Fire Analysis & Prevention Essays

Question 1

Scientific evidence has shown that all human beings exhibit difference levels of tolerance to the influence and effects of toxic gases and other hazardous environmental elements. List the three relevant factors affecting human tolerance level concerning the inhalation of toxic fumes and gases, and briefly explain how these factors apply to fire death victims.

Question 2

Describe the use of ignitable liquids as accelerants, giving particular details such as quantity used, patterns, and locations of choice. What might cause an investigator to think that a fire was set by an amateur? What factors could cause use of an accelerant to result in a fire failure rather than a conflagration? What should be done with the clothes worn by a suspected arsonist in an "accelerant" fire? Why?

Question 3

A number of natural fibers are used in the manufacture of cloth and garments. Identify and describe five of the more commonly used natural fibers, giving detailed information regarding the origin of each fiber and how it reacts to fire. Do you agree with California's laws concerning the use of Kapok in furniture upholstery? Why, or why not?

Question 4

Fire Investigators often fall prey to single-minded focus during their investigation and tend to overlook non-fire-related physical evidence. The authors of your textbook have provided information about five such types of non-fire-related physical evidence. List each of the five, providing detailed characteristics, advantages and disadvantages (if applicable), and how finding each type can assist your investigation.

Question 5

Describe the importance of smoke management within the structure as is it related to the model codes. How does this affect operational crews?

Question 6

You are conducting an inspection and you identified several electrical hazards. Describe how you will address this situation, and provide the education that is needed to rectify the situation.