Lecture Notes: Fire Investigation and Case Studies

Introduction

• Speaker: Pat Andler
• Experience: Over 35 years as a fire investigator.
  • Conducted over 4,000 investigations.
  • Authored a textbook on arson investigation.
• Education: Undergraduate degree in justice studies from Arizona State University.
• Specialized Training: Over 650 hours in fire science and arson investigation.
• Current Work: Adler Associates, his own business since 1989.

Program and Speaker

• Dr. Maddie Edelman: Founder of the Seeking Justice program.
• 20th Anniversary: Celebrating 20 years of the program.

Fire Investigation Standards

• NFPA 921: Considered the gold standard for fire investigation.
  • Updated every 3-4 years.
  • Peer-reviewed by approximately 5,000 members.
• NFPA 1033: Set standards for qualifications of fire investigators.
  • Enforces requirements like smoke detectors, exits.

Investigation Process

• Key Steps:
  • Determine origin and cause of the fire.
  • Consider responsibility, e.g., lack of smoke detectors by landlords.
• Scientific Methodology:
  • Compliance is mandatory for legitimacy.

Case Study: Don Phillips

• Background: Long-time homeowner accused of arson.
• Investigation Details:
  • House had two alleged points of origin.
  • Pre-fire photographs were crucial.
  • Examination showed single fire origin from patio area.
  • Evidence included burn patterns, heat intensity signs.
  • Accelerant detection dog falsely indicated presence of flammable liquid, later identified as lemon pledge.
• Outcome: Not guilty verdict after presenting evidence and testing hypothesis.

Investigative Techniques

• Evidence Collection: Photographs, videos, physical evidence collection.
• Vectoring: Used to map fire spread patterns.
• Hypothesis Testing: Recreated fire conditions in a lab setting.

Challenges in Fire Investigation

• Missteps by Agencies: Insufficient investigation and reliance on weak evidence.
• Overzealous Prosecution: Lack of thorough review and peer consultation.
• False Indications: Misinterpretation by accelerant detection dogs.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

• Prosecutorial Accountability: Importance of reviewing evidence thoroughly before indictment.
• Impact on Defendants: Long-term reputational and legal repercussions even if exonerated.

Q&A Highlights

• Use of Tools: Importance of accelerant detection dogs but stressed on lab confirmation.
• Legal Obligations: No obligation to use fire extinguishers in a fire.

Conclusion

• Final Remarks: Emphasized importance of thorough, scientific investigation.
• Recognition: Acknowledgement of Pat Andler's contribution to fire investigation and his expertise shared during the lecture.

Note: The lecture also included visual aides such as animations and videos to demonstrate fire spread and investigative techniques.