DIVINE MERCY COLLEGE FOUNDATION INC. 129 University Avenue, Caloocan City Criminology Department Fire Protection and Arson Investigation Prepared by: Prof. Bryan John D. Tumang Fire is the manifestation of rapid chemical reaction occurring between fuel and an oxidizer ~ typically the oxygen in the air. Such rapid chemical reaction releases energy in the form of heat and light, Fire is heat and light resulting from the rapid ‘combination of oxygen, or in some cases gaseous chlorine, with other materials. The light isin the form ofa flame, which is composed of glowing particles of the burning material and Certain gaseous products that are luminous at the temperature of the burning material Note: Intensity — the rate of fires temperature or how hot the fire is; itis the rate of burning that varies in different conditions. Magnitude — is the size of fire usually indicated by height of flames and span of damage. ‘These two are proportionate to each other Chemistry of Fire — obviously, three things are required for combustion of fire: Fuel (Combustible materials to vaporize and bum), ‘Oxygen (Oxygen in air is the common oxidizing agent, to combine with fuel vapor, air contains 28% 0, 78% N, 1% inert gas) and Heat (to raise the temperature of the fuel vapor to its ignition temperature). The combinations of these three elements form the so-called Fire Triangle Pyrolysis or thermal decomposition — is defined as the "chemical decomposition” of matter through the action of heat”. In this case, the decomposition causes a change from a solid state to vapor state. If the vapor mixes. sufficiently with air and heated to high temperature, combustion results Fire Tetrahedron ~ another explanation of the requirement of combustion uses a four-sided. The fourth element of the tetrahedron explanation is known as chemical reactivity, or chemical reaction Gomponents or Elements of Fie Tetrahedron ‘Oxygen (Oxidizing agent) - are those materials that yield oxygen or other oxidizing {gases during the process of chemical reaction. Oxidizers are not themselves ‘combustible, but they support combustion when combined with a fuel Fuel (Reducing Agent) — is the material or substance being burned in the combustion process Heal (Temperature) — is the energy ‘component of the fire tetrahedron. When heat comes in contact with a fuel, the energy ‘supports the combustion process. Chemical Reaction — fourth element ‘The fire tetrahedron also explains the flaming mode of combustion. The modes of combustion are either Flaming mode or Surface mode (Glowing-represented by the fire-triangle) > Acondensed phase combustion is called ‘glowing combustion ‘Agas-phased combustion is known as flame If the process is confined with pressure itis called explosion | combustion propagates at supersonic speed, it produced a detonation Properties of Fire, Physic! propetion Specific Gravity — the rato of the weight of a Solid oF liquid substance to the weight of an ‘equal volume of water ‘Vapor density - the weight of a volume of pure gas composed to the volume of dry air at the same temperature and pressure Vapor Pressure — the force exerted by the molecules on the surface of aliquid ‘Temperature —the measure of the degree of thermal agitation of molecules Boiling Point — the constant temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid is ‘equal to the atmospheric pressure Ignition/Kindling temperature — the minimum temperature at which the substance must be heated in order to initiate combustion Fire point — the lowest temperature of aliquid in an open container at which vapors are ‘evolved fast enough to support combustion Flash point - the temperature at which a flammable liquid forms a vapor-air mixture that ignites (mixture with in the explosive range) To burn a fuel (combustible material), its temperature must be raised until ignition point is reached. Thus, before a fuel start to bum or before it can be ignited, it has to be exposed to a certain degree of temperature. When the temperature of a certain substance is very high, it releases highly combustible vapors known as Free Radicals (combustible vapors such as hydrogen gas, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide land nitrogen). During the process of pyrolysis, the ff. are involved: ‘+The fuel is heated unt its temperature reaches its fire point Decomposition takes place — moisture in the fuel is converted to vapor Decomposition produces combustible vapors that rise to the surface of the fuel (free radicals) Free radicals undergo combustion Prepared by: Prof. Bryan John D. TumangChemical Properties Endothermic Reactions ~ changes whereby ‘energy (heal) is absorbed or is added before the reaction takes place Exothermic Reactions — those that release or dive off energy (heat) thus they produce substances with less energy than the reactants ‘Oxidation ~ a chemical change that is ‘exothermic, a change in which combustible material (fuel) and an oxidizing agent (air), react. Example of oxidation is combustion which is the same as actual burning (rapid oxidation) Flames - flames are incandescent (very bright/glowing with intense heat) gases. tis 2 combustion product and a manifestation of fire when itis in its gas-phased combustion Types of Flames. ‘A. Base on Color and Completeness of Combustibility of Fuel 1. Luminous Flame — is orange-red, deposit soot at the bottom of a vessel being heated due to incomplete combustion and has a low temperature Non-Luminous Flame ~ is blue, there is ‘complete combustion of fuel and has relatively high temperature Based on Fuel and Air Mixture Premixed Flame - is exemplified by a Bunsen-type laboratory bumer were hydrocarbon (any substance containing primarily carbon and hydrogen) is thoroughly mixed with air before reaching the flame zone Diffusion Flame — is observed when gas (fuel) alone is forced through a nozzle into the atmosphere which diffuses in the surrounding atmosphere in order to form a flammable mixture, The candle flame is an ‘example of diffusion flame governed purely by molecular diffusion, and the flame of the oxyacetylene torch. (diffused-dispersed, widely spread) Based on Smoothness Laminar Flame — when a particle follows a ‘smooth path though a gaseous flame Turbulent Flame - those having unsteady, irregular flows. As physical size, gas density (or velocity is increased, al laminar gas flows tend to become turbulent General Categories of Fuel Solid Combustible Materials includes organic and inorganic, natural or synthetic, ‘and metallic solid materials Liquid Combustible Materials — includes all flammable liquid fuels and chemicals ‘Gaseous Substance — includes those toxic/hazardous gases that are capable of ignition Solid Fuels — the most obvious solid fuels are wood, paper and cloth. Its burning rate depends on its configuration. For example, solid fuels in the for of dust will burn faster than bulky materials Types of Flammable solids « Pyrolyzable solid fuels + Non-Pyrolyzable solid fuels ‘The following are group of solid fuel 1. Biomass ~ is the name given to such replaceable organic matters like wood, ‘garbage and animal manure that can be used to produce energy, For example heat produced by burning nutshells, rice and oat hulls, and other by-products of food processing. They are often used to operate plant equipment Factors affecting the combustibilty of wood and wood-based products: Physical form, Moisture ‘content, Heat conductivity, Rate and period of heating, Rate of combustion, Ignition temperature 2. Fabrics and Textiles ~ almost all fibers and textiles are combustible. A fiber is a very fine thin strand or thread like abject. Fabrics are twisted or woven fibers. And textiles are machine woven or knitted fabric Classification of Fibers: Natural Fibers and ‘Synthetic or Artificial fibers Factors affecting the combustibility of fibers: ‘Chemical composition, Fiber finish or coating, Fabric weight, Tightness of weave, flame retardant treatment 3. Plastics — are included as ordinary fuels under class A except those materials of or containing cellulose nitrate, Cellulose Nitrate is a chemical powder use in bombs, they are also called pyroxylin. Plastics comprise a group of materials consisting mainly of ‘organic substances or high molecular substances. They are solid in the finished state although at some stage of manufacture plastics can be made to flow into a desired shape, usually through the application of heat or pressure or both Coal — a black, combustible, mineral solid resulting from the partial decomposition of mater under varying degrees of temperature. They are used as fuels in the production of coal gas, water gas and many coal compounds. They are also used to heat buildings and to provide energy for industrial machinery Peat — is partially decayed plant matter found in swamps called bags and used as a fuel chiefly in areas where coal and cil are scarce. In Ireland and Scotland, for example peat is cut formed in blocks, and dried, the dried blocks are then burned to heat homes 2 General Groups of Liquid Fuels > Flammable liquid — they are liquids having a flash point of 37.8°C (100°F) and a vapor pressure not exceeding 40 psia (2068.6 um) at 37.8°C Combustible Liquids - these liquids have flash point at or above 37.8°C (100°F) Gaseous fuels — those in which molecules are in rapid movement and random motion. They have no definite shape or volume, and assume the shape and volume of their container Prepared by: Prof. Bryan John D. TumangClassification of Gases Based on Source Natural Gas Manufactured Gas According to Physical Properties ‘Compressed gas Liquefied gas Cryogenic Gas > According to Usage = Fuel Gases * Industrial Gases © Medical Gases Note: Gaseous fuels are already in the required vapor state. Only the proper intermixed with ‘oxygen and sufficient heat is needed for ignition, Gases like flammable liquids, always produce a Visible flame, they do not smolder Chemical Fuels — which are produced in solid and liquid form, create great amounts of heat and power. They are used chiefly in rocket engines. Nuclear Fuels — provide energy through the fission or fusion oftheir atoms. Uranium is the most commonly used nuclear fue, though plutonium also provides nuclear energy. Nuclear Fission ~ split of the nucleus of atoms Nuclear Fusion — combination of two light nuciel of atom Heat and Temperature — Heat should not be confused with temperature, which is the measurement of the relative amount of heat energy contained within a given substance. Temperature Is an intensity measurement, with units in degrees on the Celsius (centigrade), Fahrenheit, or Kelvin scales. Heat is the ‘measurement of quantity and is given in British thermal units (Btu). One Btu is the amount of heat required to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit: Specific Heat — heat capacity or the measure of the amount of heat required raising the temperature of a unit mass of a substance one-degree. If the heating process occurs while the substance is maintained at a constant volume or is subjected to a constant pressure the measure is referred to as a specific heat at constant volume Note: The process of changing from solid to gas is referred to as SUBLIMATION, from solid to liquid as MELTING, and from liquid to vapor as VAPORIZATION, If the pressure is constant, the process occurs at constant temperature. The ‘amount of heat to produce a change of phase called LATENT HEAT, and hence, latent heats of sublimation, melting and vaporization exist. If water is boiled in an open vessel at a pressure of 4 atm, the temperature does not rise above 400°C (212°F), no matter how much heat is added ‘Temperature Scales Five different temperature scales are in use today, they are: 1. Celsius — has a freeing point of 0°C and a bolling point of 100°C. itis widely used throughout the world, particularly for scientific works Fahrenheit ~ used mostly in English-speaking countries for purposes ‘other than scientific works and based on the mercury thermometer. In this scale, the freezing point of water is 32°F and the bolling point is 212°F Kelvin or Absolute ~ the most commonly used thermodynamic temperature scale, Zero is defined as absolute zero of temperature, that is -273.18°C or -459.67°F Rankine — another temperature scale employing absolute zero as its lowest point in which each degree of temperature is equivalent to one degree on the Fahrenheit Scale. The freezing point of water under this scale is 492°R and the bolling point is 672°R International Temperature Scale — in 1933, scientist of 31 nations adopted new international temperature scale with additional fixed temperature points, based ‘on the Kelvin scale and thermodynamic principles. The international scale is based ‘on the property of electrical resistively, with platinum wire as the standard for temperature between -190" and 660°C Heat Production Ways to produce heat 1. Chemical ~ chemically produced heat is the result of rapid oxidation Mechanical - mechanical heat is the ‘product of friction. The rubbing of two sticks together fo generate enough heat is an ‘example Electrical — is the product of arcing, shorting or other electrical malfunction. Poor wire connections, too much resistance, a loose ‘ground, and too much current flowing through an improperly sized wire are other source of electrical heat Compressed gas — when a gas is compressed, its molecular activity is greatly increased producing heat Nuclear ~ nuclear energy is the product of the splitting or fusing of atomic particles (Fission or fusion respectively) The tremendous heat energy in a nuclear power plant produces steam to turn steam turbines ‘Types of Heat Transmission 1. Conduction is the transmission of heat through an abject!medium or conductor, such as pipe, metal, hot air duct, or even wall 2. Radiation — the transmission through the. discharge and spread of heat from a heated ‘or burning source. This radiation takes place through the air or through space that cause another flammable object to ignite Convection — is the transmission of heat by the moving currents of liquid gas Flame Contact — heat maybe conducted from one body to another by direct flame contact Prepared by: Prof. Bryan John D. TumangXX Fire Behavior, Causes, and Classification — the behavior of fire maybe understood by considering the principle of thermal balance and thermal imbalance Thermal Balance — refers to the rising movement or the pattern of fire, the normal behavior when the pattern is undisturbed. Thermal Imbalance on the other hand is the abnormal movement of fire due to the interference of foreign matter. Thermal imbalance often confuses the fire investigator in determining the exact point where the fire originated, Dangerous Behavior of Fire ~ fre is so fatal ‘when the following conditions occurred 4. Backdraft ~ is the sudden and rapid (violent) burning of heated gases in a confined area that ocours in the form of explosion. This may occur because of improper ventilation. If a room is not properly ventilated, highly flammable vapors maybe accumulated such that when a door or window is suddenly ‘opened, the room violently sucks the oxygen from the outside and simultaneously, a sudden combustion occur, which may happen as an explosion (combustion explosion) Flashover — is the sudden ignition of accumulated radical gases produced when there is incomplete combustion of fuels. It is the sudden burning of free radicals, which is initiated by a spark or flash produced when temperature rises until flash point is reached When accumulated volume of radical gases suddenly burns, there will be a very intense fire that is capable of causing flames to jump at a certain distance in the form of fireball. Fireballs can travel to a hundred yards within a few seconds Biteback — a fatal condition that takes place when the fire resists extinguishment operations and become stronger and bigger instead Flash fire — better known as dust explosion ‘This may happen when the metal post that is completely covered with dust is going to be it by lightning. The dust particles covering the metal bum simultaneously thus creating a violent chemical reaction that produces a very bright flash followed by an explosion The Three Stages of Fire 4. Incipient Phase (Initial Stage) — under this stage, the following characteristics are ‘observed: normal room temperature, the temperature at the base of the fire is 400 — .800°F, ceiling temperature is about 200°F, the pyrolysis products are mostly water vapor and carbon dioxide, small quantities of carbon monoxide and sulfides maybe present Free burning phase — has the following characteristics: accelerated pyrolysis process take place, development of convection current: formation of thermal columns as heat rises, temperature is 800 - 1000°F at the base of fire, 1200 - 1600°F at ceiling, pyro lytic decomposition moves upward on the walls (crawiing of the flame) leaving bumt pattems (fire fingerprints), ‘occurrence of flashover ‘Smoldering Phase ~ stage has the following characteristics: oxygen content drops to 13% or below causing the flame to vanish and heat to develop in layers, products of incomplete combustion increase in volume particularly carbon monoxide with an ignition temperature of about 1125°F, ceiling temperature is 1000 - 1300°F, heat and pressure in the room builds up, building/room contains large quantities of superheated fuel under pressure but little ‘oxygen, when sufficient supply of oxygen is introduced, backdraft occurs Classification of Fire Based on Cause Providential or Natural Cause ~ such as ‘Spontaneous heating ~ the automatic chemical reaction that results to spontaneous combustion due to auto-ignition of organic materials, the gradual rising of heat in a confined space unt! ignition temperature is reached Lightning ~a form of static electricity; a natural current with a great magnitude, producing tremendous amperage and voltage. Lightning usually strikes objects that are better electrical conductors than ai. It can cause fire directly or indirectly. Indirectly ‘when it strikes telephone and other transmission line, causing an induced line surge. It can also cause flash fire or dust ‘explosion. When lightning strikes stee! or metal rod covered with dust, the dust will suddenly burn thus resulting to an explosion. lightning volt maybe in the form of; Hot bolt, Cold bolt, and Radiation of Sunlight Accidental Causes - such as electrical accidents in the form of Short circuit - unusual or accidental connections between two points at different Potentials (charge) in an electrical circuit of relatively low resistance ‘Arcing ~ the production of sustained luminous electrical discharge between separate electrodes: and electric hazard that results when electrical current crosses the ‘gap between 2 electrical conductors Sparking — production of incandescent particles when two different potentials, (charge conductors) come In contact; occurs. ‘during short circuits or welding operations Induced Current — induce line surge — increased electrical energy flow or power voltage; induced current; sudden increase of electrical current resulting to the burning of insulating materials, explosion of the fuse box, or burning of electrical appliances Overheating of electrical appliances ~ the increase or rising of amperage while electric current is flowing in a transmission line resulling to the damage or destruction of Prepared by: Prof. Bryan John D. Tumang Page 4insulating materials maybe gradual or rapid, internal or extemal Purely accidental cause Negligence and other forms of human error Intentional causes (Incendiary) ~ if in the burned property, there are preparations or traces of accelerant, plants and trailers, then the cause of fire is intentional Accelerant — highly flammable chemicals that are used to facilitate flame propagation Plant - the preparation and or gathering of combustible materials needed to start a fire Trailer — the preparation of flammable substances in order to spread the fire Classification of Fire Based on Burning Fuel (Classes of Fire) > Class A Fire — ordinary fires; they are the types of fire resulting from the burning wood, paper, textiles, rubber and other carbonaceous materials. In short, this is the type of fire caused by ordinary combustible materials Class B Fire — Liquid fires; they are cause by flammable and or combustible liquids such as kerosene, gasoline, benzene, cil products, alcohol and other hydrocarbon deviations Class C Fire — Electrical fres, they are fires that starts in live electrical wires, equipment, motors, electrical appliances and telephone: switchboards Class D Fire — Metalic fires, fires that result from the combustion of certain metals in finely divided forms. These combustible metals include magnesium, potassium, powdered calcium, zinc, sodium, and titanium, Fire Fighting Operations and Extinguishment Firefighting — itis an activity intended to save lives and property. Itis one of the most important ‘emergency services in a community. Fire fighters battle fires that break out in homes, factories, office buildings, shops, and other places. Fire fighters risk their lives to save people and protect property from fires The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) RA 6975, the DILG Act of 1990 (Chapter 4, Sec, 53-59) created the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to be responsible for the prevention and Suppression of all destructive fires and to enforce the laws on fire Fire Protection — the descriptive term referring to the various methods used by the bureau to stop, extinguish and control destructive fire for eventual prevention of loss of life and property. It has the following objectives: To prevent destructive fire from starting, To extinguish (stop or put out) on going destructive fire, To confine a destructive fire at the place where it began, To prevent loss of life and property when fire starts Fire Prevention and Suppression - refers to the various safety measures utilized to stop harmful or destructive fires from starting ‘The laws related with fre prevention and fire protection in the Philippines ‘+ PD 1185 Fire Code of the Philippines (Aug 26, 197) + PD 1096 Building Code of the Philippines. (Feb. 19, 197) Factor Affecting Fire Protection and Control Fire Hazard — any condition or act that increases or may cause increase in the probability that fire will occur or which may obstruct, delay, hinder or interfere with firefighting operations and the safeguarding of life and property Conditions of Fire Hazard 1. Existence of dangerous or unlawful amount of combustible or explosives in the building not designed to store such materials Defective or improper installed facilitiesiequipment Lack of adequate exit facilities Obstruction at fre escapes or other designated opening for firefighters Dangerous accumulation of rubbish waste and other highly combustible materials ‘Accumulation of dust in ventilation system or of grease in the kitchen Building under repair Very old building or building is primarily made of combustible materials Fire Fighting Operations Pre-Fire Planning — activity involves developing and defining systematic course of actions that maybe performed in order to realize the objectives of fire protection: involves the process of establishing the SOP in case fire breaks out Evaluation Size up ~ (on-the-spot planning ‘or sizing-up the situation) — this is the process knowing the emergency situation, It involves mental evaluation by the operation officer-in-charge to determine the appropriate course of action that provides the highest probability of success Evacuation — the activity of transferring people, livestock, and property away from the burning area to minimize damage or destruction that the fire might incur in case it propagates to other adjacent buildings Entry — is the process of accessing the burning structure. Entry maybe done in a forcible manner Rescue — is the operation of removing (extricating), this saving people and other livestock from the buming building and other involved properties, conveying them to a secure place Exposure ~ also called cover exposure, this is the activity of securing other buildings near the burning structure in order to prevent the fire from the extending to another building Confinement — is the activity of restricting the fire at the place (room) where it started the process of preventing fire from extending from another section or form one section to another section ofthe involved building ‘Ventilation — the operation purposely conducted to displace toxic gases. It includes the process of displacing the heated atmosphere within the involved building with normal air from outside atmosphere. Salvage ~ activity of protecting the properties from preventable damage other Prepared by: Prof. Bryan John D. Tumang Page 5than the fre, The steps are a) remove the material outside the burning area, and b) protecting or cover the materials by using tarpaulins (cotton canvass treated with water proofing) ). Extinguishhment - the process of putting out the main body of fie by using the 4 general methods of fire extinguishments . Overhaul ~ the complete and detailed check of the structure and all materials therein to eliminate conditions that may cause re-fiash; involves complete extinguishments of sparks or smoldering (glowing) substances (embers) to prevent possibilities of reigntion or rekinding . Fire Scene Investigation —the final stage of fire suppression activities. itis an inquiry conducted to know or determine the origin land cause offre Sprinkle System — consists of a network of pipes installed throughout a building. The pipes carry water to nozzles in the ceiling. The heat from a fire cause the nozzles directly above the fire to open and spray water ‘Smoke Detector — is a device that sounds an alarm if a small amount of smoke enters thelr sensors. Smoke detectors are attached to the ceiling or wall in several areas of the home. Fire protection experts recommend at least one detector for each floor of a residence Four General Methods of Fire Extinguishment Extinguishment by Temperature Reduction Cooling the temperature of the fire environment: usually done by using water Lower down the temperature to coo! the fuel to a point where it does not produce sufficient vapors that burn Extinguishment by Fuel Removal Elimination of the fue! supply / source which may be done by stopping the flow of liquid fuel, preventing the production of flammable ‘gas, removing th solid fuel atthe fire path, allowing the fire to burn until the fuel is ‘consumed. Extinguishment by Oxygen Dilution Reduction of oxygen concentration at the burning area, by inroducing inert gases, by separating oxygen from the fuel Extinquishment by Chemical Inhibition ‘Some extinguishments agents, ike dry chemical and halon, interrupt the production cf flame resulting to rapid extinguishment of the fire. This method is effective only on burning gas and liquid fuels as they cannot burn in smoldering mode of combustion Methods of Extinguishing the 4 Classes of Fire 4. CLASS A FIRES — by quenching and cooling: water is the best agent in cooling the burning solid material; water has a ‘quenching effect than can reduce the temperature of a burning material below its ignition temperature; (Fire extinguishers which have water, sand, acid, foam and special solution containing alkali methyl dust, as found in the loaded stream extinguisher, should be used for this type of fire.) CLASS B FIRES — by smothering or blanketing (oxygen exclusion) This type of fire is put or controlled by foam, loaded stream, carbon dioxide, dry chemical and ‘vaporizing liquid CLASS C FIRES — controlled by a non-conducting extinguishing agent: the safest procedure is to always de-energize the electrical circult. Extinguishers that should be used to put out these type of fires are Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers, Dry Chemical, Vaporizing liquids CLASS D FIRES — by using special extinguishing agents marked specifically for metals. GE type, meth LX, Lith X, Meth L, kyl, dry sand and dry talc can put out class D fires 5. CLASS E FIRES - only combination of the above methods Fire Extinguishers —a mechanical device, usually made of metal, containing chemicals, fluids, or gasses for stopping fires, the means for pplication ofits contents for the purpose of putting out fre (particularly small fre) before it propagates, and is capable of being readily moved from place to place ‘Types of Fire Extinguishers 1. Water Fire Extinguishers ~ extinguishers filled with water use of fight Class A and Class B fires except Class C fires 2. Liquefied Fire Extinguishers - those ‘extinguishers that contain Carbon Monoxide Gas use lo fight Class A, B, and C fires Dry Chemical Extinguishers ~ those that contain chemical powder intended to fight all classes of fires Foam Extinguisher — contains sodium bicarbonate and a foam-stabllizing agent in a larger compartment and a solution of aluminum sulfate in an inner cylinder: reaction between the two solutions forms a stabilized foam of carbon dioxide bubbles ‘Soda-acid Fire Extinguisher — filled with sodium bicarbonate mixed with water; a small bottle of sulfuric acid is suspended inside (near the top) in such a way that when the extinguisher is tured up-side-down, the acid mixes with sodium bicarbonate; carbon dioxide is formed by the reaction which results to the building of pressure inside the extinguisher; this pressure forces the water solution out from the container through a hose \Vaporizing Liquid Fire Extinguisher — contains non-conducting liquid, ‘generalization carbon tetrachloride or chlorobromethane; operation is by manual pumping or using a stored pressure; the stream of liquid that is expelled is vaporized by the heat of the fire and forms a smothering blanket, This type is usually used in fires involving flammable liquids or electrical equipment Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher — effective against burning liquids and fires in live electrical equipment; used mainly to put out Class C fires Prepared by: Prof. Bryan John D. TumangExamples of Extinguishing Agents * MULTI-PURPOSE DRY CHEMICALS like the Mono-Ammonium Phosphate (NH H PO) BCF-HALON 1211 or Bromochlorodifiucromethane AFFF — (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) a ‘synthetic foam-forming liquid designed for use with fresh water CARBON DIOXIDE — a chemical that can daliver a quick smothering action to the flames, reducing the oxygen and suffocating the fire. Carbon dioxide dissipates without leaving any contamination or corrosive residue Prohibited Types of Fire Extinguisher ~ Rule 37, Sec. 104 of IRR of PD 1185 provides that the following types of fre extinguishers are prohibited for manufacture or sale: ‘All inverting types which make it necessary to invert the container before the extinguishers operation ‘Soda-acid extinguishers Stored pressure or cartridge operated foam solution unless and air-aspiring nozzle is, provided \Vaporizing liquid extinguishers using carbon tetrachloride or chlorobromomethane in any concentration of formulation \Vaporizing liquid extinguishers of less than ‘one kilogram extinguishing agent Glass bulb, “grenade” type, or “bomb” type of ‘vaporizing liquid extinguishers which have to be thrown to the fire or are mounted on ‘spexifc location and which operate upon the: melting of a fusible link ‘Thematic special hazards single station extinguishers with extinguishing capability of less than four and a half (4.5) cubic meters ‘Other types which maybe hereinafter prohibited Prohibited Acts involving the operation of fire extinguishers — from the same legal basis above, the following are declared prohibited acts conceming the use of fire extinguishers: ‘+ Removal of inspection tags attached to fire extinguishers Refilling a discharge extinguishers with a extinguishing agent other than what the unit was designed to contain Selling fire extinguishers not appropriate to the hazard Selling fire extinguishers prohibited by Rule 37, Sec 104 Selling defective or substandard extinguishers Using/installing two or more thematic special hazard vaporizing liquid units in rooms with volume greater than the nominal capability of fone unit Installing pressure gauge in fire extinguishers which do not indicate the actual pressure of the interior of vessel such as, but not limited to use of uncalibrated ‘gauges, not providing or blocking the connection between the gauge and the interior, or fixing the indicator/ineedle to indicate a certain pressure General Operating Procedures in Fit Extinguishment P— Pull the pin ‘A Aim the nozzle 'S— Squeeze the handle 'S — Sweep the nozzle IF the fire is out probe for remaining smoldering hot spots or possible re-flash of flammable liquids. Make sure the fire is out before leaving the burned area Fire Fighting Equipment > Communication systems - they are necessary to alert fire fighters to the ‘outbreak of a fire, Most fire alarms are telephoned to the fire department. Many countries have introduced a simple, 3-digit number as he telephone number to callin emergencies. This number can be dialed from almost any telephone and from most ay phones without a coin, Dialing this number is free. In the Philippines, the ‘emergency line is 166 Fire Vehicles — fire fighters have several types of fre vehicles. The main types are (1) ‘engines, (2) ladder appliances, and (3) rescue vehicles Engines — also called water tenders, have a large pump that takes water from a fre hydrant or other source. The pump boosts the pressure of the water and forces it through hoses. Engines carry several sizes ‘of hoses and nozzles. Many also have a small-diameter hose called a booster line, ‘which is wound on a reel. The booster line is Used chiefly to put out small outdoor fires Ladder appliances — there are 2 kinds of ladder appliances; Tumtable ladders and hydraulic platforms Fire Fighting vehicles — are equipped with Portable ladders of various types and sizes. ‘They also carry forcible entry tools, which fire fighters use to gain entry into a building and to ventilate ito let out smoke. Common forcible entry tools include axes, power saws, and sledge hammers Rescue Vehicles — are enclosed vehicles ‘equipped with many of the same kinds of forcible entry tools that ladder appliance camry. But rescue vehicles carry additional ‘equipment for unusual rescues. Special fire vehicles — include airport crash tenders and hazardous materials units, Airport crash tenders are engines that spray foam or dry chemicals on burning aircraft ‘Water is ineffective against many aircraft fires, such as those that involve jet fuel or certain metals Protective Clothing - clothing for protection against flames, falling objects and hazards. They wear coats and trousers made of fire-resistant material. Other clothing includes special boots, gloves, and helmets. Fire fighters also use a breathing apparatus to avoid inhaling smoke and toxic gases Fire Prevention ~ a term for the many safe measures used to keep harmful fires from starting. Fires not only cause extensive ‘damage to valuable property, but also responsible for large numbers of deaths Prepared by: Prof. Bryan John D. TumangWhy Fires should be investigated? The very reason why fires should be investigated is to determine the cause of the fire in order to prevent similar occurrences. The determination Of the origin and cause of fire is arrived at only after a thorough investigation. Since basic investigation is prelude to the discovery of the true cause of the fire, an understanding of the chemistry of fire and its attendant behavior should be a concer for successful investigation Who are qualified to investigate fires? A fire investigator should have the following traits Possession of knowledge of investigational techniques. He should have an insight of human behavior He should have a firsthand knowledge of the chemistry of fire and its behavior He should be resourceful Is Fire Investigation Complex and Unique? Fire investigation is complex and unique because f the following reasons’ 1. Fire destroys evidence 2. Ifitis Arson, itis planned, motivated and committed is discreet 3. Rarely can there be an eyewitness in Arson Roles of the Firemen in Fire Investigation — firemen are usually at the crime scene ahead of the fire investigators. Hence, they are valuable sources of information. They are the so-called “Eyes and Ears” of the police before, during and after the fire has been placed under control. The information taken from them may be categorized as: 1. Information attainable or developed prior to the arrival at the scene 2. Information available to the firemen at the 3. Information available during overhaul and thereafter Legal Aspect of Fire Investigation Arson — The intentional or malicious destruction of property by fire. It is the concem of fire investigation to prove malicious intent of the offender. Intent must be proved, otherwise, no crime exist. The Law presumes that a fire is accidental, hence criminal designs must be shown. Fire cause by accident or criminal design must be shown. Fire cause by accident or negligence does not constitute arson Destructive Arson — Under Article 30 of the RPC, as amended, the penalty of Reclusion Perpetua to Death shall be imposed upon any person who shall burn: 4. One (1) or more buildings or edifices, consequent to one single act of burning, or a8 a result of simultaneous burning, or committed 0 several or different occasions Any building of public or private ownership, devoted to the public in general or where people usually gather or congregate for a definite purpose such as, but not limited to official governmental function or business, private transaction commerce, trade ‘workshop, meetings and conferences, or merely incidental to a definite purpose such as but not limited to hotels, motels, transient dwellings, public conveyance or stops or terminals, regardless of whether the offender had knowledge that there are persons in said bullding or edifice at the time itis set on fire and regardless also of whether the building is actually inhabited or not Any train or locomotive, ship or vessel, airship or airplane devoted to transportation ‘or conveyance, or for public use, entertainment or leisure Any building factory, warehouse installation and any appurtenances thereto, which are devoted to the service to public utilities ‘Any building the burning of which is for the purpose of concealing or destroying evidence of another violation of law, or for the purpose of concealing bankruptcy of defrauding creditors or to collect from insurance ‘The penalty of Reclusion Perpetua to Death shall also be imposed upon any person who shall burn + Any arsenal, shipyard, storehouse or military power or firework factory, ordinance, storehouse, archives or general museum of the government ‘+ Inan inhabited place, any storehouse or factory of inflammable or explosive materials If the consequence of the commission of any of the acts penalized under this Article, death results, the mandatory penalty of death shall be imposed (sec 10, RA 7659) Basis of Criminal Liability In Arson Kind and character of the building burned Location of the building Extent or value of the building ‘Whether inhabited or not Other forms of Arson ‘+ Setting fires to any building, farmhouse, ‘warehouse, hut, shelter, or vessel in port, knowing it to be occupied at the time by one ‘or more person Building burned is a public building and value of damage exceeds six thousands pesos (6000.00) Building burned is a public building and Purpose is to destroy evidence kept therein to be used in instituting prosecution for punishment of violators of law, irrespective of the amount of damage Building burned is a public building and purpose is to destroy evidence kept therein {0 be used in legislative, judicial or administrative proceeding, irrespective of the ‘damage, if the evidence is to be used against defendant of any crime punishable under existing law Arson of Property of Small Value (Art. 323 RPC) ~ burning of any uninhabited hut, storehouse, bam, shed, or any other property, under circumstance clearly excluding all danger of the fire spreading, value of the property not exceed 25.00 pesos Crimes Involving Destruction (Art. 324 RPC) — the offender causes destruction by any of the following means: Explosion Discharge of electric current Inundation, sinking or stranding of a vessel Taking up the rails from a rallway track Malicious changing of railway signals for the safety of moving trains Prepared by: Prof. Bryan John D. Tumang6. Destroying telegraph wires and telegraph post or those any other communication system By using any other agency or means of destruction as effective as the above Article 326 RPC — Setting Fire to Property Exclusively Owned by the Offender — this act is punished ifthe purpose of the offender is to 1. Defraud or cause damage to another or 2. Damaged is actually caused upon another's property even if such purpose is absent 3. Thing is burned is a building in an inhabited place P.D 1613 — Amending the Law of Arson ‘Special Aggravating Circumstance in Arson 4. If committed with intent to gain 2. If committed with the benefit of another 3. Ifthe offender is motivated by spite or hatred towards the owner or occupant of the property burned 4. If committed by a syndicate (3 or more person) Prima Facle Evidence of Arson 4. Ifthe fire started simultaneously in more than ‘one part of the building or establishment 2. If substantial amounts of flammable substance or materials are stored within the building not necessary in the business of the ‘offender nor for house hold use 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, a fire, or ashes or traces of any of the 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 the policy If during the lifetime of the corresponding fire insurance policy more than two fires 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 portion of the effects insured and stored in a building r property had been withdrawn from the. premises except in the ordinary course of business. Ifa demand for money or other valuable consideration was made before the fire in ‘exchange for the desistance of the offender or the safely of the person or property of the victim What Constitute Arson? 4. Burning — to constitute burning, pyrolysis must take place. In other words, there must be burning or changing i.e the fibber of the wood must be destroyed, its identity changed Wilfulness — means intentional and implies that the act was done purposely and intentionally Malice ~ it denotes hatred or a desire for revenge Motive is the moving cause that induces the ‘commission of the crime Intent — is the purpose or design with which the act is done and involves the will Methods of Proof in Arson ~ physical evidences in arson are often destroyed. To prove arson was committed, Corpus Delicti must be shown and identify of the arsonist must be established. Corpus Delicti (body of the crime) is the fact of that crime was committed. The following must show: 1. Burning — that there was fire that may be shown by direct testimony of complaint, firemen responding to the crime, other ‘eyewitnesses. Bumed parts of the building may also indicate location Criminal Design — must show that it was wilfully and intentionally done. The presence of incendiary devices, flammables such as ‘gasoline and kerosene may indicate that the fire is not accidental Evidence of Intent - when valuables were removed from the building before the fire, il-feeting between the accused and the ‘occupants of the building burned, absence of effort to put off fire and such other indications Basic Lines of Inquiry in Arson Investigation ¥ Point of origin of Fire ~ Initially, the important point to be established is the point of origin of fire. In other words, at what particular place in the building the fire started? This may be established by an examination of the witness, by an inspection of the debris. at the fire scene and by studying the fingerprint f fire. The fingerprint of fire occurs. ‘during the free burning stage of the fire when pyrolytic decomposition moves upward on the walls leaving a burnt pattem Witnesses must be questioned as to: = His identity ‘What attracted his attention Time of observation His position in relation to the fire at the time of observation Exact location of the blaze Size and intensity Rapidity of spread Color of flame and odor if he s in a position tis Any other person in the vicinity beside the witness Motives of Arsonist — to understand the ‘motives of arsonist, the arson investigator have to note the following that fires are set by: Persons with Motives Those with desire to defraud the Insurer > Employees or such other person who have a ‘grievance (Fire revenge) Those with desire to conceal evidence of a crime Those who set fre for purposes of intimidation People without motives > Those who are mentally il > Pathological fre-setters > Pyros and the Psychos Prepared by: Prof. Bryan John D. TumangMotives of Arsonist 4. Economic Gain * Insurance Fraud ~ benefitting ‘+ Desire to dispose merchandise — loss of market value being out of season, lack of raw materials, over supply of merchandise can be a big reason for arson Existing business transaction that the arsonist would like to avoid such as impending liquidation, settlement of estate, need for cash, prospective business failure, and increase rentals Profit by the Perpetrator other than the Assured like insurance agents wishing business with the assured business ‘competitors planning to drive others, person seeking job as personnel protection, salvagers and contractors wishing to contact, another building Concealment of Crime — when the purpose of hiding a crime or committing a crime, arson was used as means Punitive Measure — committing arson to inflict inury to another due to hatred, jealousy and revenge Intimidation or Economic Disabling ~ arsonist as saboteurs, strikers and racketeers to intimidate management or ‘employer Pyromania - a pyromaniac having the uncontrollable impulse to bum anything without any motivation. They do not run away from the fire scene since they love watching fire burning Types of Pyromania > Abnormal Youth ~ epileptics, imbeciles and morons Hero Type ~a person set a building on fire land pretends to discover it, turn on the alarm ‘or make some rescue works to appear as “hero” > Drug addicts and alcoholics > Sexual Deviates and perverts Prime Suspects (and the Prima Facie Evidence) ~ the development of prime suspects = this involves identification results from the full development of leads, clues and traces, the testimony particularly eyewitnesses and the development of expert testimony, The following technique may serve the investigation Search of the fire scene for physical evidence Protection of the scene Mechanics of search Collection and preservation of evidence Laboratory aids Background study of policyholders, ‘occupants of premises, owner of building or ‘other person having major interest in the fire Interviews and interrogation of persons who discovered the fire, and the one who tumed the first alarm, firemen and eyewitnesses 4, Surveillance Signs of Arson - these signs maybe obvious that the first fireman at the scene will suspects arson or they may be so well concealed that ‘moths of patient investigation to show that it is set off will be required Burned Building ~ the type f the building may indicate a set fire under certain circumstance. A fire of considerate size at the time the first apparatus arrive at the scene is suspicious if itis a modem concrete or semi-concrete building Separate fires — when two or more separate fire breaks out within a building, The fire is certainly suspicious Color of smoke — some fire burn with little or no smoke but they are exception. The ‘observation of the smoke must be made at the start of the fire since once the fire has assumed a major proportion, the value of the smoke is lost, because the smoke will not indicate the material used by the arsonist ‘When white smoke appears before the water from the fire hose comes in contact with the fire, it indicates humid material burning such as burning hay, vegetable materials, phosphorus (with garlic odor) Biting smoke — irritating the nose and throat and causing lachrymation and coughing indicates presence of chiorine Black smoke — indicates lack of air if accompanied by large flames it indicates Petroleum products and rubber Reddish brown — smoke indicates nitrocellulose, $1, H2, $04, HNO3 or HCI Meaning of color of Smoke and Fire Black smoke with deep red flame — petroleum products, tar, rubber, plastics, etc. Heavy Brown with bright red flame — nitrogen products ‘White smoke with bright flame ~ magnesium products Black smoke with red and blue green flame — asphalt Purple-violet flame — potassium products Greenish-yellow flame ~ Chloride or Manganese products Bright reddish yellow flame — Calcium products Color of flame — this is a good indication of the intensity of the fire, an important factor in ‘determining incendiarism ‘Amount of Heat ~ a reddish glow indicates heat of 5000 degrees centigrade, a real bright read about 100 degrees centigrade. Red flames indicate of petroleum. Blue Flame indicates use of alcohol as accelerant ‘Smoke marks — an experience investigation will determine the volume of smoke involved ata fire and the character as residue deposited on walls or elsewhere. Smoke in marks have often been assistance in determining the possibilty of a fire having more than one place of origin Size of fire — ths is important when correlated with the type of alarm, the time received and the time of arrival of the first apparatus. Fires make what might be termed ‘a normal progress. Such progress can estimated after an examination of the material burned the building and the normal ventilation offered of the fire. The time element and the degree of headway by the flames become important factors to determine factors to determine possible incendiarism Direction of Travel — while itis admitted that no two bum in identical fashion, yet it can be shown that fire makes normal progress through various types of building materials, Prepared by: Prof. Bryan John D. Tumang Page 10‘combustibility of contents, channel of ventilation and circumstances surrounding the sending of alarm, an experienced investigator can determine whether a fire spread abnormally fast Intensity — the degree of heat given off by a fire and the color of its flame oftentimes. indicate that some accelerant has been added to the material normally present in a building and the investigator must look for further evidence pointing to use of such accelerant. Difficulty in extinguishing the fire is often a lead to suspect presence of such fluid as gasoline and kerosene Odor - the odor of gasoline, alcohol kerosene and other inflammable liquids which are often used as accelerant is characteristics and oftentimes arsonist are trapped because of this telitale sign. Most of fire — setters are inclined to use substance which will make the blaze certain and at the ‘same time burn up any evidence of their ‘crime Condition of Content — persons tending to set their house on fire frequently remove objects of value either materially or sentimentally. Store and other business establishments oftentimes remove a major portion of their content or replace valuable merchandise without of style articles Burns ~ wounds caused by heat 18 Degree — blistering and red discoloration of skin 2 Degree — exposure of dermis without deep scarring 3° Degree ~ charting of skin and deep scaring Fire Scene Search / Investigation Purpose of Search * Tollocate, identity, record, collect and preserve evidence © To determine the cause of fire ‘© To provide evidence for the guilt of arsonist (in case of intentional fire) Steps in Searching 1. Conduct outside survey 2. Conduct internal survey 3. Locate the point of origin 4, Search evidence at the point of origin Leading Trace To Point of Origin + Burn pattems in ceiling + Alligatoring of woods + Deformed appliances / content + Fallen debris + Inverted cone pattern Recording the Investigation + Photograph + Sketch + Evidence log sheet + Departmental notebook Investigation of Fatal Fire - Fatal fies refer to fires have resulted to deathis Purpose of Investigating Fatal Fire ¥ Toidentify the victims To determine the cause of death Determination of manner of death Determination of the approximate time of death Autopsy ~ The examination of dead body to determine the cause of death in relation to investigation Pathology — Pathology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis of disease and causes of death Branches of Pathology ‘Anatomical pathology — branch of pathology that study the body tissues to determine the time, manner and cause of death Clinical pathology ~ branch of pathology that study body fluids to determine the cause, time and manner of death Means of Identifying the Victim + Sex of the body Fingerprints Dental features Skeletal features Serologic / cytological studies DNA. Body marks (tattoos, scars, moles etc.) Cause of Death > Natural Death — absence of fire gases in respiratory tract, absence of foul play upon discovery Accidental Death — presence of fire gases in respiratory tract and absence of foul play upon discovery > Intentional Death — indication of being hogtied/ unusual appearance upon discovery Determination of Manner of Death Inhalation of carbon monoxide + Presence of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood vessel + Presence of soot and fire gas in respiratory tract Hyperthermia and Burns + Deep bur in the body + Charting and deformity of the victims body THANK YOU “da mihi factum, dabo tibi ius” ©2023 Prepared by: Prof. Bryan John D. Tumang fie) FOLLOW FOR MORE | “RIMINCLOGY HANDOUTS (©) tumangbryan Prepared by: Prof. Bryan John D. Tumang