Lecture on Fire Investigation by Pat Andler

Introduction

• Speaker: Pat Andler, a fire investigator with over 35 years of experience.
• Achievements: Conducted over 4,000 fire investigations.
• Certifications: Certified fire investigator and instructor.
• Education: Undergraduate degree in Justice Studies from Arizona State University.
• Publications: Authored a textbook on arson investigation.
• Company: Founder of Adler Associates.

Career Background

• Started as an investigator for Equifax Services in the 1980s.
• Gained an opportunity to attend multiple fire academies across the U.S.
• Noticed gaps in fire departments' training in handling arson and fraudulent fire claims.

Fire Investigation Standards

• NFPA 921: Considered the gold standard for fire investigation, updated every 3-4 years.
  • Peer-reviewed by about 5,000 members.
  • Emphasizes scientific methodology in fire investigations.
• NFPA 1033: Details qualifications for fire investigators.

Key Points in Fire Investigation

• Primary Process: Determine the origin before identifying the cause of the fire.
• Responsibility: Importance of considering responsibilities (e.g., absence of smoke detectors).

Case Study: Don Phillips

• Incident: Fire investigation involving a house owned by Don Phillips.
• Initial Observations: Fire department initially cited two points of origin.
• Discovery: Fire likely started from a cigar in a wicker chair on the patio.
• Verification: Reconstructed the fire scene and conducted tests to replicate conditions.
• Outcome: Mr. Phillips was found not guilty; noted shortcomings in initial investigations.

Methodologies and Tools

• Use of scientific methods and peer-reviewed standards.
• Importance of photographs and pre-fire evidence in reconstructing fire scenes.

Challenges in Fire Investigation

• False Assumptions: Importance of verifying evidence (e.g., accelerant detection dogs and false alerts).
• Legal Implications: Impact of inaccurate investigations on personal and professional lives.

Q&A Highlights

• Fire Extinguishers: Discussion on the legal obligation to use them during a fire.
• Accelerant Detection Dogs: Their role and limitations in investigations.
• Prosecutorial Responsibility: Need for thorough reviews before advancing court cases.

Conclusion

• Importance of thorough and accurate fire investigation.
• Potential consequences of insufficient investigation and prosecution.