Fire Findings Publication – ALCO Fire Chiefs Association

Volume 1, Issue 1

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Electrical Baseboard Headers
How Smoke Detectors work and Why they May not Work
Operating Temperatures of an Electric Iron
Electrical receptacles not in use can cause fires.
Special Report: Gas Water Heater Fires
Kitchen fires: It pays to know what’s cooking.

Volume 1, Issue 2

Volume 1, Issue 3

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Bimetal is a vital part of an appliance’s control system.
Determine yourself if a circuit breaker tripped.
Common questions about circuit breakers.
Avoid CROSS CONTAMINATION with easy-to-use methods.
SPECIAL REPORT: Portable Kerosene Heaters
- Kerosene Heater Investigation Checklist.
Pop-Tarts: Time & Temp fuel faulty toasters and produce burning results.

Volume 2, Issue 1

In this issue are the following topics and more:

First in a series: Electricity 101 for fire investigators.
Tip-over switches make heaters virtually foolproof.
Hearth extension is an important consideration in your investigation.
SPECIAL REPORT: Gas Furnace Fires
Popular extension cord reels can be dangerous.
NFPA Section 921 premieres: faulty indicators.

Volume 2, Issue 2

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Spontaneous combustion not instantaneous (includes a list of common materials subject to spontaneous heating).
How a three-way switch works.
How hot does an air gun get?
Part II: Electricity 101 for investigators – Computing resistance to determine current load.
Special Report: preparing useful, easy-to-use diagrams.
NFPA 921: Interviewing section for most inexperienced.
Isolated product malfunctions can cause fires. (Fire Findings examines a hair dryer’s quality control problem as an example.)
Cigarette delays don’t always work, but when they do…

Volume 2, Issue 3

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Flash point temps can help validate witness statements (plus a list of temps for some common flammable liquids).
Laundry fires classic spontaneous combustion cases.
How thermal cutoffs (TCOs) work.
How hot does a waterbed heater get?
Special Report: electrical receptacle fires.
Part III: Electricity 101 for investigators -I²R formula can help determine potential for fire causes.
Charcoal briquettes remain hot longer than 26 hours.
NFPA 921: How to take accurate char measurements.
Recreational boat recalls.

Volume 2, Issue 4

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Load center protects circuit breakers better than expected: An analysis of breaker behavior during a test fire.
How hot do glue guns get?
How transformers work.
AC: Why it’s the current of choice and how it works.
Special Report: Recessed Light Fixtures – How they work, fail, and start fires. Includes how to examine these fixtures.
NFPA 921: Burning under doors doesn’t imply arson.
Holiday decoration product recalls.

Volume 3, Issue 1

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Concrete core sections may increase chances of identifying accelerants.
Burn tests show one bag of potato chips fuels fire.
How hot does a toaster get?
How propane tank vapor withdrawal valve works.
Special Report: floating neutrals – how to check continuity to ground and a checklist for determining the problems.
Exclusive smoke detector burn tests: Don’t make assumptions about the presence of them.
NFPA 921: fire patterns.

Volume 2, Issue 2

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Tests burn hole in ‘1-inch per 45-minute’ wood burn rule.
Range control analysis yields useful observations.
How hot do fuses get?
NFPA unveils new 921 edition that includes many changes.
Special report: fuel-related boat fires, interviewing tips, checking for vapors or raw gas and recreational boat recalls.
Bird nest fire hazards not just for the birds.
Water heater main burner timing experiment and findings.

Volume 3, Issue 3

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Fire timing test results show fires may only appear to start rapidly, and what witnesses don’t see can impact your cause determinations.
Highest temps during a test fire weren’t at higher levels.
How hot do bread makers get?
NFPA 921’s appliance section doesn’t address key items.
Special report: Close-up photos and a question / answer format show you what to look for when examining wires.
Photo examination shows you how a toaster works.
Proposed UL Standards lead to important propane valve system safety changes.

Volume 3, Issue 4

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Test results add further doubt to the reliability of concrete spalling as an indicator.
Other tests show gasoline doesn’t cool the surface beneath it.
Slow cookers – How hot do they get?
Don’t like portions of NFPA 921? You can do something about it.
Special report: Noted authority, David C. Smith, explains how heat tapes and cables work and fail. He also discusses what to examine during your inspection.
Protected area tests indicate the space under a combustible piece of furniture may not always be protected.

Volume 4, Issue 1

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Gas leaks: Joints are common sources for problems.
Relays are important parts of HVAC systems.
Electric radiators – How hot do they get?
NFPA 921 – Heed advice about red flags.
Special report: Noted authority, James M. Finneran, explains how coffeemakers work and fail. Includes a list of coffeemaker recalls.
X-rays: Nondestructive exams can lead to accurate determinations.

Volume 4, Issue 2

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Multiple origins? Maybe not in balloon-frame building fires.
Flame rollout switch guards against elevated temperatures.
Pop quiz: Unattended popcorn does what?
Recently sold homes: Buyers’ remorse rarely the reason for fires.
Special Report: Gas chromatography.
NFPA 921: Proposed canine amendment addresses concerns of improper use.
Tests seem to cool the burning nail theory.

Volume 4, Issue 3

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Exterior fires in residential settings: Some probable sources may help you determine fire causes.
Flame ionization detector senses presence of flame.
Push lawn mowers get hot, but seldom cause fires.
Physical evidence at the scene may help you discover when someone was last there.
Special Report: Clothes dryer fires (Part I).
NFPA 921: Accelerants raise temperatures faster, not higher.
Reader telephone calls prompt testing on halogen lamps.

Volume 4, Issue 4

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Alloying helps explain how some materials melt at temperatures lower than expected.
Spontaneous combustion test: Outside of linseed oil bundle was room temperature, but the inside was hot.
How hot does a coffeemaker get?
Special Report: Clothes dryer fires (Part II).
NFPA 921: Safety at the scene.
Tests put the kibosh on exploding, flying can theory.

Volume 5, Issue 1

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Loose gas pipe fittings: Physics basics may aid investigation.
Plug fuses halt current almost instantly.
Hair dryer temps make good comparisons.
Curing fiberglass resin creates chemical reaction but no fire.
Special Report: Electrical apparatus remains.
Add smoke detectors to your list of potential fire causes (plus list of smoke detector recalls).

Volume 5, Issue 2

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Horizontal surface testing yields clues to fire’s origin.
Test confirms NFPA 921 saddle burn theory.
How it Works: GFCIs compare strength of magnetic fields.
How hot does a kitchen get?
Case study: Tracing internal wiring of electric iron irons out melting mystery.
Special Report: Expert Witness Testimony.
Time and Temp: Can twisting, squeezing and compressing a conductor cause a fire?
Interview with Kirk’s Fire Investigation author, John D. DeHaan, Ph.D.
NFPA 921: Examining slopes of holes may help find fire source.

Volume 5, Issue 3

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Fireworks not just personal injury hazards – fire risks associated with many.
Recreational boat-related defects and recall campaigns.
How hot does a heating pad get?
Electric range tests produce similar results to 1993 gas range experiment.
Special Report: LP gas cylinders, plus news on the new overfill prevention device.
Lightning detection service monitors strikes within 1,500-foot radius.

Volume 5, Issue 4

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Medium petroleum distillates – These ignitable liquids may or may not be accelerants. (Plus a chart of ignitable liquid residues’ classifications.)
Study in refraction is a reminder of what light can do.
How hot does a charcoal-firewood starter get?
Crematorium tour aids fire death investigation.
Special Report – candle fires. Plus, ASTM, NCA and CPSC initiate voluntary standard talks.
NFPA 921 – A total burn” fire scene may not be a complete loss.
Sprinkler heads typically one of two designs.
Training materials and certification are useful tools for wood stove and fireplace investigations.
Medium petroleum distillates – These ignitable liquids may or may not be accelerants. (Plus a chart of ignitable liquid residues’ classifications.)
Study in refraction is a reminder of what light can do.”

Volume 6, Issue 1

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Cigarette fires in paper trash: Results difficult to believe, even after 300 tests.
New Bureau of ATF FIRE Center slated.
How hot does a dimmer switch get?
Burn patterns on floors may not indicate arson.
Special Report: heat release rate (Part I).
Circuit protection devices respond differently depending on situation.

Volume 6, Issue 2

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Making sense of electrical receptacle remains starts with tracing wiring.
How hot does a lava lamp get?
Updated NFPA 921 guide published.
Special Report: heat release rate (Part II).
Using scientific calculators to compute flame heights, heat release rates.
Determining heat release rates using flame heights (chart shown in meters and feet).
Toaster pastry update: Only two boxes included fire-risk caution.

Volume 6, Issue 3

Volume 6, Issue 4

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Clothes dryer lint: Spontaneous heating doesn’t occur in any of 16 tests.
Electric iron update: A week later, it still didn’t start a fire.
Electrical conductor temps stay low in insulation, but different conditions could lead to ignition.
NFPA 921: New video series excellent accompaniment to 921 guide.
Special Report: gas explosions.
Split coil gas burner has few parts, but is a complex system.

Volume 7, Issue 1

In this issue are the following topics and more:

New cord fault circuit interrupter (CFCI) technology designed to detect fire-causing conditions.
Cord abuse testing leads to higher temps, internal arcing.
New Dex Wipe Warmer’s temps much lower than recalled product.
NFPA 921: Tape recording statements doesn’t need to be distracting or annoying.
Special Report: Eyewitness Memory / Interviewing Tips / Swiss Nanny arson-murder case.
Part II — Clothes dryer lint: Testing reaffirms spontaneous heating of lint is unlikely.

Volume 7, Issue 2

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Surge suppressors: Real protection or potential hazards?
How hot does a natural gas-fired water heater get?
NFPA 921: Mastering definitions not a waste of time.
Special Report: Low-temperature wood ignition.
Boat-related defects and recall campaigns.
Arc mapping can provide valuable clues of fire’s origin.
Arcing in conduit generally a result of the fire.

Volume 7, Issue 3

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Heat and temperature are not interchangeable concepts (includes ‘specific heat’ values of some common substances).
NFPA 921: Prepare today for opposing counsel’s questions.
How Hot Does It Get — self-heating meals.
Special Report: Electric system operations and power ‘surges’.
Part II: Surge suppressors’ voltages, components and quality vary.
High resistance connection may be fire-causing culprit, too.

Volume 7, Issue 4

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Electronic card catalogs good place to start research.
Washing machine effluent may provide clues in dryer fire investigations.
Glowing electrical connections’ study revisited.
Special Report: Close-up photography.
NFPA 921: Does it matter when you choose to interview?
More involved in evidence tagging than meets the eye.
Noting product fasteners’ history of use can be helpful.

Volume 8, Issue 1

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Prefabricated chimneys: Proper installation and precautions reduce risks associated with use.
Ceramic heater acts fast when overheated.
Special Report: Part I. Panelboard examinations.
NFPA 921: Proposed changes to next edition could have substantial impact.
Insulation analysis: Cellulose and mineral wool look deceptively alike but similarity stops there.
Learning to narrow Web results can be the key to successful on-line searching.

Volume 8, Issue 2

Volume 8, Issue 3

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Carbon tracking: Poor insulation, contaminants make for potential fire cause.
NFPA 921: Technical committee affirms controversial proposals.
LP-gas, natural gas grills reach similar temperatures.
Newer toaster technology uses electronics instead of bimetals for timers.
Special Report — Burn tests: ignition elevations of first fuels and fire origins.
Novelty lamps: potential fire causes?
Cutler-Hammer self-study courses introduce electrical fundamentals.

Volume 8, Issue 4

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Heat-bulb testing: Wood, straw and towels respond differently at close distances to lamps.
Delayed ignition devices: Legendary balloon and gasoline device sounds better than it performs; without a timer, others don’t have much delay.
Special Report: Electric blanket fires.
NFPA 921: Negative corpus, other proposals change for final draft of next edition.

Volume 9, Issue 1

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Floor-level burning: What kinds of damage do burning accelerants cause?
How Hot Does It Get: soldering iron operating temperatures.
Uniform symbols to use for diagramming electrical systems.
Special Report: Utility voltage control.
NFPA 921: fire scene reconstruction and prefire positioning.

Volume 9, Issue 2

Volume 9, Issue 3

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Household chemicals: Warning labels hint of fire hazards, but are they a significant fuel source?
NFPA 921: New edition’s additions and updates (2001 edition premieres).
Hot rollers’ operating temperatures.
Swivel outlet cover: Receptacle aimed at safety may prove otherwise.
Special Report: burn pattern testing (V-patterns).
How it Works: automatic shut-off mechanisms.
Boat defects and recalls.

Volume 9, Issue 4

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Excavating debris — look beyond the floor for important clues to fire’s cause.
Holiday mini-lights (how they work) — shunt begins operating when filament breaks or burns out.
Scorched battery charger leads to testing (how hot does it get).
NFPA 921: additions to other evidentiary factors” section takes 921 into new territory.
Special Report: residential steam boilers.
Errors and omissions coverage can protect from financial disaster.
Excavating debris — look beyond the floor for important clues to fire’s cause.
Holiday mini-lights (how they work) — shunt begins operating when filament breaks or burns out.

Volume 10, Issue 1

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Exterior electrical exams: Important aspect of fire scene exam.
WAAS-enabled GPS receives may have applications for larger fire-scene work.
Operating temperatures of a multi-cooker (countertop deep-fat fryer).
Input for 2004 edition of NFPA 921 due soon.
Special Report: Forced Entry.
Kirk’s author, John DeHaan, adds to V-pattern discussion (excerpt of new edition also included).

Volume 10, Issue 2

Volume 10, Issue 3

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Circuit breaker tripping: magnetic field or temperature rise yields different breaker trip times.
With the flick of a cigarette, floral arrangements are set afire.
FryDaddy (electric deep fryer) operating temperatures.
NFPA 921: Incendiary indicators (‘too hot,’ ‘too fast’ not among those listed).
Special Report: gas regulator lock-ups plus how to test regulator pressure.
Overcurrent testing: small temp increases fail to damage conductors, let alone create fire-causing conditions.

Volume 10, Issue 4

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Furnace ignition systems: High-efficiency technology brings variances among manufacturers.
NFPA 921: Working with the scientific method a basic tool of today’s investigations.
Operating temperatures of the George Foreman Lean Mean Fat Reducing Grilling Machine.”
How it Works: A gas shutoff valve leaks after the fire — here’s why.
Special Report: Ignitable Liquid Classification Update (ASTM International E 1387 and E 1618).
Prevailing winds: Structures can significantly block or alter wind direction.
Furnace ignition systems: High-efficiency technology brings variances among manufacturers.
NFPA 921: Working with the scientific method a basic tool of today’s investigations.
Operating temperatures of the George Foreman “Lean Mean Fat Reducing Grilling Machine.”
How it Works: A gas Furnace ignition systems: High-efficiency technology brings varia”

Volume 11, Issue 1

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Masonry fireplaces: Improper construction years ago may lead to fires today.
Occupational health and safety: Risks still present after fire extinguishment.
Roof de-icing cable requires extra care (operating temperatures test).
Look for fuel gas as an influence on fire development or as a cause.
Special Report: electric blanket fires (Part I) plus how to handle, preserve crucial components.
How the mechanical electric meter works.

Volume 11, Issue 2

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Electric blanket fires — common failures (Part II).
Updated curriculum vitae (CV) essential part of being an expert witness.
Salamander heater (portable forced-air heater) operating temperatures.
NFPA 921: evaluating low burn patterns.
Special Report: aerosols and fire science.
Identifying the age, manufacturer of burned mystery” appliances.
Electric blanket fire

Volume 11, Issue 3

Volume 11, Issue 4

Volume 12, Issue 1

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Voltage required to cause arcs and sparks.
LP-gas tank top heater operating temperatures.
NFPA 921: User’s Manual premieres.
Special Report: methamphetamine lab fires.
Alarm systems: gaining crucial info after a fire.

Volume 12, Issue 2

In this issue are the following topics and more:

NFPA 921: Preparation for 2007 edition starts plus proposal-writing tips.
Case study: Keep the gas grill clean and off a wood deck (blocked venturi tubes leading to fires).
How it Works: gas grill igniter.
Hair straightener operating temperatures.
Special Report: clues from smoke stains and soot.
Poor housekeeping out of control: hoarders’ collections and the risk of fire.

Volume 12, Issue 3

Volume 12, Issue 4

Volume 13, Volume 1

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Electric space heaters (Part II): Clues to determining if this appliance caused a fire.
CPSC seeking electrical panelboards and receptacles involved in fires.
Melted fluorescent light bulb and recall of them.
Special Report: Protocol primer.
Using pre-fire photographs to capture essence of burned structures.

Volume 13, Issue 2

Volume 13, Issue 3

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Careful exterior inspection can aid determination process.
How a power-vent water heater works.
New column premieres: What’s Inside — this issue we cover wall-mounted thermostats.
NFPA 921: The case of the overdriven or misdriven staple.
Special Report: fluorescent lighting (Part I).
Conductors 101: Learning properties and sizing techniques can help identify device, and maker.

Volume 13, Issue 4

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Electrostatic pinholing: Charge buildup in PE pipe may lead to gas leaks, ignition.
How it Works: dehumidifier.
What’s Inside: microwave magnetron.
NFPA 921 and confirmed incendiary fires: Serial arson clues may lie in other types of fires.
Special Report: fluorescent lighting (Part II).
Sketching: A valuable tool if done early in an investigation.

Volume 14, Issue 1

In this issue are the following topics and more:

A matter of inches: Slight changes in variables make a difference in resulting test fires.
How instant-demand (tankless) water heaters work.
Wire nuts, aka pressure-type wire connectors, are tiny parts that perform a big job in any wiring project.
Special Report: high-efficiency gas furnaces.
When flame-rollout leads to fires.

Volume 14, Issue 2

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Fire Findings moving its offices, testing and seminar facilities.
What’s Inside: Bakelite still recognizable after a fire.
How it Works: Multitude of receptacle grades available, but U.S. specifies few straight blade grades.
Special Report: Clues to identifying remains.
Returning to the scene: Preparation is key to making good use of time.
Editor’s Note: Daubert and dinosaurs.

Volume 14, Issue 3

Volume 14, Issue 4

Volume 15, Issue 1

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Part I: The Testifying Investigator – Consideration of litigation begins at the scene.
NFPA 921: Committee issues proposal report.
What’s Inside: Mechanical timer controls the operation of an appliance.
Phantom power: devices turned off” may create fire hazards.
Special Report: Interviewing Occupants (Part I).
How it Works: Battery chargers.
Part I: The Testifying Investigator – Consideration of litigation begins at the scene.
NFPA 921: Committee issues pro”

Volume 15, Issue 2

Volume 15, Issue 3

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Cigarette fires in fabrics: After 500 tests, results may be difficult to fathom.
States step up to enact “fire-safe” cigarette legislation.
NFPA 921: Wildfire chapter applies to more than wildland fires.
What’s Inside: incandescent and halogen bulbs.
DeHaan makes substantive changes to the new edition of Kirk’s Fire Investigation.
Special Report: Arc mapping follow-up.
How It Works: air conditioning systems.

Volume 15, Issue 4

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Taking on the challenge of group fire scene exams and tips for streamlining inspections.
NFPA 921: Low burn not proof of an incendiary fire.
What’s Inside: excess flow valve.
Smoke Characterization Project and the significance behind the findings for fire investigators.
Special Report: cellulose insulation tests.
How it Works: capillary tube thermostat.

Volume 16, Issue 1

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Gasoline vapor testing: What makes a competent ignition source?
Residential Electricity for Fire Investigators: New Fire Findings seminar makes debut.
What’s Inside: capacitor motor.
NFPA 921: Addition of guidelines could improve interviewing section.
Special Report: smoke alarm evaluations.
Case study: The Missing Firebox.

Volume 16, Issue 2

Volume 16, Issue 3

In this issue are the following topics and more:

The effects of Daubert: Experts must protect reputations and financial interests.
When wiring is an issue, arm yourself with knowledge.
What’s Inside: the basic box or pedestal fan.
Type of mulch and lighting may be important to scene exam.
Special Report: Apartment/condominium fires.
Case study: Can a high resistance connection lead to a fire even after a load is removed?

Volume 16, Issue 4

In this issue are the following topics and more:

If a product is “listed,” does that mean it can’t cause a fire?
UL offers variety of product testing services.
Create “grids” to X-ray larger masses of burned debris.
What’s Inside: Heat tape and heat cable are not the same.
NFPA 921: “Inductive reasoning” moved in latest edition.
Special Report: Fireplace installation issues.
Contaminated water + electricity = potential fire hazard.

Volume 17, Issue 1

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Improper fireplace use: problems run the gamut.
What do the markings on circuit breakers mean?
Special Report: Refrigerator fires.
How it Works: Instant-demand gas water heater.
Was the switch on or off? X-rays may provide the answer.

Volume 17, Issue 2

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Testing lit cigarettes in potting soil and peat moss.
Verification of lightning data and the role of the fire investigator.
What’s Inside: air freshener heating element.
NFPA 921: spoliation material.
Special Report: anticipating the fire scene.
How it Works: operation of a pellet stove.
X-ray Vision: small fuses (overcurrent protection device).

Volume 17, Issue 3

Volume 17, Issue 4

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Overcurrent: Evaluation should include evaluation of conductors, loads and circuit protection (checklist included).
Using physical evidence to prove – or disprove – a witness’ credibility.
X-ray Vision: gas regulators.
“Piggyback plug”: Blades and fuses make it uniquely different.
Special Report: water heaters revisited.
Garage fires: Challenges are many when investigating.

Volume 18, Issue 1

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Fire-safe cigarettes: Are they really less likely to ignite other combustibles?
Cellulose at the seminar: Attendees get unexpected bonus” with wood-burning stove demonstration.
What’s Inside: Humidifiers.
Special Report: Barometric kerosene heaters.
NFPA 921: Time to comment on proposals for 2011 edition.
X-ray Vision: Gas shutoff – was it open or closed?
Cellulose at the seminar: Attendees get unexpected “bonus” with wood-burning stove demonstration.

Volume 18, Issue 2

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Did the fire start inside or outside appliance? Witnesses, burn patterns and assessment of fuel package may assist.
X-ray Vision: Computer batteries – despite recalls, complete analysis still required.
How it Works: Interviewing not just about the questions themselves.
Special Report: Packaged terminal air conditioners (PTAC).
NFPA 921: Definitions chapter evolves with the rest of NFPA document.

Volume 18, Issue 3

Volume 18, Issue 4

In this issue are the following topics and more:

Junction boxes not necessarily required to make electrical connections.
Oil furnaces and other oil-fueled appliances require burning the fuel oil just right.
What’s Inside: Radiator-style heater.
Special Report: Was the device plugged in?
How to make the most of a phone interview.
X-ray Vision: Power strips and surge suppressor radiographs may provide important information.
How it Works: Thermistors.