Did you know. . . . . . that arson has been described as the fastest-growing crime in America? . . . that arson is the most expensive crime committed? . . . that over 8 billion dollars was estimated lost due to fires in 1994? . . . that an estimated 86,000 structure fires of incendiary or suspicious origin were reported in 1994? David Redsicker provides these statistics and much more, including practical methods, information, and advice for investigating these types of crimes, in Practical Fire and Arson Investigation, Second Edition. Extensively rewritten second edition of this practical manual - More than 40% new material! Practical Fire and Arson Investigation, Second Edition is a significantly revised, updated, and expanded new edition of this best-selling book in the Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations series, edited by Vernon Geberth. As in the first edition, specific details on the basic principles are presented, and advanced applied techniques for conducting a thorough fire and arson investigation are detailed. New topics covered in the Second Edition include: Extensively rewritten chapters on determining origin and cause, eliminating accidental fire causes, investigating fatal fires and vehicular fires, and documenting the fire/crime scene Fire scene photography using "painting with light" Importance of evidence preservation and analysis in civil litigation of liability and product defects

Practical Fire and Arson Investigation, Third Edition continues to inform all levels of investigators in the practice of investigating fires. From determining origin and cause, through interviews and documentation, to court testimony, this best-selling text covers all aspects of a typical arson investigation and uses recent cases studies from the author's investigations. Special chapters detail fires that result in fatalities, vehicular fires, and evidence collection. This edition includes the investigation of arson as a terrorist act, an exhaustive glossary of terms, and an eight-page color insert showing details of flames, smoke, and burn patterns.

Packed with hundreds of case studies, outlines, charts, illustrations and photographs Written by a 17-year veteran of fire investigation, Practical Fire and Arson Investigation presents specific details on the basic principles and advanced applied techniques for conducting a thorough fire and arson investigation. The text is based on the author's experience as both a fire fighter and a fire investigator, and provides a systematic approach to the multifaceted and highly technical field of fire investigation.

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

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

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) are pleased to bring you Fire Investigator: Principles and Practice, Sixth Edition, the next evolution in fire investigator training. Covering the entire spectrum of the 2020 Edition of NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigation and 2021 Edition of NFPA 1033: Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator, the Sixth Edition offers a comprehensive introduction to the knowledge and skills needed to be an effective fire investigator. The textbook opens with details on how to use available investigation resources and the basics of fire science and investigation methodology, then evolves to discuss processes and special considerations for investigating specific types of fires and explosions. This progression helps readers understand complex intricate subject matter as theyand advance from basic technical knowledge to high-level analysis and be able to understand and understanding of complex fire events. Fire Investigator: Principles and Practice, Sixth Edition enhancements: Re-organized and consolidated content now delivered in only 18 chapters to better align to common course lengths Updated and expanded coverage of critical topics like fire investigator ethics, scene safety, legal issues, and scientific method analysis New cNew coverage of topics includinglike conducting research onlineonline research, controlled demolition approaches, use of canines, documentation ofing wildland fires, and more New cases, exercises, and thought-provoking questions to stimulate critical thinking Learn more in this interview with expert George Codding: https://www.psglearning.com/blog/videos/2022/09/22/webinar-recording-fire-investigator-6e-overview-and-q-a-with-george-codding

Fire Investigator: Principles and Practice updates the resource previously known as User’s Manual for NFPA 921, 2004 Edition. Through a clear, concise presentation, Fire Investigator assists fire investigators in conducting complex fire investigations. Written by talented professional fire investigators from the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), this text covers the entire span of the 2008 Edition of NFPA 921, Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations and addresses all of the job performance requirements in the 2009 Edition of NFPA 1033, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator. This text is the benchmark for conducting safe and systematic investigations. Key features include: new chapter on Marine Fire Investigations; coverage of the 2009 Edition of NFPA 1033; supported by a complete teaching and learning system. Important Notice: The digital edition of this book is missing some of the images or content found in the physical edition.