Abstract
The given paper revolves around the theoretical knowledge needed for the efficient functioning of every member of a newly formed arson investigation unit. The character of their work presupposes the comprehensive investigation of different types of fires, main causes for their appearance, and substances which could be dangerous. For this reason, the given article presents a theoretical framework needed to understand the nature of fire, its main physical properties, three basic elements that make up a fire triangle, the oxidation process, and factors that might impact the fire, rate of fire spread, etc. This very paper incorporates the basic theoretical knowledge needed for a member of the arson investigation unit. The work starts with an introduction that outlines the major concerns which will be discussed; there is also the body that covers the main points and the conclusion which summarizes the key assumptions and emphasizes the unique importance of this very data.
Ignition and Burning Processes
The functioning of every member of an arson investigation unit helps to determine the causes for the appearance and development of fire. The improved comprehending of the nature of these processes results in the introduction of more efficient measures to struggle with fires and in the enhanced preventive measures aimed at the improvement of fire security in the area. For this reason, the deep knowledge of the nature of fire and its main peculiarities is crucial for every member of an arson investigation unit. The theoretical knowledge suggested below will help to improve understanding of these basic issues and result in the more efficient functioning of a certain investigator.
Analyzing fire as a physical phenomenon, we should mention several unique properties and characteristics. Every fire investigator should understand the basic principles of combustion. Besides, this process could be described as the chemical reaction between the oxygen that could be found in the atmosphere and any sort of fuel that could be found nearby (Harris, n.d.). For this sort of reaction to start, a significant ignition temperature should be achieved. Thus, every sort of fuel has its ignition temperature and this knowledge is crucial for the improved comprehending of the nature of fire and the ability to predict its appearance.
Thus, the above-mentioned physical characteristics of fire indicate that there is a need for fuel, heat, and oxygen for a reaction to happen and fire to appear. These three basic elements comprise the so-called fire triangle (Burnette, n.d.). In case these three elements are present and can interact a fire might occur. At the same time, if to remove one of the elements of the fire triangle, the chemical reaction will not start, or it will stop. For this reason, knowledge of these basic elements will help to suppress the fire.
Therefore, as stated above, the presence of oxygen is one of the key factors for the appearance of fire. When the oxygen reacts with a certain fuel, we could observe the oxidation (“Chemistry of combustion,” n.d.). In the broad meaning, the process could be defined as the loss of electrons in the course of the reaction. However, if to apply the given term to the process of combustion, we could also say that the reaction between fuel and oxygen characterized by high temperatures and the formation of new substances might be called oxidation. It destroys the structure of objects and contributes to the appearance of new ones (“The pocket guide to accelerant evidence collection,” n.d.). Besides, some elements could be easily oxidized, when others are not. Differences in the physical properties of elements impact the oxidation speed.
Additionally, several substances might be described as accelerants of the oxidation process as they increase their rates significantly. These accelerants are often used to commit arson and achieve the rapid escalation of fire. For this reason, their knowledge is crucial for a fire investigator. The majority of accelerants are hydrocarbon fuels like gasoline, diesel fuel, etc. They are also referred to as ignitable liquids. In case they are used, the speed of the development of fire increases. Besides, they leave behind physical evidence of their use like combustion gases, salts, and oxides which could help a fire investigator to determine the main cause of the fire (Reno et al., 2000).
To discover whether any accelerant was used or not and whether a fire could be considered arson, an investigator has to collect evidence from the scene for further investigation. Thus, to find the evidence, he/she should first of all look at adsorbents which can contain materials that were used to increase the speed of a fire. These might be cloth, carpets, soil, cardboard, etc. (“Evidence collection and laboratory analysis,” n.d.). They are most likely to contain elements which could help to determine the nature of fire. In this regard, they should be given great attention
Conclusion
In conclusion, we could state that fire is a complex chemical reaction that demands the presence of heat, fuel, and oxygen. These elements comprise a fire tirade and should be given great attention to stop the evolution of fire and make its aftermath less devastating. The knowledge of the main physical properties of fire helps to determine the nature of arson and accelerants that were used to make it more devastating.
References
Burnette, G. (n.d.). Documentation of the fire scene: a legal perspective. Web.
Chemistry of combustion. (n.d.). Web.
Evidence collection and laboratory analysis. (n.d.). Web.
Harris, T. (n.d.). How fire works. Web.
Reno, J., Marcus, D., Lou Leary, M., & Samuels, J. (2000). Fire and arson scene evidence: a guide for public safety personnel. Web.
The pocket guide to accelerant evidence collection. (n.d.). Web.