustible metals
K – cooking oils and fats

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 FIRE
EXTINGUISHMENT

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Extinguishing Agent

1. Class A – water (all agents)

2. Class B – foam/carbon dioxide (all agents)
3. Class C – carbon dioxide/powder (never use
water, soda acid and foam)
4. Class D – special powder
5. Class E – all agents

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Extinguishment of fire using
fire extinguisher

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69
Methods of Extinguishment

1. Cooling – heat absorption.

2. Separation – the removal of the fuel.
3. Smothering – by expelling oxygen
4. Inhibition or the interruption of chemical chain
reaction

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Strategies Used in firefighting

1. Locate the fire

2. Confine the fire
3. Extinguish the fire
4. Exposures

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Factors to be considered in extinguishment

1. Time
2. Weather (temperature, humidity, wind)
3. The fire ( ex. Extent, location, bldg
construction, contents involved)
4. Occupancy
5. ventilation (used for clearing the bldg of
smoke and gases)

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Types of Ventilation

a. Vertical ventilation- it must be worked

from the top to bottom.
b. Cross or horizontal ventilation- use if
gases have not reached the higher level
through the opening of windows.
c. Mechanical force ventilation- a method
whereby a device such as smoke ejector is
utilized to remove faster excessive heat
and dense smoke.
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Factors to determine the location for the
opening
1. Location of intensity of fire

2. Highest point on the roof

3. Direction of wind

4. Existing exposure

5. Extent of fire

6. Obstruction

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ADDITIONAL BASIC TACTICS USED IN
EXTINGUISHING FIRE

1. Rescue- any action taken by the firefighters to

remove occupants/ persons from building/ hazards
to a safety place.
2. Overhaul- a complete and detailed checked of
the structures and materials involved in the fire to
make sure that every spark and ember has been
extinguished and to have assurance against re-
ignition.
3. Salvage- an action taken by the firefighters in
preventing excessive damage by fire, water with
the use of salvage cover or by removing materials
out from the burning building.
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Ladder operations

Types of ladder
1. Ground ladders (10 to 55 ft. long)

2. Aerial ladders

Purposes of ladders
a. for rescue
b. to stretch line into a fire building
c. Provide ventilation by giving access to places
that are hard to reach
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Forms of ground ladders
a. Wall

b. Extension

c. Hook or straight ladder

d. Attic ladder

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Wall Ladder

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STRAIGHT LADDER/ LADDER
- 12 to 16 feet
- Most common 14 ft.

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Extension Ladder 80
Hydraulic Aerial Ladders

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Articulating Boom Ladder

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LADDER TERMINOLOGY

1. Bed ladder- the lowest section of an

extension ladder
2. Fly ladder- the top section of an extension
ladder
3. Butt- the bottom end of a ladder
4. Heel- the part of the ladder that touches
the ground
5. Halyard- a rope or cable used to raised
the fly ladder
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6. Pawl or dog- the mechanism located
at the end of the fly ladder that locks to
the bed ladder
7. Rung- the cross member of the ladder
that is used for climbing
8. Top or tip- it is the top part of the ladder
9. Hooks- part of a ladder that is used to
hook over a roof peak, sills, or walls where
the heel does not rest on a foundation.
(roof type ladders

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10. Stops- made of metal or wood blocks
used to prevent the fly of an extension
ladder from extending out further from
the ladder.
11. Guides- light metal strips of an
extension ladder that guides the fly ladder
while it is being raised or lowered.

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ARSON INVESTIGATIVE GUIDE
AND
PROCEDURES

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ARSON
- Arson consists of the willful and malicious burning of all
kinds of buildings and structures including personal properties.

INVESTIGATION
- it is an art that deals with the identity and location of the
offender and provides evidence of his guilt in criminal
proceedings.
 A. 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.

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 LAW AND JURISPRUDENCE

The law on arson in the Philippines is covered by Articles

320 to 326 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by PD
No. 1613, PD No. 1744, and Sec. 50 Rule VIII IRR of RA
6975 which provides that the Bureau of Fire Protection
(BFP) shall have the power to investigate all causes of fires
and, if necessary, file the proper complaint with the
City/Provincial prosecutor who has jurisdiction over arson
cases.

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 The Law of Arson
1. Article 320 – 326 of the Revised Penal Code
 Defines Arson its forms and penalties.

2. PD 1613 – Amending the Law on Arson.

 Defining the Prima Facie Evidence of Arson.

3. PD 1744 – Amending Article 320 of RPC.

 Imposing death penalty to arsonist.

*But after the EDSA Revolution 1, death penalty was

abolished by then President Corazon C. Aquino.

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4. RA 7659 – An act to impose death penalty on certain
heinous crimes, amending for that purpose the Revised
Penal Code. As amended, other special laws, and for other
purposes.

5. RA 6975 Sec. 54 – Which provides that the Fire Bureau

shall have the power to investigate all causes of fires and if
necessary file the proper complaint with the City/Provincial
Prosecutor who has jurisdiction over the case.

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 What Constitutes Arson?
1. Burning
2. Willfulness – means intentional and implies that the act was
done purposely and intentionally.
3. Malice – denotes hatred or ill will or a desire for revenge.
Deliberate intention of doing unjustified harm for the
satisfaction of doing it.
4. Motive – is the moving cause which induces the commission of a
crime. Something that leads or influences a person to do
something.
5. Intent – is the purpose or design with which the act is done and
involves the will. An essential element of crime, motive is not.
 Why is Arson very hard to
investigate?
Arson is one of the most difficult offenses to investigate because
the arsonists is able to set a fire and can escape undetected. The fire
can consume the scene and destroy much physical evidence of the
offense. Harder forms of evidence are often buried in debris and
grossly altered in appearance.

What Constitutes Burning?

 The mere fact that a building is scorched or discolored by heat is not
sufficient nor will bare intention or even an attempt to burn a house
amount to arson, if no part of it is burned.
 Yet, if there is actual ignition of any part of the building, arson is
committed, although there be no flame or the fire immediately goes
out of itself.
 To burn means to consume by fire and in the case of arson, if the
wood is blackened but no fibers are wasted, there is no burning, yet
the wood need not be in flame or blaze, and the burning of any part,
however, small is sufficient to constitute arson, and if the house is
charred in a single place so as to destroy the fibers of the wood, it is
sufficient to constitute arson.

What is Attempted Arson?

 In attempted arson, it is not necessary that there be a fire before the

crime is committed. No hard and fast rule is laid down by the law as
to the requirements for attempted arson. The peculiar facts and
circumstances of a particular case should carry more weight in the
decision of the case. Thus, a person intending to burn a wooden
structure, collects some rags, soaks them in gasoline and places them
beside the wooden wall of the building. When he is about to light a
match to set fire to the rags, he is discovered by another who chases
him away.
 The crime committed is attempted arson, because the offender
begins the commission of the crime directly by overacts (placing
the rags soaked in gasoline beside the wooden wall of the building
and lighting a match) but he does not perform all the acts of
execution (the setting of the fire to the rags) due to the timely
intervention of another who chases away) the offender.

What is Frustrated Arson?

 In frustrated arson, the fact of having set fire to some rags and jute
sacks soaked in kerosene oil and placed near the partition of the
entire soil of an inhabited house, should not be qualified as a
consummated arson, in as much as no part of the house had
begun to burn, although fire would have started in the said
partition had it not been extinguished on time. The crime
committed was frustrated arson.
 What is Consummated Arson?
 The offender did in fact set fire to the roof of the house and said house
was partially burned. The crime was consummated arson,
notwithstanding the fact that the fire afterwards extinguished for once it
has been started, the consummation of the crime of arson does not
depend upon the extent of the damage caused.
 Setting fire to the contents of a building constitutes the consummated
crime of setting fire to a building even if no part of the building was
burned.

Basis of Liability in Arson:

1. Kind and character of the building, whether of public or private

ownership.
2. Its location, whether in an uninhabited place or in a populated place.
3. Extent of damage caused; and
4. The fact of its being inhabited or not.
Some of the Arson Evidence that the
Investigator should seek at the Fire scene
are the following:
1. Unusually rapid spread of the fire.

2. Where it originates?

3. Separate fires – when two or more separate fires break-

out within a building, the fire is certainly suspicious.
4. Unusual odors – the odor of gasoline, alcohol, kerosene
and other inflammable liquids are indicated by their
characteristics and oftentimes, arsonists are trapped
because of this tell tale signs.
5. Objects that appear to be foreign to the scene such as
cans, candles, matches, explosives, electrical appliances
such as irons, heating elements, clocks, radios,
flammables, trailers, etc. 97
6. Charring pattern may indicate fire characteristics. The fact that the fire
feeds on combustible while propagating itself, indicates that the char
will generally be deepest from where the fire originates. When a fire is
extinguished quickly, the charring is only slightly below the surface. Fire
burning for a longer period of time will indicate a char that is deep
and pronounced. These facts are most apparent in the charring of
wood as a fire burns.

The charring from fire on woods looks like the hide of a black alligator.
Fire extinguished quickly on wood will show a large alligatoring
pattern that has not penetrate the wood to any extent.

Fire burning for a long period of time on wood will show small
alligatoring pattern but the char will go deep into the wood.

The direction of fire can also be taken into consideration with charring.
The exposed side of combustible will have a deeper char than the
unexposed side.
7. Evidence of forcible entry or lack of same may be important
depending on the circumstances at the time of the fire.

If the investigator determines there was no forcible entry

and finds that the building was secured prior to discovery of
the fire, he can reasonably suspect there is possibility that
the person who sets the fire entered the building with a key.

Doors and windows showing signs of forced entry may point

to arson preceded by burglary or arson by someone without
a key to the premises.
 Motives of
Arson
Motive
 Motive is the moving cause which induces a person to commit a
crime.

Is Motive Necessary to be Proven in Criminal Proceedings?

 No. motive is not necessary to be proven in criminal proceedings
but once motive is shown, then intent can easily established.
 In the crime of arson, the distinction between motive and intent is
clearly defined. INTENT is a material element of arson while motive
is not. INTENT is the purpose of design with which the act is done
and involves the will while MOTIVE is what induces the criminal.
 Motive Can Be Established By:
1. Economic Gain
A. Insurance fraud with the assured directly benefiting:
1. Desire to move – the premises may no longer be desirable
because of the condition of the building, the fact that the
quarters are outgrown or because of the locality.
2. Disposing of Merchandise – the stocks on hand may have lost
value by reason of the seasonal nature of the business, obsolesce,
scarcity of materials necessary to complete the contracts,
overstock in the absence of expected order or a changing
market.
3. Property Transaction – the business itself may no longer be
desirable because of impending liquidation, settlement of an
estate of which it is a part, the need for cash, prospective failure,
the comparatively greater value of the land, or the
comparatively greater value of the insurance benefits.
B. Profit by the Perpetrator other than the assured:
1. Insurance agents wishing business
2. Insurance adjusters desiring to adjust a loss by securing a contract
3. Business competitors
4. Persons seeking jobs as protection personnel
5. Salvagers
6. Contractors wishing to rebuild or wreck

2. Concealment of Crime:
 the arsonists may set fire to a building in order to conceal a
projected or past crime. He may wish to divert attention in
order to loot the burning premises or steal in other places.
The burning may be for the purpose of destroying
evidences.
3. Punitive Measure:
 An arsonists may use fire as a means of punishing another person
for reason of jealousy, hatred or revenge.

4. Intimidation or Economic Disabling:

 The fire may be used as a weapon of the saboteurs, the strikers or
the racketeers to intimidate or to disable economically as a step
toward forcing submission to certain demands.

5. Pyromania – is the uncontrollable impulse of a person to burn

anything without motivation. Pyromaniacs usually do not run
away from the scene of the crime, usually alone and feel satisfied
watching the flame.
 Types of Pyromaniacs:
1. Abnormal Youth – Epileptics, imbeciles and morons may set fire
without knowing the seriousness of the act.
2. The Hero Type – a person may set fire on a building,
subsequently pretends to discover it and turn in the alarm so
that he will appear a hero to the public. A person may burn a
building and endeavor to achieve spectacular rescue in order to
attract the attention of spectators.
3. Alcoholics and Drug Addicts – persons who subject themselves to
intense artificial stimulants such as narcotics sometimes develop
a strong urge toward incendiaries.
4. Sexual Deviates – some sex perverts derive sexual stimulation
from setting a fire and watching the flame. Frequently, he is
chronic masturbator who stimulates and enhances his sexual
gratification by means of arson.
6. Public Disturbance: an offender may resort to arson as a means
of a public disturbance because a fire attracts people and
destruction causes confusion that gives rise to attendant
problems that divert police attention.

7. Vandalism – is a general term denoting intentional burning to

destroy properties.

In determining motive, a fire investigator concentrates on three

major factors:
1. Points of origin of the fire
2. Modus operandi of the arsonist
3. Identify of persons who might benefits from the fire.
 Incendiary Materials
Incendiary materials are materials used to start a fire. They are
combustible; fuels.

1. Arson Chemicals (liquids) – are incendiary materials often used

by arsonists as accelerants. Possess excellent properties. Examples:
alcohol, benzene, petroleum ether, gasoline, kerosene, naptha,
turpentine.

2. Gases as acetylene, butane, CO, ethylene, hydrogen, natural gas,

propane, these are common gases resulting in fires from
explosion. These when mix with air possess excellent in ignition
properties and when present in an enclosed area can lead to
explosion.
3. Solids as chlorates, perchlorates, chromates, bichromates,
nitrates, permanganates – are typical families of oxidizing
agents which give off oxygen on decomposition thus aiding
in combustion.
 Prima Facie Evidence of Arson
 If the fire started simultaneously in more than one
part of the building or establishment.

 If substantial amount of flammable substances or

materials are stored within the building not
necessary in the business of the offender nor for
household use.

108
 If gasoline, kerosene, petroleum or other flammable or
combustible substances or materials soaked therewith or
containers, thereof, or any mechanical electrical, chemical or
electronic contrivance designed to start a fire, or ashes or traces
of any foregoing are found in the ruins or premises of the burned
building or property.
 If the building or property is insured for substantially more than
its actual value at the time of the issuance of policy.
 If a demand for money or other valuable consideration was
made before the fire in exchange for the distance of the offender
or for the safety of the person or property of the victim.

109
 If during the lifetime of the corresponding fire
insurance policy more than two fire have occurred in
the same or other premises owned or under the
control of the offender and/or insured.
 If shortly before the fire a substantial of the effects
and stored in building or property had been
withdrawn from the premises except in the ordinary
course of business.

110
 FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Republic Act No. 9514

- Approved on December 19, 2008

- Repealed PD 1185

- known as the "Revised Fire Code of the

Philippines of 2008".

111
Definition of terms

Abatement - Any act that would remove or neutralize a

fire hazard.
Administrator - Any person who acts as agent of the
owner and manages the use of a building for
him.
Blasting Agent - Any material or mixture consisting of a
fuel and oxidizer used to set off explosives.
Cellulose Nitrate Or Nitro Cellulose - A highly
combustible and explosive compound
produced by the reaction of nitric acid with a
cellulose material.
112
Cellulose Nitrate Plastic (Pyroxylin) - Any plastic
substance, materials or compound having cellulose
nitrate (nitro cellulose) as base.
Combustible, Flammable or Inflammable - Descriptive
of materials that are easily set on fire.
Combustible Fiber - Any readily ignitable and free
burning fiber such as cotton, oakum, rags, waste
cloth, waste paper, kapok, hay, straw, Spanish moss,
excelsior and other similar materials commonly used
in commerce.
Combustible Liquid - Any liquid having a flash point at
or above 37.8_C (100_F).

113
Corrosive Liquid - Any liquid which causes fire when
in contact with organic matter or with certain
chemicals.
Curtain Board - A vertical panel of non-combustible
or fire resistive materials attached to and
extending below the bottom chord of the roof
trusses, to divide the underside of the roof into
separate compartments so that heat and smoke
will be directed upwards to a roof vent.
Cryogenic - Descriptive of any material which by its
nature or as a result of its reaction with other
elements produces a rapid drop in temperature of
the immediate surroundings.
114
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
temperature in separate the more volatile from
the less volatile parts and then cooling and
condensing the resulting vapor so as to produce
a nearly purified substance.
Duct System - A continuous passageway for the
transmission of air.
Dust - A finely powdered substance which, when
mixed with air in the proper proportion and
ignited will cause an explosion.
115
Electrical Arc - An extremely hot luminous bridge
formed by passage of an electric current across a
space between two conductors or terminals due to
the incandescence of the conducting vapor.
Ember - A hot piece or lump that remains after a
material has partially burned, and is still oxidizing
without the manifestation of flames.
Finishes - Materials used as final coating of a surface
for ornamental or protective purposes.
Fire - The active principle of burning, characterized
by the heat and light of combustion.

116
Fire Trap - A building unsafe in case of fire because it will
burn easily or because it lacks adequate exits or fire
escapes.
Fire Alarm - Any visual or audible signal produced by a
device or system to warm the occupants of the building or
fire fighting elements of the presence or danger of fire to
enable them to undertake immediate action to save life
and property and to suppress the fire.
Fire Door - A fire resistive door prescribed for openings in
fire separation walls or partitions.
Fire Hazard - Any condition or act which increases or may
cause an increase in the probability of the occurrence of
fire, or which may obstruct, delay, hinder or interfere with
fire fighting operations and the safeguarding of life and
property.
117
Fire Lane - The portion of a roadway or publicway that
should be kept opened and unobstructed at all times
for the expedient operation of fire fighting units.
Fire Protective And Fire Safety Device - Any device
intended for the protection of buildings or persons to
include but not limited to built-in protection system
such as sprinklers and other automatic extinguishing
system, detectors for heat, smoke and combustion
products and other warning system components,
personal protective equipment such as fire blankets,
helmets, fire suits, gloves and other garments that
may be put on or worn by persons to protect
themselves during fire.

118
Fire Safety Constructions - Refers to design and
installation of walls, barriers, doors, windows, vents,
means of egress, etc. integral to and incorporated into
a building or structure in order to minimize danger to
life from fire, smoke, fumes or panic before the
building is evacuated. These features are also
designed to achieve, among others, safe and rapid
evacuation of people through means of egress sealed
from smoke or fire, the confinement of fire or smoke
in the room or floor of origin and delay their spread to
other parts of the building by means of smoke sealed
and fire resistant doors, walls and floors. It shall also
mean to include the treatment of buildings
components or contents with flame retardant
chemicals. 119
Flash Point - The minimum temperature at which
any material gives off vapor in sufficient
concentration to form an ignitable mixture with
air.
Forcing -A process where a piece of metal is heated
prior to changing its shape or dimensions.
Fulminate - A kind of stable explosive compound
which explodes by percussion.
Hazardous Operation/Process - Any act of
manufacturing, fabrication, conversion, etc., that
uses or produces materials which are likely to
cause fires or explosions.

120
Horizontal Exit - Passageway from one
building to another or through or around a
wall in approximately the same floor level.
Hose Box - A box or cabinet where fire
hoses, valves and other equipment are
stored and arranged for fire fighting.
Hose Reel - A cylindrical device turning on
an axis around which a fire hose is wound
and connected.

121
Hypergolic Fuel - A rocket or liquid propellant which
consist of combinations of fuels and oxidizers
which ignite spontaneously on contact with each
other.
Industrial Baking And Drying - The industrial process
of subjecting materials to heat for the purpose of
removing solvents or moisture from the same,
and/or to fuse certain chemical salts to form a
uniform glazing the surface of materials being
treated.
Jumper - A piece of metal or an electrical conductor
used to bypass a safety device in an electrical
system.

122
Occupancy - The purpose for which a building or
portion thereof is used or intended to be used.
Occupant - Any person actually occupying and
using a building or portions thereof by virtue
of a lease contract with the owner or
administrator or by permission or sufferance of
the latter.
Organic Peroxide - A strong oxidizing organic
compound which releases oxygen readily. It
causes fire when in contact with combustible
materials especially under conditions of high
temperature.
123
Overloading - The use of one or more electrical
appliances or devices which draw or consume
electrical current beyond the designed capacity
of the existing electrical system.
Owner - The person who holds the legal right of
possession or title to a building or real
property.
Oxidizing Material - A material that readily yields
oxygen in quantities sufficient to stimulate or
support combustion.

124
Pressurized Or Forced Draft Burning
Equipment - Type or burner where the fuel
is subjected to pressure prior to discharge
into the combustion chamber and/or which
includes fans or other provisions for the
introduction of air at above normal
atmosphere pressure into the same
combustion chamber.
Public Assembly Building - Any building or
structure where fifty (50) or more people
congregate, gather, or assemble for any
purpose.
125
Public Way - Any street, alley or other strip of land
unobstructed from the ground to the sky, deeded,
dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated for
public use.
Pyrophoric - Descriptive of any substance that ignites
spontaneously when exposed to air.
Refining - A process where impurities and/or
deleterious materials are removed from a mixture in
order to produce a pure element of compound. It
shall also refer to partial distillation and electrolysis.
Self-Closing Doors - Automatic closing doors that are
designed to confine smoke and heat and delay the
spread of fire.

126
Smelting - Melting or fusing of metallic ores
or compounds so as to separate impurities
from pure metals.
Sprinkler System - An integrated network of
hydraulically designed piping installed in a
building, structure or area with outlets
arranged in a systematic pattern which
automatically discharges water when
activated by heat or combustion products
from a fire.

127
Standpipe System - A system of vertical pipes
in a building to which fire hoses can be
attached on each floor, including a system
by which water is made available to the
outlets as needed.
Vestibule - A passage hall or antechamber
between the outer doors and the interior
parts of a house or building.
Vertical Shaft - An enclosed vertical space of
passage that extends from floor to floor, as
well as from the base to the top of the
building.
128
I. RECORDING
a. Photograph
1. Crowd
2. Vehicles
- make and color
- speedometer reading
- key position
- plate number
3. Color of Flames and Smoke
b. Audio, Video Utilization
c. Sketch Preparation
1. Rough Sketch
2. Progression Sketch
II. INFORMATION GATHERING

a. Noting Characteristics of the Fire:

1. Rapidity of the spread of flame.
2. Color of the Smoke and Flames.
3. Identifiable Odors
4. Area of origin
II. INFORMATION GATHERING
b. Taking Notes on the Following:

1. Unnatural state of the premises.

2. Obstacle on entry point.
3. Door and window locked.
4. Fire alarm or other fire protection
equipments disconnected/sabotage.
5. Artificial drafts by making opening.
6. Block entrance.
7. Contents of the building.
II. INFORMATION GATHERING
c. Interview and Elicitation

1. Witnesses - Discoverer of fire

2. Fire Victims
3. Responding Firefighter as to
area of origin.
4. Neighbors
- Outside the Involved Building
- Inside the Involved Building
III. FINDING THE AREA OF ORIGIN
1. Useful Technique
Observation of the direction of
spread of the flames. The fire then
can be traced backward to its
starting point and other observable
fire pattern.
a. Locate the lines or area of
demarcation. The boarding defining
the differences in certain heat
and smoke effects of the fire upon
various materials.
III. FINDING THE AREA OF ORIGIN
1. Useful Technique
b. Surface effects - depth of
charring, pattern of allegation:
spalling and clean burn.
c. Penetration of Horizontal
Surfaces (patterns such as V, U,
inverted V & U and saddle burn).
d. Loss of Materials -
consumption of combustible
materials/melting.
III. FINDING THE AREA OF ORIGIN
2. Interview first responding
firefighters fire victims, witnesses
and neighbors who can attest to
some previous information.
 ORGANIZATION
AND BASIC STAGES
IN SEARCH OPERATIONS
I. Preparation
A. Team Briefing
1. Materials requirement
of involved members
2. Discussed search
pattern use:
 strip
 double strip
 wheel
 spiral
 zone
I. Preparation
A. Team Briefing
3. Assignment / role of
individual team
members.

4. Set up command post

5. Organize communication
with services auxiliary.
6. Coordination with other
agencies.
II. Secure and Protect the
Scene
a. Determine the extent to
which the scene has been
protected.

b. Check the adequate scene

security.

c. Take extensive notes, do

not rely on memory.
II. Secure and Protect the
Scene
d. Keep a record of persons/
individual who enters &
leave.

e. Established frame of
minutes to take control of
scene regardless of
circumstances observed
on arrival
III. Initiates Preliminary
Survey
a. Accomplished a
cautious walk through
the scene.

b. Acquire preliminary
photograph.

c. Delineate extent of the

search area.
III. Initiates Preliminary
Survey
d. Determine personnel
and equipment needs.

e. Identify and protect

transient physical
evidence.

f. Develop general theory

of the crime.
III. Initiates Preliminary
Survey
g. Record vehicles
identification number,
key position and
odometer reading.

h. Concentrate on most
transient evidence and
work to the least
transient form of
physical evidence.
III. Initiates Preliminary
Survey
i. Focus first on the easily
accessible areas in open
view and progress
eventually to possible
outer view locations, look
for a purposively hidden
items.
j. Consider whether the
evidence appears to have
been moved inadvertently.
III. Initiates Preliminary
Survey
k. Evaluate whether or not
the scene and evidence
appears unintentionally
contrived.
l. Two basic search
approaches:
1. "Cautious" search of visible
areas, taking steps to avoid
evidence loss or contamination.
2. After the "cautious“ search, a
vigorous search for hidden
concealed areas.
IV. Depict Scene
Photographically

a. Begin photography as
soon as possible.
b. Document the
photographic effort with a
photographic logbook.

c. Insure that a progression

of overall, medium and
close-up view of the
scene is establish.
IV. Depict Scene
Photographically

d. Use recognize scale device

for size determination when
applicable.
e. When scale device is used
first take photograph with
out the inclusion of the
device.
f. Photograph evidence in
place before its collection
and packaging.
IV. Depict Scene
Photographically

g. Be observant on
photographs areas
adjacent to the crime
scene – points of entry,
exits, windows.
h. Photograph items,
places, etc to collaborate
the statement of
witnesses, victims, and
suspects.
IV. Depict Scene
Photographically
i. Prepares photographic
sketch and photo
logbook.
j. Do not hesitate to
photograph something
which has no apparent
significant at that time, it
may later prove to be a
key element in the
investigation.
V. Prepare Sketch of the Scene

The diagram establishes

permanent record of items
condition and distance/ size
relationship - diagram
photographs.
V. Prepare Sketch of the Scene

a. Typical Materials on rough

sketch (not drawn to
scale)
 Case Identifier
 Location
 Date/Time
 Scale or Scale Disclaims
 Compass Orientation
 Measurements
 Key of Legends
 Sketch Preparer
V. Prepare Sketch of the Scene
b. General Progression of
Sketches
 Layout basic perimeter
 Set forth fixed objects,
furniture, etc.
 Insert evidence as it is
recovered
 Record appropriate
measurements
 Set forth key/ Legends
compass orientation
 Others
V. Prepare Sketch of the Scene
c. Number designation on
sketch should be
coordinated with same
number designation on
evidence log.

d. Insure that enough room

is allowed to include all
pertinent information and
measurement.
VI. Collect and Preserve
Evidence

a. Collect evidence in
accordance with standard
practice.

b. Use specialized search

patterns (strip, double
strip, zone, wheel)
VI. Collect and Preserve
Evidence

c. Photograph all items

before collection and
enter notation in
photographic logbook.

d. Mark evidence location in

diagram sketch.
VI. Collect and Preserve
Evidence
e. Have at least 2 persons:
 See evidence in place
before collection;
 Observe it being collected;
 Tag zeal evidence;
 Place identifying marks on
evidence container and
document the proceeding
by photograph.

f. Do not handle evidence

excessively after recovery.
VI. Collect and Preserve
Evidence
g. If feasible, have one
person as an evidence
custodian to prepare
evidence chain of custody,
and evidence log.

h. Seal all evidence

containers at the crime
scene.
VI. Collect and Preserve
Evidence
i. The best container for
physical evidence such
as debris with possible
flammable accelerants is
clean can, or jar and
thus, evidence plastic
container can do.
VI. Collect and Preserve
Evidence

j. Do not forget entrance/

exit areas at the scene to
obtain appropriate and
substantial known
standards.

k. Do not over documented

the physical evidence.
Collection of Liquid Samples
for Accelerant Testing

 Liquid accelerants may

be collected with
a. New syringe
b. Siphoning device
c. Evidence container
itself
d. Sterilize cotton balls or
gauge pads may also
be used to absorbed
the liquid
Where liquid accelerants are
believed to have become
trapped in porous materials
such as concrete floor

a. Lime
b. Diatomaceous
earth
c. flour
Collection of liquid
evidence absorbed by
solid materials including
soils and sand

a. Scooping
b. Sawing
c. Scraping
d. Core drilling
 Collecting of Solid samples
for accelerant testing
 Solid accelerant may be
common household materials
and compounds or dangerous
chemicals. When collecting
solid accelerants:
a. The fire investigator must
ensure that the solid
accelerant is maintained in
physical state in which is
found
b. Some incendiary materials
remain Corrosive and Reactive
c. Ensure the corrosive nature of
these residue 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

1 2

1 2

1 2

1 2
 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.
 PHASES OF FIREFIGHTING
1.PRE-FIRE PLANNING
2.SIZE-UP
3.RESCUE
4.EXTRICATION
5.CONFINEMENT
6.VENTILLATION
7.EXTINGUISHMENT
8.SALVAGE
9.OVERHAUL/MOPPING
10.POST FIRE ANALYSIS 168
END . . . .

THANK YOU!

169