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CDI 6 FIRE Technology AND Arson Investigation

Criminology (Isabela State University)

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FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION

FIRE not occur. If ignition has already

- a rapid, self-sustaining oxidation occurred, the fire is extinguished when
process accompanied by the evolution one of the components is removed from
of heat and light of varying intensity the reaction.
- an active chemical reaction that takes
place between fuel, heat and oxygen in OXYGEN (Oxidizing Agent)
the form of light and noticeable heat - a colorless, odorless gas and one of the
- a chemical reaction; the rapid oxidation compositions of air which is
of a fuel producing heat and light approximately 21% percent by volume
- an oxidation taking place with a rate -
rapid enough to produce heat and light Oxygen sources: Oxygen requirements:
1. 21% of normal oxygen 1. 12% no fire
TECHNOLOGY 2. 78% nitrogen 2. 14% flash point
- the branch of knowledge that deals with 3. 1% other gases 3. 21% fire point
industrial arts and sciences
- the application of such knowledge that is FUEL
used to produce the material necessity - the material or substance being oxidized
of society or 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 HEAT
contains: 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen - the energy component of the fire
and 1% impurities tetrahedron
HEAT - when heat comes into contact with a
- source of ignition fuel, the energy supports the
combustion reaction
TRIANGLE OF FIRE - heat energy is measured in units of
For many years, the fire triangle Joules (J), however it can also be
(oxygen, fuel and heat) was taught as the measured in Calories (1 Calorie = 4.184
components of fire. While this simple example is J) and BTU's (1 BTU = 1055 J)
useful, it is NOT technically correct.
TEMPERATURE
TETRAHEDRON OF FIRE - a measure of the degree of molecular
- a geometric representation of what is activity of a material compared to a
required for fire to exist, namely, fuel, an reference point
oxidizing agent, heat, and an uninhibited - a measure of the degree of molecular
chemical reaction activity of a material compared to a
reference point
FIRE TETRAHEDRON - measured in degrees Farenheit or
degrees Celsius
- Oxygen (oxidizing agent)
- Fuel ºC ºF Response
- Heat 37 98.6 Normal human oral/body temperature
- Self-sustained chemical reaction 44 111 Human skin begins to feel pain
48 118 Human skin receives a first degree burn
Each component of the 55 131 Human skin receives a second degree
tetrahedron must be in place for 62 140 A phase where burned human tissue
combustion to occur. Remove one of the becomes numb
four components and combustion will 72 162 Human skin is instantly destroyed

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100 212 Water boils and produces steam 2) Heat of compression - heat is
140 284 Glass transition temperature of polycarbonate generated when a gas is compressed in
230 446 Melting temperature of polycarbonate a container or cylinder
250 482 Charring of natural cotton begins
300 572 Charring of modern protective clothing SELF-SUSTAINED CHEMICAL REACTION
fabrics begins
Combustion is a complex reaction that
600 1112 Temperatures inside a post-flashover
requires a fuel (in the gaseous or vapor state),
room fire
an oxidizer, and heat energy to come together in
Types of Energy (common sources of heat) a very specific way. Once flaming combustion or
1. Chemical Energy fire occurs, it can only continue when enough
2. Electrical Energy heat energy is produced to cause the continued
3. Nuclear Energy development of fuel vapors or gases. Scientists
4. Mechanical Energy 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
CHEMICAL ENERGY individual reaction being added to the rest.
- the most common source of heat in
combustion reactions FIRE DEVELOPMENT
When any combustible is in When the four components of the fire
contact with oxygen, oxidation occurs. tetrahedron come together, ignition occurs. For a
The reaction of this process results in fire to grow beyond the first material ignited,
the production of heat. heat must be transmitted beyond the first
ex. Heat generated from burning match, material to additional fuel packages.
self heating (spontaneous heating)
Stages of Fire
ELECTRICAL ENERGY - Ignition
- can generate temperature high enough - Growth
to ignite any combustible material near the - Flashover
heated area - Fully-developed
- Decay
Examples: IGNITION
1. over current or overload - describes the period when the four
2. arcing elements of the fire tetrahedron come
3. sparking together and combustion begins
4. static
5. lightning GROWTH
- shortly after ignition, a fire plume begins
NUCLEAR ENERGY to form above the burning fuel. As the
- generated when atoms either split apart plume develops, it begins to draw or
(fission) or combine (fusion) entrain air from the surrounding space
Ex. into the column.
1. fission heats water to drive steam
turbines and produce electricity FLASHOVER
2. solar energy is a product of a fusion - the transition between the growth and
reaction the fully developed fire stages and is not
a specific event such as ignition. During
MECHANICAL ENERGY flashover, conditions in the compartment
- an energy created by friction and change very rapidly as the fire changes
compression from one that is dominated by the
burning of the materials first ignited to
1) Heat of friction - the movement of two one that involves all of the exposed
surfaces against each other, thus combustible surfaces within the
producing sparks compartment.

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FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION

FULLY-DEVELOPED - heat transfer within solids or

- occurs when all combustible materials in between contacting solids
the compartment are involved in the fire
When a hot object transfers its heat,
DECAY conduction has taken place. The transfer could
- as the fire consumes the available fuel be to another object or to another portion of the
in the compartment, the rate of heat same object. As we have discovered and will be
released begins to decline. constantly reinforced about, combustion occurs
on the molecular level. When an object heats
THREE (3) STAGES OF FIRE up, the atoms become agitated and begin to
1. Incipient phase collide with one another. A chain reaction of
2. Free burning phase molecules and atoms, like wave energy, occurs
3. Smoldering and causes the agitated molecules to pass the
heat energy to areas of non-heat.
1. INCIPIENT STAGE
- initial stage of fire
CONVECTION
Characteristics - heat transfer by the movement
- normal room temperature of liquids or gasses
- oxygen plentiful
- thermal updraft rise Air that is hotter than its surroundings
accumulates at higher point rises. Air that is cooler than its surroundings
- temperature at 1000 F sinks. Air is made up of many molecules floating
- Producing C02, CO, SO2, water about freely. Even so, it still has weight. Some
and other gases molecules are made up of the same element.
For example, oxygen in its natural state will
2. FREE BURNING PHASE combine with another oxygen atom to form a
- a phase of burning in which stable oxygen molecule. In a given volume, air
materials or structures are at a given temperature will have the same
burning in the presence of density. When heated, as in conduction theory,
adequate oxygen the molecules become agitated and begin to
collide with one another. In the process, the
Characteristics molecules are demanding more space to
- fire has involved more fuel accommodate the vibrations and they push into
- oxygen supply has depleted one another as they seek that space. When that
- heat accumulates at upper area happens, the density of a given volume is
- temperature exceeds 1,330 F reduced and it weighs less. Because it weighs
- area is fully involved less, it rises until it reaches equilibrium-the level
at which the weight is the same as the
3. SMOLDERING PHASE surrounding atmosphere.
- final phase of burning wherein
flame ceases but dense smoke RADIATION
and heat completely fill the - heat transfer by electromagnetic
confined room waves
MODES OF HEAT TRANSFER
The last form of heat transfer occurs by
Heat is by-product of combustion that is radiation. As we have already seen, heat energy
of significant importance to the firefighter. It is can be transmitted directly when molecules
heat that causes fire to sustain its combustion collide with one another and cause the waves of
and, more important, to extend. When heat heat energy to travel.
given off as a product of combustion is exposed
to an unheated substance, certain changes FLAME CONTACT
occur that can make the new substance a - heat may be conducted from one body
contributing factor in extending a fire. to another by direct flame contact

CONDUCTION PROPERTIES OF FIRE

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FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION

1. Physical properties - a chemical change in which

2. Chemical Properties combustible material and an
oxidizing material react
1. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES d. Combustion or flame
a. Specific gravity - the manifestation of fire is in its
- the ratio of the weight of a solid gas-phased combustion; matter
or substance to the weight of an that is produced by fire.
equal volume of water
b. Vapor density Material
- the weight of volume of pure Ignition Temperature
gas compared to weight of a F
volume of dry air at the same C
temperature and pressure Gasoline 536
c. Vapor pressure 280
- the force exerted by the Kerosene 410
molecules on the surface of the 210
liquid at the equilibrium Turpentine 488
d. Temperature 253
- the measure of the thermal Paper 842
degree of the agitation of 450
molecules of a given substance; Wood 489
the measure of the molecular 254
activity within the substance Coal 750
e. Boiling Point 400
- the constant temperature at
which the vapor pressure of the CLASSIFICATIONS OF FIRE
liquid is equal to the
atmospheric pressure I. BASED ON CAUSE
f. Ignition temperature a. Natural fire/ providential
- the minimum temperature to b. Accidental fire
which the substance in the air c. Intentional Fire/Incendiary
must be heated in order to d. Undetermined
initiate or cause self-contained
combustion without addition of A. NATURAL FIRE
heat from outside sources - involves fires without direct
g. Fire point human intervention
- the temperature at which the Examples:
material will give off ample - Earthquake
vapors to keep burning - Typhoon
h. Flash point - Lightning
- the temperature at which the - Spontaneous combustion
material is not hot enough to arising from the storage of
keep burning, but still gives off combustible materials in poorly
enough vapors to cause a flame ventilated places
across the surface - Explosion from petroleum
2. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES products, alcohol and other substances
a. Endothermic reaction - Sun rays focused on glasses
- are changes whereby energy is which may serve as a convex lens
absorbed or is added before the
reaction takes place B. ACCIDENTAL FIRE
b. Exothermic reaction - Carelessly discarded cigarettes
- reactions or changes that
releases or give off energy - Careless disposition of readily
c. Oxidation combustible materials

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FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION
- Poorly managed or defective
heating facilities
- Overheating, spark
electrical defects
- Overload electric circuits/
Octopus connections
- Children playing matches
- Use of candles
C. INCENDIARY FIRE
- 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
II. BASED ON BURNING FUEL
CLASS A
- ordinary solid materials such as wood,
paper, fabrics, etc.
- this will be indicated by deep cited fire,
leaves ashes and embers (glowing
coals) after burning
CLASS B
- flammable liquids such as gasoline, lube
oil, kerosene, paint thinner, etc.
CLASS C
- electrical appliances; causes electric
shock
CLASS D
- metal fire such as magnesium (white
element burning with dazzling light),
sodium (a silver white metallic element),
etc.; creates violent reaction
CLASS E
- flammable gases such as LPG, LNG,
etc.; also creates violent reaction
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 is no longer existing in Europe)
F – cooking oils and fats
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Fire Classes in Australia and Asia
A – everyday combustibles
and B – combustible or combustible liquids
C – combustible gasses
D – combustible metals
E – electrical equipment
F – cooking fats and oils
Fire Classes in the U.S.A. (NFPA)
A – regular combustibles
B – flammable liquids and gasses
C – electrical appliances
D – combustible metals
K – cooking oils and fats
FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT
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
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
Strategies Used in Firefighting:
1. Locate the fire
2. Confine the fire
3. Extinguish the fire
4. Exposures
Factors to Consider in Extinguishment:
1. Time
2. Weather (temperature, humidity, wind)
3. Fire ( ex. Extent, location, bldg
construction, contents involved)
4. Occupancy
5. Ventilation (used for clearing the bldg of
smoke and gases)
Types of Ventilation:
a. Vertical ventilation - must be worked
from the top to bottom
b. Cross or horizontal ventilation - used if
gases have not reached the higher level
through the opening of windows
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FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION

c. Mechanical force ventilation - a method 4. Heel - the part of the ladder that touches
whereby a device such as smoke the ground
ejector is utilized to remove faster 5. Halyard - a rope or cable used to raised
excessive heat and dense smoke the fly ladder
6. Pawl or dog - the mechanism located at
Factors to determine the location for the the end of the fly ladder that locks to the
opening: bed ladder
1. Location of intensity of fire 7. Rung - the cross member of the ladder
2. Highest point on the roof that is used for climbing
3. Direction of wind 8. Top or tip - it is the top part of the ladder
4. Existing exposure 9. Hooks - part of a ladder that is used to
5. Extent of fire hook over a roof peak, sills, or walls
6. Obstruction where the heel does not rest on a
foundation. (roof type ladders)
ADDITIONAL BASIC TACTICS USED IN 10. Stops - made of metal or wood blocks
EXTINGUISHING FIRE used to prevent the fly of an extension
1. RESCUE - any action taken by the ladder from extending out further from
firefighters to remove occupants/ the ladder
persons from building/ hazards to a 11. Guides - light metal strips of an
safety place extension ladder that guides the fly
2. OVERHAUL - a complete and detailed ladder while it is being raised or lowered
checked of the structures and materials
involved in the fire to make sure that ARSON INVESTIGATIVE GUIDE AND
every spark and ember has been PROCEDURES
extinguished and to have assurance
against re-ignition ARSON
3. SALVAGE - an action taken by the - the willful and malicious burning of all
firefighters in preventing excessive kinds of buildings and structures
damage by fire, water with the use of including personal properties
salvage cover or by removing materials
out from the burning building INVESTIGATION
- an art that deals with the identity and
Types of ladder location of the offender and provides
1. Ground ladders (10 to 55 ft. long) evidence of his guilt in criminal
2. Aerial ladders proceedings

Purposes of ladders ELEMENTS OF ARSON

a. for rescue 1. Actual burning took place
b. to stretch line into a fire building 2. Actual burning is done with malicious
c. to provide ventilation by giving access to intent
places that are hard to reach 3. The actual burning is done by person(s)
legally and criminally liable
Forms of ground ladders
a. Wall LAW AND JURISPRUDENCE
b. Extension The law on arson in the Philippines is
c. Hook or straight ladder covered by Articles 320 to 326 of the Revised
d. Attic ladder Penal Code, as amended by PD No. 1613, PD
No. 1744, and Sec. 50 Rule VIII IRR of RA 6975
LADDER TERMINOLOGY which provides that the Bureau of Fire
1. Bed ladder - the lowest section of an Protection (BFP) shall have the power to
extension ladder investigate all causes of fires and, if necessary,
2. Fly ladder - the top section of an file the proper complaint with the City/Provincial
extension ladder prosecutor who has jurisdiction over arson
3. Butt - the bottom end of a ladder cases.

LAWS ON ARSON

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1. Article 320 – 326 of the Revised Penal an attempt to burn a house amount to
Code arson, if no part of it is burned.
- defines arson, its forms and  Yet, if there is actual ignition of any part
penalties of the building, arson is committed,
2. PD 1613 – the law amending the law on although there be no flame or the fire
arson immediately goes out of itself.
- defining the prima facie  To burn means to consume by fire and
evidence of arson in the case of arson, if the wood is
blackened but no fibers are wasted,
3. RA 7659 there is no burning, yet the wood need
- An Act to Impose Death Penalty not be in flame or blaze, and the burning
on Certain Heinous Crimes, amending of any part, however, small is sufficient
for that purpose the Revised Penal to constitute arson, and if the house is
Code as amended, other special laws, charred in a single place so as to
and for other purposes destroy the fibers of the wood, it is
4. RA 6975 Sec. 54 sufficient to constitute arson.
- provides that the Fire Bureau
shall have the power to investigate all What is Attempted Arson?
causes of fires and if necessary file the  In attempted arson, it is not necessary
proper complaint with the City/Provincial that there be a fire before the crime is
Prosecutor who has jurisdiction over the committed. No hard and fast rule is laid
case down by the law as to the requirements
for attempted arson. The peculiar facts
What Constitutes Arson? and circumstances of a particular case
1. Burning should carry more weight in the decision
2. Willfulness – means intentional and of the case. Thus, a person intending to
implies that the act was done purposely burn a wooden structure, collects some
and intentionally rags, soaks them in gasoline and places
3. Malice – denotes hatred or ill will or a them beside the wooden wall of the
desire for revenge; deliberate intention building. When he is about to light a
of doing unjustified harm for the match to set fire to the rags, he is
satisfaction of doing it discovered by another who chases him
4. Motive – the moving cause which away.
induces the commission of a crime;
something that leads or influences a  The crime committed is attempted
person to do something arson, because the offender begins the
5. Intent – the purpose or design with commission of the crime directly by
which the act is done and involves the overacts (placing the rags soaked in
will; an essential element of crime, gasoline beside the wooden wall of the
motive is not building and lighting a match) but he
does not perform all the acts of
Why is arson very hard to investigate? execution (the setting of the fire to the
rags) due to the timely intervention of
Arson is one of the most difficult another who chases away) the offender.
offenses to investigate because the arsonist can
be able to set a fire and escape undetected. The What is Frustrated Arson?
fire can consume the scene and destroy much  In frustrated arson, the fact of having set
physical evidence of the offense. Harder forms fire to some rags and jute sacks soaked
of evidence are often buried in debris and in kerosene oil and placed near the
grossly altered in appearance. partition of the entire soil of an inhabited
house, should not be qualified as a
What Constitutes Burning? consummated arson, in as much as no
 The mere fact that a building is part of the house had begun to burn,
scorched or discolored by heat is not although fire would have started in the
sufficient nor will bare intention or even said partition had it not been

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FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION
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 originated?
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.
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
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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:
I. 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

FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION
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,
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
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.
Punitive Measure:
- An arsonists may use fire as a means of
punishing another person for reason of
jealousy, hatred or revenge.
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
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economically as a step toward forcing
submission to certain demands.
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
the 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.
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.
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
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- materials used to start a fire; Combustible, Flammable or Inflammable -

combustible fuels Descriptive of materials that are easily set on
1. Arson Chemicals (liquids) – are fire.
incendiary materials often used by Combustible Fiber - Any readily ignitable and
arsonists as accelerants. Possess free burning fiber such as cotton, oakum, rags,
excellent properties. Examples: alcohol, waste cloth, waste paper, kapok, hay, straw,
benzene, petroleum ether, gasoline, Spanish moss, excelsior and other similar
kerosene, naptha, turpentine. materials commonly used in commerce.
2. Gases as acetylene, butane, CO,
ethylene, hydrogen, natural gas, Combustible Liquid - Any liquid having a flash
propane, these are common gases point at or above 37.8_C (100_F).
resulting in fires from explosion. These
when mix with air possess excellent in Corrosive Liquid - Any liquid which causes fire
ignition properties and when present in when in contact with organic matter or with
an enclosed area can lead to explosion. certain chemicals.
3. Solids as chlorates, perchlorates,
chromates, bichromates, nitrates, Curtain Board - A vertical panel of non-
permanganates – are typical families of combustible or fire resistive materials attached
oxidizing agents which give off oxygen to and extending below the bottom chord of the
on decomposition thus aiding in roof trusses, to divide the underside of the roof
combustion. 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
FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES elements produces a rapid drop in temperature
of the immediate surroundings.
Republic Act No. 9514
- Approved on December 19, 2008 Damper - A normally open device installed inside
- Repealed PD 1185 an air duct system which automatically closes to
- known as the "Revised Fire Code of the restrict the passage of smoke or fire.
Philippines of 2008".
Distillation - The process of first raising the
Definition of terms temperature in separate the more volatile from
Abatement - Any act that would remove or the less volatile parts and then cooling and
neutralize a fire hazard. condensing the resulting vapor so as to produce
a nearly purified substance.
Administrator - Any person who acts as agent of
the owner and manages the use of a building for Duct System - A continuous passageway for the
him. transmission of air.

Blasting Agent - Any material or mixture Dust - A finely powdered substance which, when
consisting of a fuel and oxidizer used to set off mixed with air in the proper proportion and
explosives. ignited will cause an explosion.

Cellulose Nitrate Or Nitro Cellulose - A highly
combustible and explosive compound produced
by the reaction of nitric acid with a cellulose
material.
Cellulose Nitrate Plastic (Pyroxylin) - Any plastic
substance, materials or compound having
cellulose nitrate (nitro cellulose) as base.
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.

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FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION
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.
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.
Fire Lane - The portion of a roadway or public
way 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.
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
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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.
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.
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.
Hypergolic Fuel - A rocket or liquid propellant
which consists 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.
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.
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FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION

in a systematic pattern which automatically

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.
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.
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.
discharges water when activated by heat or
combustion products from a fire.
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.
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

Public Assembly Building - Any building or Where liquid accelerants are believed to have
structure where fifty (50) or more people become trapped in porous materials such as
congregate, gather, or assemble for any concrete floor:
purpose. a. Lime
b. Diatomaceous earth
Public Way - Any street, alley or other strip of c. flour
land unobstructed from the ground to the sky,
deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently Collection of liquid evidence absorbed by solid
appropriated for public use. materials including soils and sand:
Pyrophoric - Descriptive of any substance that a. Scooping
ignites spontaneously when exposed to air. b. Sawing
c. Scraping
Refining - A process where impurities and/or d. Core drilling
deleterious materials are removed from a Collecting of Solid samples for accelerant testing
mixture in order to produce a pure element of Solid accelerant may be common household
compound. It shall also refer to partial distillation materials and compounds or dangerous
and electrolysis. chemicals. When collecting solid accelerants:
a. The fire investigator must ensure that
Self-Closing Doors - Automatic closing doors the solid accelerant is maintained in
that are designed to confine smoke and heat physical state in which is found
and delay the spread of fire. b. Some incendiary materials remain
Corrosive and Reactive
Smelting - Melting or fusing of metallic ores or c. Ensure the corrosive nature of these
compounds so as to separate impurities from residue does not attack the packaging
pure metals. container

Sprinkler System - An integrated network of Collection of Gaseous samples

hydraulically designed piping installed in a Method of Collection:
building, structure or area with outlets arranged

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FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION

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.

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