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CDI 6 FIRE Technology AND Arson Investigation

Criminology (Isabela State University)

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FIRE
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FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION

not occur. If ignition has already

- a rapid, self-sustaining oxidation process - Fuel
accompanied by the evolution of heat - Heat
and light of varying intensity - Self-sustained chemical reaction
- an active chemical reaction that takes
place between fuel, heat and oxygen in Each component of the
the form of light and noticeable heat tetrahedron must be in place for
- a chemical reaction; the rapid oxidation of combustion to occur. Remove one of the
a fuel producing heat and light four components and combustion will
- an oxidation taking place with a rate rapid occurred, the fire is extinguished when
enough to produce heat and light one of the components is removed from
the reaction.
TECHNOLOGY
- the branch of knowledge that deals with OXYGEN (Oxidizing Agent)
industrial arts and sciences - a colorless, odorless gas and one of the
- the application of such knowledge that is compositions of air which is approximately
used to produce the material necessity 21% percent by volume -
of society Oxygen sources: Oxygen requirements: 1. 21%
of normal oxygen 1. 12% no fire 2. 78% nitrogen
ELEMENTS OF FIRE OR TRIANGLE OF FIRE 2. 14% flash point 3. 1% other gases 3. 21% fire
point
FUEL
- anything that will burn when heated with FUEL
sufficient oxygen - the material or substance being oxidized or
burned in the combustion process.
OXYGEN
- aids in combustion; comes from the Fuel sources
atmosphere we breath; the atmosphere 1. Solid
contains: 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen - molecules are closely packed
and 1% impurities together 2. Liquid
HEAT - molecules are loosely packed
- source of ignition 3. Gas
- molecules are free to move
TRIANGLE OF FIRE
For many years, the fire triangle HEAT
(oxygen, fuel and heat) was taught as the - the energy component of the fire
components of fire. While this simple example is tetrahedron
useful, it is NOT technically correct. - when heat comes into contact with a fuel,
the energy supports the combustion
TETRAHEDRON OF FIRE reaction
- a geometric representation of what is - heat energy is measured in units of Joules
required for fire to exist, namely, fuel, an (J), however it can also be measured in
oxidizing agent, heat, and an uninhibited Calories (1 Calorie = 4.184 J) and BTU's
chemical reaction (1 BTU = 1055 J)

FIRE TETRAHEDRON TEMPERATURE

- a measure of the degree of molecular
- Oxygen (oxidizing agent) activity of a material compared to a
 reference point º C º F Response
- a measure of the degree of molecular 37 98.6 Normal human oral/body temperature 44 111
activity of a material compared to a Human skin begins to feel pain 48 118 Human skin
reference point receives a first degree burn 55 131 Human skin receives a
- measured in degrees Farenheit or degrees second degree 62 140 A phase where burned human
Celsius tissue becomes numb
72 162 Human skin is instantly destroyed

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FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION

100 212 Water boils and produces steam 140 284 Glass reaction
transition temperature of polycarbonate 230
446 Melting
temperature of polycarbonate 250 482 Charring of natural MECHANICAL ENERGY
cotton begins 300 572 Charring of modern protective - an energy created by friction and
clothing fabrics begins compression
600 1112 Temperatures inside a post-flashover room fire
1) Heat of friction - the movement of two
Types of Energy (common sources of surfaces against each other, thus
heat) 1. Chemical Energy producing sparks
2. Electrical Energy 2) Heat of compression - heat is generated
3. Nuclear Energy when a gas is compressed in a
4. Mechanical Energy container or cylinder

CHEMICAL ENERGY SELF-SUSTAINED CHEMICAL REACTION

- the most common source of heat in Combustion is a complex reaction that requires
combustion reactions a fuel (in the gaseous or vapor state), an
oxidizer, and heat energy to come together in a
When any combustible is in very specific way. Once flaming combustion or
contact with oxygen, oxidation occurs. fire occurs, it can only continue when enough
The reaction of this process results in heat energy is produced to cause the continued
the production of heat. development of fuel vapors or gases. Scientists
ex. Heat generated from burning match, call this type of reaction a “chain reaction”. A
self heating (spontaneous heating) chain reaction is a series of reactions that
occur in sequence with the result of each
ELECTRICAL ENERGY individual reaction being added to the rest.
- can generate temperature high enough to
ignite any combustible material near the heated FIRE DEVELOPMENT
area
When the four components of the fire
tetrahedron come together, ignition occurs. For
Examples: a fire to grow beyond the first material ignited,
1. over current or overload heat must be transmitted beyond the first
2. arcing material to additional fuel packages.
3. sparking
4. static Stages of Fire
5. lightning - Ignition
- Growth
NUCLEAR ENERGY - Flashover
- generated when atoms either split apart - Fully-developed
(fission) or combine (fusion) - Decay
Ex.
1. fission heats water to drive steam IGNITION
turbines and produce electricity - describes the period when the four
2. solar energy is a product of a fusion elements of the fire tetrahedron come
 together and combustion begins - the transition between the growth and the
fully developed fire stages and is not a
GROWTH specific event such as ignition. During
- shortly after ignition, a fire plume begins to flashover, conditions in the compartment
form above the burning fuel. As the change very rapidly as the fire changes
plume develops, it begins to draw or from one that is dominated by the
entrain air from the surrounding space burning of the materials first ignited to
into the column. one that involves all of the exposed
combustible surfaces within the
FLASHOVER compartment.

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FULLY-DEVELOPED
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- heat transfer within solids or

- occurs when all combustible materials in - fire has involved more fuel
the compartment are involved in the fire - oxygen supply has depleted
- heat accumulates at upper area -
DECAY temperature exceeds 1,330 F - area is
- as the fire consumes the available fuel in fully involved
the compartment, the rate of heat
released begins to decline. 3. SMOLDERING PHASE
- final phase of burning wherein flame
THREE (3) STAGES OF FIRE ceases but dense smoke
1. Incipient phase and heat completely fill the
2. Free burning phase confined room
3. Smoldering MODES OF HEAT TRANSFER

1. INCIPIENT STAGE Heat is by-product of combustion that is

- initial stage of fire of significant importance to the firefighter. It is
heat that causes fire to sustain its combustion
Characteristics and, more important, to extend. When heat
- normal room temperature given off as a product of combustion is exposed
- oxygen plentiful to an unheated substance, certain changes
- thermal updraft rise accumulates at occur that can make the new substance a
higher point contributing factor in extending a fire.
- temperature at 1000 F
- Producing C02, CO, SO2, water and CONDUCTION
other gases between contacting solids

2. FREE BURNING PHASE When a hot object transfers its heat,

- a phase of burning in which materials conduction has taken place. The transfer could
or structures are be to another object or to another portion of the
burning in the presence of same object. As we have discovered and will be
adequate oxygen constantly reinforced about, combustion occurs
on the molecular level. When an object heats
up, the atoms become agitated and begin to
Characteristics
 collide with one another. A chain reaction of accommodate the vibrations and they push into
molecules and atoms, like wave energy, occurs one another as they seek that space. When that
and causes the agitated molecules to pass the happens, the density of a given volume is
heat energy to areas of non-heat. reduced and it weighs less. Because it weighs
less, it rises until it reaches equilibrium-the level
at which the weight is the same as the
CONVECTION surrounding atmosphere.
- heat transfer by the movement of liquids or
gasses RADIATION
- heat transfer by electromagnetic
Air that is hotter than its surroundings waves
rises. Air that is cooler than its surroundings
sinks. Air is made up of many molecules floating The last form of heat transfer occurs by
about freely. Even so, it still has weight. Some radiation. As we have already seen, heat energy
molecules are made up of the same element. can be transmitted directly when molecules
For example, oxygen in its natural state will collide with one another and cause the waves of
combine with another oxygen atom to form a heat energy to travel.
stable oxygen molecule. In a given volume, air
at a given temperature will have the same FLAME CONTACT
density. When heated, as in conduction theory, - heat may be conducted from one body to
the molecules become agitated and begin to another by direct flame contact
collide with one another. In the process, the
molecules are demanding more space to PROPERTIES OF FIRE

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FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION

1. Physical properties f. Ignition temperature

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

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FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION

- Poorly managed or defective heating CLASS A

facilities - ordinary solid materials such as wood,
- Overheating, spark and electrical paper, fabrics, etc.
defects - this will be indicated by deep cited fire,
- Overload electric circuits/ Octopus leaves ashes and embers (glowing
connections coals) after burning
- Children playing matches
- Use of candles CLASS B
- flammable liquids such as gasoline, lube
C. INCENDIARY FIRE oil, kerosene, paint thinner, etc.
- is one deliberately set under
circumstances in which the CLASS C
person knows that the fire - electrical appliances; causes electric shock
should not be set
CLASS D
D. UNDETERMINED FIRE CAUSE - - metal fire such as magnesium (white
whenever the cause cannot be proven, element burning with dazzling light),
the proper classification sodium (a silver white metallic element),
is undetermined etc.; creates violent reaction

II. BASED ON BURNING FUEL CLASS E

- flammable gases such as LPG, LNG, etc.;
 also creates violent reaction 3. Class C – carbon dioxide/powder (never
use water, soda acid and foam)
Fire Classes in the United Kingdom and 4. Class D – special powder
Europe 5. Class E – all agents
A – ordinary combustibles
B – flammable or flammable liquids METHODS OF EXTINGUISHMENT
C – flammable gasses 1. COOLING – heat absorption. 2.
D – combustible metals SEPARATION – the removal of the fuel. 3.
E – (this class is no longer existing in SMOTHERING – by expelling oxygen 4.
Europe) F – cooking oils and fats Inhibition or the interruption of chemical
Fire Classes in Australia and Asia chain reaction
A – everyday combustibles
B – combustible or combustible Strategies Used in Firefighting:
liquids C – combustible gasses 1. Locate the fire
D – combustible metals 2. Confine the fire
E – electrical equipment 3. Extinguish the fire
F – cooking fats and oils 4. Exposures

Fire Classes in the U.S.A. (NFPA) Factors to Consider in Extinguishment:

A – regular combustibles 1. Time
B – flammable liquids and gasses 2. Weather (temperature, humidity, wind) 3.
C – electrical appliances Fire ( ex. Extent, location, bldg construction,
D – combustible metals contents involved)
K – cooking oils and fats 4. Occupancy
5. Ventilation (used for clearing the bldg of
smoke and gases)
FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT
Types of Ventilation:
EXTINGUISHING AGENT a. Vertical ventilation - must be worked from
1. Class A – water (all agents) the top to bottom
2. Class B – foam/carbon dioxide (all b. Cross or horizontal ventilation - used if
agents) 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 firefighters to remove occupants/

whereby a device such as smoke ejector persons from building/ hazards to a
is utilized to remove faster excessive safety place
heat and dense smoke 2. OVERHAUL - a complete and detailed
checked of the structures and materials
Factors to determine the location for the involved in the fire to make sure that
opening: every spark and ember has been
1. Location of intensity of fire extinguished and to have assurance
2. Highest point on the roof against re-ignition
3. Direction of wind 3. SALVAGE - an action taken by the
4. Existing exposure firefighters in preventing excessive
damage by fire, water with the use of
5. Extent of fire
salvage cover or by removing materials
6. Obstruction out from the burning building
ADDITIONAL BASIC TACTICS USED IN
EXTINGUISHING FIRE Types of ladder
1. Ground ladders (10 to 55 ft. long)
1. RESCUE - any action taken by the
 2. Aerial ladders the ladder
11. Guides - light metal strips of an
Purposes of ladders extension ladder that guides the fly
a. for rescue ladder while it is being raised or lowered
b. to stretch line into a fire building
c. to provide ventilation by giving access to ARSON INVESTIGATIVE GUIDE AND
places that are hard to reach PROCEDURES

Forms of ground ladders ARSON

a. Wall - the willful and malicious burning of all kinds of
b. Extension buildings and structures including
personal properties
c. Hook or straight ladder
d. Attic ladder
INVESTIGATION
- an art that deals with the identity and location
LADDER TERMINOLOGY
of the offender and provides evidence of
1. Bed ladder - the lowest section of an
his guilt in criminal proceedings
extension ladder
2. Fly ladder - the top section of an
extension ladder ELEMENTS OF ARSON
3. Butt - the bottom end of a ladder 1. Actual burning took place
4. Heel - the part of the ladder that touches 2. Actual burning is done with malicious
the ground intent
5. Halyard - a rope or cable used to raised 3. The actual burning is done by person(s)
the fly ladder legally and criminally liable
6. Pawl or dog - the mechanism located at
the end of the fly ladder that locks to the LAW AND JURISPRUDENCE
bed ladder The law on arson in the Philippines is
7. Rung - the cross member of the ladder covered by Articles 320 to 326 of the Revised
that is used for climbing Penal Code, as amended by PD No. 1613, PD
8. Top or tip - it is the top part of the ladder No. 1744, and Sec. 50 Rule VIII IRR of RA 6975
9. Hooks - part of a ladder that is used to which provides that the Bureau of Fire
hook over a roof peak, sills, or walls where Protection (BFP) shall have the power to
the heel does not rest on a foundation. (roof investigate all causes of fires and, if necessary,
type ladders) file the proper complaint with the City/Provincial
10. Stops - made of metal or wood blocks prosecutor who has jurisdiction over arson
used to prevent the fly of an extension cases.
ladder from extending out further from
LAWS ON ARSON

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FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION

1. Article 320 – 326 of the Revised Penal Code 4. RA 6975 Sec. 54

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

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FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION

extinguished on time. The crime consummated arson, notwithstanding

committed was frustrated arson. 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
What is Consummated Arson? extent of the damage caused.
 The offender did in fact set fire to the roof  Setting fire to the contents of a building
of the house and said house was constitutes the consummated crime of
partially burned. The crime was setting fire to a building even if no part
of the building was burned.
Basis of Liability in Arson: but the char will go deep into the wood.
1. Kind and character of the building, The direction of fire can also be taken
whether of public or private ownership. 2. Its into consideration with charring. The
location, whether in an uninhabited place or exposed side of combustible will have a
in a populated place. deeper char than the unexposed side.
3. Extent of damage caused; and 7. Evidence of forcible entry or lack of same
4. The fact of its being inhabited or not. may be important depending on the
Some of the Arson Evidence that the circumstances at the time of the fire. If
Investigator should seek at the Fire scene the investigator determines there was
are the following: no forcible entry and finds that the
1. Unusually rapid spread of the fire. building was secured prior to discovery
2. Where it originated? of the fire, he can reasonably suspect
3. Separate fires – when two or more there is possibility that the person who
separate fires break-out within a sets the fire entered the building with a
building, the fire is certainly suspicious. key. Doors and windows showing signs
4. Unusual odors – the odor of gasoline, of forced entry may point to arson
alcohol, kerosene and other preceded by burglary or arson by
inflammable liquids are indicated by someone without a key to the premises.
their characteristics and oftentimes,
arsonists are trapped because of this Motives of Arson
tell tale signs. Motive
5. Objects that appear to be foreign to the  Motive is the moving cause which
scene such as cans, candles, matches, induces a person to commit a crime.
explosives, electrical appliances such
as irons, heating elements, clocks, Is Motive Necessary to be Proven in Criminal
radios, flammables, trailers, etc. Proceedings?
6. Charring pattern may indicate fire  No. motive is not necessary to be proven
characteristics. The fact that the fire in criminal proceedings but once motive
feeds on combustible while propagating is shown, then intent can easily
itself, indicates that the char will established.
generally be deepest from where the  In the crime of arson, the distinction
fire originates. When a fire is between motive and intent is clearly
extinguished quickly, the charring is defined. INTENT is a material element
only slightly below the surface. Fire of arson while motive is not. INTENT is
burning for a longer period of time will the purpose of design with which the act
indicate a char is done and involves the will while
that is deep and pronounced. These MOTIVE is what induces the criminal.
facts are most apparent in the charring
of wood as a fire burns. The charring Motive Can Be Established By:
from fire on woods looks like the hide of I. Economic Gain
a black alligator. Fire extinguished A. Insurance fraud with the assured directly
quickly on wood will show a large benefiting:
alligatoring pattern that has not 1. Desire to move
penetrate the wood to any extent. Fire – the premises may no longer be
burning for a long period of time on desirable because of the
wood will show small alligatoring pattern condition of the building, the fact

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FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION

that the quarters are outgrown seasonal nature of the business,

or because of the locality. obsolesce, scarcity of materials
2. Disposing of Merchandise necessary to complete the
– the stocks on hand may have lost contracts, overstock in the
value by reason of the absence of expected order or a
 changing market. – is the uncontrollable impulse of a person to
3. Property Transaction burn anything without motivation.
– the business itself may no longer be Pyromaniacs usually do not run away
desirable because of from the scene of the crime, usually
impending liquidation, alone and feel satisfied watching the
settlement of an estate of which flame
it is a part, the need for cash,
prospective failure, the Types of Pyromaniacs:
comparatively greater value of 1. Abnormal Youth – Epileptics, imbeciles
the land, or the comparatively and morons may set fire without
greater value of the insurance knowing the seriousness of the act.
benefits. 2. The Hero Type – a person may set fire on
B. Profit by the Perpetrator other than a building, subsequently pretends to
the assured: discover it and turn in the alarm so that
he will appear a hero to the public. A
1. Insurance agents wishing
person may burn a building and
business
endeavor to achieve spectacular rescue
2. Insurance adjusters desiring to in order to attract the attention of
adjust a loss by securing a spectators.
contract 3. Alcoholics and Drug Addicts – persons
3. Business competitors who subject themselves to intense
4. Persons seeking jobs as artificial stimulants such as narcotics
protection personnel sometimes develop a strong urge
5. Salvagers toward incendiaries.
6. Contractors wishing to rebuild or 4. Sexual Deviates – some sex perverts
wreck derive sexual stimulation from setting a
fire and watching the flame. Frequently,
Concealment of Crime: he is chronic masturbator who
 the arsonists may set fire to a stimulates and enhances his sexual
building in order to conceal a gratification by means of arson.
projected or past crime. He may
wish to divert attention in order Public Disturbance
to loot the burning premises or - an offender may resort to arson as a means of
steal in other places. The a public disturbance because a fire
burning may be for the purpose attracts people and destruction causes
of destroying evidences. confusion that gives rise to attendant
problems that divert police attention.
Punitive Measure:
- An arsonists may use fire as a means of Vandalism
punishing another person for reason of – is a general term denoting intentional burning
jealousy, hatred or revenge. to destroy properties.

Intimidation or Economic Disabling: - The fire In determining motive, a fire investigator

may be used as a weapon of the saboteurs, the concentrates on three major factors: 1. Points
strikers or the racketeers to intimidate or to of origin of the fire
disable 2. Modus operandi of the arsonist
economically as a step toward forcing 3. Identify of persons who might benefits
submission to certain demands. from the fire.

Pyromania Incendiary Materials

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FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION

 - materials used to start a fire; combustible Combustible, Flammable or Inflammable -
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
Repealed PD 1185 inside an air duct system which automatically
- known as the "Revised Fire Code of the closes to 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,
consisting of a fuel and oxidizer used to set off when mixed with air in the proper proportion and
explosives. ignited will cause an explosion.

Cellulose Nitrate Or Nitro Cellulose - A highly Electrical Arc - An extremely hot luminous
combustible and explosive compound produced bridge formed by passage of an electric current
by the reaction of nitric acid with a cellulose across a space between two conductors or
material. terminals due to the incandescence of the
conducting vapor.
Cellulose Nitrate Plastic (Pyroxylin) - Any plastic
substance, materials or compound having Ember - A hot piece or lump that remains after a
cellulose nitrate (nitro cellulose) as base. material has partially burned, and is still
oxidizing without the manifestation of flames.

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Finishes - Materials used as final coating of a Flash Point - The minimum temperature at
surface for ornamental or protective purposes. which any material gives off vapor in sufficient
concentration to form an ignitable mixture with
Fire - The active principle of burning, air.
characterized by the heat and light of
combustion. Forcing -A process where a piece of metal is
heated prior to changing its shape or
Fire Trap - A building unsafe in case of fire dimensions.
because it will burn easily or because it lacks
adequate exits or fire escapes. Fulminate - A kind of stable explosive
compound which explodes by percussion.
Fire Alarm - Any visual or audible signal
produced by a device or system to warm the Hazardous Operation/Process - Any act of
occupants of the building or fire fighting manufacturing, fabrication, conversion, etc., that
elements of the presence or danger of fire to uses or produces materials which are likely to
enable them to undertake immediate action to cause fires or explosions.
save life and property and to suppress the fire.
Horizontal Exit - Passageway from one building
Fire Door - A fire resistive door prescribed for to another or through or around a wall in
openings in fire separation walls or partitions. approximately the same floor level.
Hose Box - A box or cabinet where fire hoses,
Fire Hazard - Any condition or act which valves and other equipment are stored and
increases or may cause an increase in the arranged for fire fighting.
probability of the occurrence of fire, or which
may obstruct, delay, hinder or interfere with fire Hose Reel - A cylindrical device turning on an
fighting operations and the safeguarding of life axis around which a fire hose is wound and
and property. connected.

Fire Lane - The portion of a roadway or public Hypergolic Fuel - A rocket or liquid propellant
way that should be kept opened and which consists of combinations of fuels and
unobstructed at all times for the expedient oxidizers which ignite spontaneously on contact
operation of fire fighting units. with each other.
Industrial Baking And Drying - The industrial
Fire Protective And Fire Safety Device - Any process of subjecting materials to heat for the
device intended for the protection of buildings or purpose of removing solvents or moisture from
persons to include but not limited to built-in the same, and/or to fuse certain chemical salts
protection system such as sprinklers and other to form a uniform glazing the surface of
automatic extinguishing system, detectors for materials being treated.
heat, smoke and combustion products and other
warning system components, personal Jumper - A piece of metal or an electrical
protective equipment such as fire blankets, conductor used to bypass a safety device in an
helmets, fire suits, gloves and other garments electrical system.
that may be put on or worn by persons to protect
themselves during fire. Occupancy - The purpose for which a building
or portion thereof is used or intended to be
Fire Safety Constructions - Refers to design and used.
installation of walls, barriers, doors, windows,
vents, means of egress, etc. integral to and Occupant - Any person actually occupying and
incorporated into a building or structure in order using a building or portions thereof by virtue of a
to minimize danger to life from fire, smoke, lease contract with the owner or administrator or
fumes or panic before the building is evacuated. by permission or sufferance of the latter.
These features are also designed to achieve,
among others, safe and rapid evacuation of
people through means of egress sealed from
smoke or fire, the confinement of fire or smoke
in the room or floor of origin and delay their
spread to other parts of the building by means of
smoke sealed and fire resistant doors, walls and
floors. It shall also mean to include the treatment
of buildings components or contents with flame
retardant chemicals.
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in a systematic pattern which automatically

Organic Peroxide - A strong oxidizing organic hydraulically designed piping installed in a
compound which releases oxygen readily. It building, structure or area with outlets arranged
causes fire when in contact with combustible discharges water when activated by heat or
materials especially under conditions of high combustion products from a fire.
temperature.
Standpipe System - A system of vertical pipes in
Overloading - The use of one or more electrical a building to which fire hoses can be attached
appliances or devices which draw or consume on each floor, including a system by which water
electrical current beyond the designed capacity is made available to the outlets as needed.
of the existing electrical system.
Vestibule - A passage hall or antechamber
Owner - The person who holds the legal right of between the outer doors and the interior parts of
possession or title to a building or real property. a house or building.

Oxidizing Material - A material that readily yields Vertical Shaft - An enclosed vertical space of
oxygen in quantities sufficient to stimulate or passage that extends from floor to floor, as well
support combustion. as from the base to the top of the building.

Pressurized Or Forced Draft Burning Equipment

- Type or burner where the fuel is subjected to Collection of Liquid Samples for Accelerant
pressure prior to discharge into the combustion Testing
chamber and/or which includes fans or other Liquid accelerants may be collected
provisions for the introduction of air at above with a. New syringe
normal atmosphere pressure into the same b. Siphoning device
combustion chamber. c. Evidence container itself
d. Sterilize cotton balls or gauge pads may
Public Assembly Building - Any building or also be used to absorbed the liquid
structure where fifty (50) or more people
congregate, gather, or assemble for any Where liquid accelerants are believed to have
purpose. become trapped in porous materials such as
concrete floor:
Public Way - Any street, alley or other strip of a. Lime
land unobstructed from the ground to the sky, b. Diatomaceous earth
deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently c. flour
appropriated for public use.
Pyrophoric - Descriptive of any substance that Collection of liquid evidence absorbed by solid
ignites spontaneously when exposed to air. materials including soils and sand:
a. Scooping
Refining - A process where impurities and/or b. Sawing
deleterious materials are removed from a c. Scraping
mixture in order to produce a pure element of d. Core drilling
compound. It shall also refer to partial distillation Collecting of Solid samples for accelerant
and electrolysis. testing Solid accelerant may be common
household materials and compounds or
Self-Closing Doors - Automatic closing doors dangerous chemicals. When collecting solid
that are designed to confine smoke and heat accelerants:
and delay the spread of fire. a. The fire investigator must ensure that the
solid accelerant is maintained in
Smelting - Melting or fusing of metallic ores or physical state in which is found
compounds so as to separate impurities from b. Some incendiary materials remain
pure metals. Corrosive and Reactive
c. Ensure the corrosive nature of these
Sprinkler System - An integrated network of residue does not attack the packaging
 container Collection of Gaseous samples
Method of Collection:

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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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