By:

Jason Karasinski
Principal- Fire and Explosion Consultant
Fire Research & Technology, LLC
[email protected]
(585)-474-3514
 2

Executive Summary Review of the Fire Investigation:

Figure 1: Front Exterior

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES:

Fire Research & Technology, LLC was requested to review all investigative documents and
prepare a written summary concerning the origin and cause investigation of the above
captioned fire loss.

DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE:

The property can be described as a wood frame, single family dwelling. The entire home was
reported to be under renovation. Pre-loss condition photographs reviewed by this author
support the structure being under renovation. The interior consisted of exposed interior studs,
except for a bedroom on the first floor which was separated from the rest of the house with
gypsum board on wood stud framing.

SUMMARY OF CONCLUSION:
Based on the information available at this time and after conducting a systematic review of the
documents provided of the fire scene, via the scientific method which is outlined in NFPA 1033
and NFPA 921, it is the forensic based opinion of this investigator that due to the presence of
ignitable liquid in multiple uncommunicated areas of the origin, and a review of all data
collected the fire classification must be listed as incendiary.
 3

Cause:

The cause was determined utilizing witness statements, fire patterns, and fire dynamics. Based
on this investigator’s document review, training, education, and experience the only cause for
this ignition sequence is that of an ignitable liquid (vapors) with the introduction of an open
flame due to human involvement.

Classification:

Per all of the known data collected and the potential for ignition and fire spread in this event,
the evidence yields one probable cause that cannot be eliminated. The only cause of this fire
that cannot be eliminated is the introduction of an ignitable liquid (vapors), open flame and
human involvement.

• Area of Origin: Structure (Loss location)

• Classification: Incendiary

• Ignition Source: Open flame (i.e. match or lighter)

• First Fuels: Ignitable liquid (vapors)

• Ignition Sequence: Human actions with an ignitable liquid and the use of an open flame.

At this time, it is with a reasonable degree of fire investigation and fire science certainty that
this fire be classified more probable than not as incendiary per NFPA 921, 2017 edition. The
data contained in this investigation is true and accurate based on the information available at
the time it was written. Findings, opinions and conclusion may change if additional data
collected is discovered after this report was authored.

3.3.116 Incendiary Fire. A fire that is intentionally ignited in an area or under circumstances
where and when there should not be a fire.
 4

DOCUMENTS AND DATA REVIEWED IN PREPERATION OF THIS SUMMARY:

• Documentation provided from the scene inspections
• Condensed transcripts
• Recorded statement of the insured
• Scene photos from County Police and Fire Department
• State Crime Lab Trace Evidence Report
• Fire Report
• Fire Department Fire Investigation Unit Report
• Police Department Incident Report
• Scene notes
• Security System History Report
• Uniform Residential Appraisal Report
• NFPA 921- Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations; 2014 Ed.
• NFPA 921- Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations; 2017 Ed.
• NFPA 1033- Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator; 2014 Ed.
• Report of Expert Opinion by Richard Merck

METHODOLOGY USED:

The basic methodology utilized by this author is outlined in NFPA 921, Guide for Fire and
Explosion Investigations, 2017 edition. The methodology utilizes a systematic approach, which
is the scientific method. The scientific method was used during all aspects of this origin and
cause analysis with the documents and data provided. This systematic approach is required by
NFPA 1033-Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator and outlined in Chapter
4 of NFPA 921. This basic methodology is listed below:

NFPA 1033- 2014 Edition

A.4.1.2 The basic methodology for fire investigation involves collecting data, then developing
and testing hypotheses (See NFPA 921, Chapter 4-Basic Methodology). The methodology
recommended is the scientific method. Key steps in the scientific method are as follows:

(1) Recognizing the need

(2) Defining the problem
(3) Collecting data
(4) Analyzing the data
(5) Developing the hypothesis
(6) Testing the hypothesis
(7) Selecting final hypothesis
 5

Developing hypotheses is an ongoing process of data collection and evaluation that happens
throughout the investigation. Hypotheses are generally developed and tested for evaluating fire
spread and growth, evaluating the nature of fire patterns, and determining origin, cause, and
responsibility. Testing of hypotheses can be either experimental or cognitive. Ultimately, the
hypotheses and conclusions reached are only as dependable as the data used or available. Each
investigator must apply a level of confidence in that opinion. For additional information
regarding evaluation methods see ASTM E 678, Standard Practice for Evaluation of Scientific or
Technical Data.

3.3.160- SCIENTIFIC METHOD:

The systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and definition of a problem; the
collection of data through observation and experimentation; analysis of the data; the
formulation, evaluation and testing of a hypothesis; and, where possible, the selection of a final
hypothesis.
 6

ORIGIN ANALYSIS NFPA 921- 2017 Edition:

18.1.2 Determination of the origin of the fire involves the coordination of information derived
from one or more of the following:

(1) Witness Information and/or Electronic Data. The analysis of observations reported by
persons who witnessed the fire or were aware of conditions present at the time of the fire as
well as the analysis of electronic data such as security camera footage, alarm system activation,
or other such data recorded in and around the time of the fire event.

(2) Fire Patterns. The analysis of effects and patterns left by the fire (see Chapter 6).

(3) Arc Mapping. The analysis of the locations where electrical arcing has caused damage and
the documentation of the involved electrical circuits (see section 9.10).

(4) Fire Dynamics. The analysis of the fire dynamics [i.e., the physics and chemistry of fire
initiation and growth (see Chapter 5) and the interaction between the fire and the building’s
systems (see Chapter 7)]

These are several forms of data that can be gathered and analyzed from a fire event that relate
to the origin of a fire. As stated in NFPA 921 2017 edition.

4.4.3.3 In any incident scene investigation, it is necessary for at least one

individual/organization to conduct an examination of the incident scene for the purpose of data
collection and documentation. While it is preferable that all subsequent investigators have the
opportunity to conduct an independent examination of the incident scene, in practice, not
every scene is available at the time of the assignment. The use of previously collected data from
a properly documented scene can be used successfully in an analysis of the incident to reach
valid conclusions through the appropriate use of the scientific method. Thus, the reliance on
previously collected data and scene documentation should not be inherently considered a
limitation in the ability to successfully investigate the incident.

16.5.1 Purpose. The purpose of a written report is to document an accurate and concise
reflection of the investigator’s findings. The report should contain facts and data that the
investigator can rely on to render any opinions and should contain the investigator’s reasoning
of how each opinion was reached. The report should meet the needs or requirements of the
intended audience(s). Reports may be used for: improvement of public safety, prevention of
similar future incidents, the basis for criminal or civil litigation, the basis for insurance claims, or
simply documentation of the facts for the record. (See A.4.3.6 of NFPA 1033.)
 7

16.5.4 Opinions and Conclusions. The report should contain the investigator’s opinions and
conclusions in a clear, delineated section, whether at the beginning or the end of the report.
The reader should not have to search the report looking for opinions and conclusions in a
narrative or analysis section. The report should also state the basis or bases for each opinion
and conclusion. The name, address, and affiliation of each person who has contributed to the
work or rendered an opinion contained in the report, other than the report author, should also
be provided.

16.5.5 Pertinent Facts. A description of the incident scene, dates and times when visited, items
examined, and relevant evidence collected should be provided. If subsequent examination and
testing of evidence took place, dates and places should be documented. The observations and
information contained in the report should be those relevant to the opinions. Supporting
material such as photographs, diagrams, evidence lists, and laboratory reports may be included
in appendices.

The following is the data used for this expert opinion as it pertains to the origin and cause.

Witness information:

According to the Fire Department NFIRS report, the Fire Department received the alarm at
02:21 and arrived at the scene at 02:26:

Figure 2: Fire Department NFIRS report

This information was provided by the Fire Investigation Unit, Investigator ______:

Figure 3: Excerpt from Fire Investigation Unit Remarks

Initial Fire Investigation Findings:

Figure 4: Fire Investigation Findings

 8

Police Department Summary:

Figure 5: Police Department Incident Report written by Officer ______

Police Department Memorandum from Detective _______ revealed that Fire Department Arson
Investigator _______ requested assistance in an Arson Investigation at the fire that occurred at
______ at approximately 0230 hours.

Figure 6: Memorandum from Detective Sergeant _______

Fire Investigation Unit Summary:

Figure 7: Fire Investigation Unit Summary by ________

County Police K-9 Investigative Report:

Figure 8: County Police K-9 Response Investigative Report by _______

Arc Mapping-

Local reports as well as _______’s report do not indicate that arc mapping was conducted, or an
evaluation of the load center occurred.

Electrical Summary:

The local report does not indicate any electrical components that were identified or collected at
the scene that pertained to any electrical failure or appliance malfunction. This is also
supported by statements provided previously by the insured.

Primary power to the alarm control became unavailable at 2:23 AM, according to the
condensed transcript of _______.

Figure 9: Excerpt from condensed transcript

 9

Fire Patterns-

Figure 10: Irregularly shaped fire pattern in first floor rear bedroom

6.3.7.8.5 The term pour pattern implies that a liquid has been poured or otherwise distributed,
and therefore, is demonstrative of an intentional act. Because fire patterns resulting from
burning ignitible liquids are not visually unique, the use of the term pour pattern and reference
to the nature of the pattern should be avoided. The correct term for this fire pattern is an
irregularly shaped fire pattern. The presence of an ignitible liquid should be confirmed by
laboratory analysis. The determination of the nature of an irregular pattern should not be made
by visual interpretation of the pattern alone.
 10

Figure 11: First floor rear bedroom from Residential Appraisal Report dated 9/26/2013

Soot patterns on tops of gas cans reveal that caps were missing during the fire event.

Figure 12: Soot patterns Figure 13: Soot patterns

6.2.10* Deposition of Smoke on Surfaces. Smoke contains particulates, liquid aerosols, and
gases. These particulates and liquid aerosols are in motion and may adhere upon collision with
a surface. They may also settle out of the smoke over time. Carbon-based fuels produce
particles that are predominantly carbon (soot). Petroleum products and most plastics are
generally strong soot producers. When flames touch walls and ceilings, particulates and
aerosols will commonly be deposited. Smoke deposits can collect on surfaces by settling and
deposition.
 11

Fire Dynamics-

3.3.70* Fire Dynamics. The detailed study of how chemistry, fire science, and the engineering
disciplines of fluid mechanics and heat transfer interact to influence fire behavior.

Figure 14: Screenshot of video captured by fire department upon arrival

19.1.1 FIRE CAUSE FACTORS NFPA 921- 2017 Edition.

“The determination of the cause of a fire requires the identification of those factors that were
necessary for the fire to have occurred. Those factors include the presence of a competent
ignition source, the type and form of the first fuel ignited, and the circumstances, such as
failures or human actions, that allowed the factors to come together and start the fire.”

According to NFPA 921 and all other authoritative treatises known to this writer, a credible
cause determination is based upon all of the available evidence and is achieved through the
systematic approach of all other reasonable potential causes within the area of origin. The
remaining causation factor must be consistent with all known facts. The analysis of the
potential ignition sources is considered in light of all of the information provided to date and
their relationship to ignition and principles of fire dynamics.
 12

19.1.5 Ignition Sequence. A fuel by itself or an ignition source by itself does not create a fire.
Fire results from the combination of fuel, an oxidant, and an ignition source. The investigator’s
description of events, including the ignition sequence, (the factors that allowed the ignition
source, fuel, and oxidant to react) can help establish the fire cause.

19.4.1.2 Ignition Temperature. The fuel must be capable of being ignited by the hypothesized
ignition source. The ignition temperature of the fuel should be understood. It is important to
understand the difference between piloted ignition and autoignition temperatures. The
components in most buildings are not susceptible to ignition by heat sources of low energy, low
temperature, or short duration. For example, flooring, structural lumber, wood cabinets, and
carpeting do not ignite unless they are exposed to a substantial heat source.

19.4.1.3 Quantity of Fuel. The first material ignited may not result in fire growth and spread if
a sufficient quantity of the fuel does not exist. For example, if the lighter fluid used to start a
charcoal fire is consumed before enough heat is transferred to the briquettes, the fire goes out.
The investigator should conduct an analysis of the quantity of fuels (primary, secondary,
tertiary, etc.) to determine that it is sufficient to explain the resulting fire.

19.4.2 Ignition Source Analysis. The investigator should evaluate all potential ignition sources
in the area of origin to determine if they are competent. A competent ignition source will have
sufficient energy and be capable of transferring that energy to the fuel long enough to raise the
fuel to its ignition temperature.

19.4.2.1 Heating of the potential fuel will occur by the energy that reaches it. Each fuel reacts
differently to the energy that impacts on it based upon its thermal and physical properties.
Energy can be reflected, transmitted, or dispersed through the material, with only the absorbed
energy causing the fuel temperature to rise.

19.4.2.2 Flammable gases or liquid vapors, such as those from gasoline, may travel a
considerable distance from their original point of release before reaching a competent ignition
source. Only under specific conditions will ignition take place, the most important condition
being concentration within the flammable limits and an ignition source of sufficient energy
located in the flammable mixture.
 13

19.4.4 Ignition Sequence.

19.4.4.1 The ignition sequence of a fire event is defined as the succession of events and
conditions that allow the source of ignition, the fuel, and the oxidant to interact in the
appropriate quantities and circumstance for combustion to begin. Simply identifying a fuel or
an ignition source by itself does not and cannot describe how a fire came to be. Fire results
from the interaction of fuel, an oxidant, and an ignition source. Therefore, the investigator
should be cautious about deciding on a cause of a fire just because a readily ignitable fuel,
potential ignition source, or any other of an ignition sequence’s elements is identified. The
sequence of events that allow the source of ignition, the fuel, and the oxidant to interact in the
appropriate quantities and circumstances for combustion to begin, is essential in establishing
the cause.

19.4.4.2 Analyzing the ignition sequence requires determining events and conditions that
occurred or were logically necessary to have occurred, in order for the fire to have begun.
Additionally, in describing an ignition sequence, the order in which those events occurred
should be determined

POTENTIAL IGNITION SOURCES CONSIDERED WITHIN THE AREA ORIGIN:

 Smoking Materials
 Candles
 Electrical Failure
 Natural
 Incendiary

Smoking Materials

Local report did not indicate any smoking materials that were identified or collected at the
scene. Homeowner does not smoke according to his testimony.

Candles

Based on witness statements no candles were left unattended prior to leaving for Jamaica
approximately one month before the event was discovered.
 14

Electrical Failure

No electrical failures were identified by Fire Investigation Unit, Police Department, or

Investigator. Based on the statements made by the insured and the local authorities, no
appliances were energized, no loads on the electrical system were identified from statements
obtained. Per the insured, the space heater was unplugged and therefore eliminated as a
potential heat source.

Natural

WEATHER:

No weather-related issues were identified as it relates to the cause of the fire.

Weather Underground December 31, 2014 data:

Figure 15: Weather Underground weather report from 12/31/14

Weather Underground January 1, 2015 data:

Figure 16: Weather Underground weather report from 1/1/15

 15

Figure 17: STRIKEnet® Lightning Report

Figure 18: Five-mile radius Lightning Stroke Map

Based on STRIKEnet®’s lightning report data, lightning can be eliminated as a potential ignition
source as zero cloud-to-ground lightning strokes were detected within a 5-mile radius of the
property.

Incendiary

Based on the information and data collected to date, it is this investigator’s opinion that this
fire is incendiary.

3.3.116 Incendiary Fire. A fire that is intentionally ignited in an area or under circumstances
where and when there should not be a fire.

Based on the alarm data, lack of fuel packages (i.e. contents) and no wall furnishings, the fire
progression was determined to be excessive, unnatural, and abnormal. This accompanied by
the presence of ignitable liquid in multiple uncommunicated areas of the origin, a review of all
data collected, this fire classification must be listed as incendiary. All of these observations
support an incendiary fire.
 16

24.2 INCENDIARY FIRE INDICATORS NFPA 921 – 2017 Edition.

“There are a number of conditions related to fire origin and spread that may provide physical
evidence of an incendiary fire cause.”

24.2.1 Multiple Fires. Multiple fires are two or more separate, nonrelated, simultaneously
burning fires. The investigator should search to uncover any additional fire sets or points of
origin that may exist. In order to conclude that there are multiple fires, the investigator should
determine that any “separate” fire was not the natural outgrowth of the initial fire.

24.2.1.1 Fires in different rooms, fires on different stories with no connecting fire, or separate
fires inside and outside a building are examples of multiple fires. A search of the fire building
and its surrounding areas should be conducted to determine whether there are multiple fires.

24.2.1.2 Separate fires that are not caused by multiple deliberate ignitions can result from the
following:
(1) Fire spread by conduction, convection, or radiation
(2) Fire spread by flying brands
(3) Fire spread by direct flame impingement
(4) Fire spread by falling flaming materials (i.e., drop down) such as curtains
(5) Fire spread through shafts, such as pipe chases or air conditioning ducts
(6) Fire spread within wall or floor cavities within “balloon construction”
(7) Overloaded electrical wiring
(8) Utility system failures
(9) Lightning
(10) Rupture and launching of aerosol containers

24.2.6.2 Presence of Ignitable Liquids in Area of Origin. The use or presence of ignitable
liquids is generally referred to as a liquid accelerant when used in conjunction with an
incendiary fire.

24.2.6.2.1 The presence of ignitable liquids may indicate that a fire was incendiary, especially
when the ignitable liquids are found in areas in which they are not normally expected.
Containers of ignitable liquids in an automobile garage may not be unusual, but a container of
ignitable liquids found in a bedroom may be unusual. In either case, the presence of ignitable
liquids near the area of origin should be fully investigated.

24.2.6.2.2 “Irregular patterns” (see 6.3.7.8) may indicate the presence of an ignitable liquid. If
the investigator observes patterns associated with a liquid accelerant, he or she may also
observe the remains of a container used to hold the liquid. The investigator should ensure that
samples are taken from any area where ignitable liquids are suspected to be present.
 17

24.2.7 Assessment of Fire Growth and Fire Damage. Investigators may form an opinion that
the speed of fire growth or the extent of damage was greater than would be expected for the
“normal” fuels believed to be present and for the building configuration. However, these
opinions are subjective. Fire growth and damage are related to a large number of variables, and
the assumptions made by the investigator are based on that investigator's individual training
and experience. If subjective language is used, the investigator should be able to explain
specifically why the fire was “excessive,” “unnatural,” or “abnormal.”

24.3.6.1.2 Investigators should determine whether the failure of structural components or fire
protection systems was the result of deliberate sabotage or other factors, such as improper
construction, lack of maintenance, systems shutdown for maintenance, improper design, or
equipment or structural assembly failure

Timeline Provided by Q Dot Engineering:

 18

Figure 20: Timeline and Recorded Alarm Events

 19

Scene Diagram:

Figure 21: Scene Diagram of 1st Floor provided by Fire Research & Technology, based on appraisal report.
Samples 1 and 2 located in first floor bedroom.
 20

Figure 22: Scene Diagram of Basement provided by Fire Research & Technology, based on appraisal report.
Sample 4 located in the basement at C side of location.

Note: Approximate locations of samples based on the K-9 Investigative Report. The only known
locations of samples are those listed in the K-9 Investigative Report.
 21

Scene Preservation:

Based on review of the Police Department Supplementary Report, it was determined that the
scene was secured during the fire event and until the scene could be investigated, eliminating
any possibility of scene spoliation.

Figure 23: Police Department Supplementary Report

Trace Evidence Report:

New York State Police

Western Regional Crime Laboratory
Lab Case # 15ML-00247

Item #1: Gallon can containing charred wood

 22

Item #2: Quart can containing charred black plastic bag and debris

Item #3: Gallon can containing wood (comparison sample, beams)

 23

Item #4: Gallon can containing charred cloth, paper and plastic

Item #5: Gallon can containing charred wood and debris

 24

Item #6: Quart can containing charred wood

Item #7: Quart can with glass jar containing liquid sample (taken from gas can)
 25

Figure 24: Trace Evidence Report Results

 26

CONCLUSION:

4.5.1 The investigator should know the level of certainty that is required for providing expert
opinions. Two levels of certainty commonly used are probable and possible:

(1) Probable. This level of certainty corresponds to being more likely true than not. At this level
of certainty, the likelihood of the hypothesis being true is greater than 50 percent.

(2) Possible. At this level of certainty, the hypothesis can be demonstrated to be feasible but
cannot be declared probable. If two or more hypotheses are equally likely, then the level of
certainty must be “possible.”

4.5.2 If the level of certainty of an opinion is merely “suspected,” the opinion does not qualify
as an expert opinion. If the level of certainty is only “possible,” the opinion should be
specifically expressed as “possible.” Only when the level of certainty is considered “probable”
should an opinion be expressed with reasonable certainty.

Based on the information available at this time and after conducting a systematic review of the
documents provided of the fire scene, via the scientific method which is outlined in NFPA 1033
and NFPA 921, it is the forensic based opinion of this investigator that due to the presence of
ignitable liquid in multiple uncommunicated areas of the origin, and a review of all data
collected the fire classification must be listed as incendiary.

The cause was determined utilizing witness statements, fire patterns, and fire dynamics. Based
on this investigator’s document review, training, education, and experience the only cause for
this ignition sequence is that of an ignitable liquid (vapors) with the introduction of an open
flame due to human involvement.

Per all of the known data collected and the potential for ignition and fire spread in this event,
the evidence yields one probable cause that cannot be eliminated. The only cause of this fire
that cannot be eliminated is the introduction of an ignitable liquid (vapors), open flame and
human involvement.

• Area of Origin: Structure (Loss location)

• Classification: Incendiary

• Ignition Source: Open flame (i.e. match or lighter)

• First Fuels: Ignitable liquid (vapors)

• Ignition Sequence: Human actions with an ignitable liquid and the use of an open flame.
 27

At this time, it is with a reasonable degree of fire investigation and fire science certainty that
this fire be classified more probable than not as incendiary per NFPA 921, 2017 edition. The
data contained in this investigation is true and accurate based on the information available at
the time it was written. Findings, opinions and conclusion may change if additional data
collected is discovered after this report was authored.

This report has been reviewed for conformance with accepted and tested scene processing
methodology. Additionally, it has been reviewed for both form and content and was found to
be in agreement with or exceed the recommendations of published materials and standards
relating to the reporting of scientific information outlined in publications such as those
published by the NFPA and ASTM.

PROPERTY OWNER INFORMATION

Property Owner: Phillip Scott

FIRE INVESTIGATION DISPOSITION

This case is open.

EVIDENCE
No evidence was secured by FRT for preservation.

Should additional data become available at a later date, Fire Research & Technology, LLC.
Reserves its right to evaluate that new information, and adjust opinions as needed or dictated
by industry standards and guidelines such as NFPA 921.