ARSON INVESTIGATION LESSON PLAN BUNDLE [FORENSICS]
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Save time and valuable energy with this arson investigation lesson plan bundle (FOR FORENSIC SCIENCE).
50 pages – 6 MB – Zip- Print & Digital Versions Included
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Save time and valuable energy with this COMPLETE bundle of ARSON INVESTIGATION UNIT resources (FOR FORENSIC SCIENCE). This product is just what you need to teach an engaging and student-led Forensics unit to your high school or middle school students. This no-prep resource is complete with everything that you’ll need to teach a 4 day Forensics Arson unit. Because it’s all-inclusive, this resource is especially useful to teachers that are just starting a Forensics course.
Need a digital option? No problem! I have included both a print and digital version of this resource, making it perfect for distance learning, flipped classrooms, online courses and traditional classrooms. (Please note: the digital version comes as a link to a Google Drive full of digital resources)
With over 10 years of experience teaching a popular Forensics class in my school, I have created (from scratch) a curriculum that has proven to be extremely engaging for my students. I have worked with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to ensure that the content in my lessons are accurate and up to date with the latest technological advancements. Why re-invent the wheel? The work has been done for you! Check out what’s included in this valuable bundle:
Content Covered:
►Arson Crimes
►Science Behind Fire
►Collecting Evidence
►Reasons for Arson
What’s Included:
►4-5 Day Lesson Plan
►EDITABLE PowerPoint/Google Slides Presentation
►Science Doodles (to accompany lesson)
►Arson WebQuest
►Arson Review Worksheet (w/ answer key)
►Arson Tarsia Puzzle Activity
►Case Study w/ Viewing Guide Printable
►Editable Arson Quiz
►Bonus: Arson Podcast w/ Guided Listening Guides
►Digital, Google Drive, version of all resources listed above
What types of files are included:
When you download this product you will receive a zip file with 4 folders of files divided into an 4-5 day lesson plan. The PowerPoint/Google Slides Lesson is editable and you may customize it to fit your classroom needs. The quiz is also editable. Many of the activities and documents in this product are secured PDF’s, meaning you can print them but not copy or edit the text. This is to protect the copyright and intellectual property of my own work, plus the work of many dedicated clip artists that are included in this product. If you have questions about this, please don’t hesitate to email me with them!
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ARSON INVESTIGATION LESSON PLAN BUNDLE- Print & Digital
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Description.
Save time and valuable energy with this COMPLETE bundle of ARSON INVESTIGATION UNIT resources (FOR FORENSIC SCIENCE). This resource is just what you need to teach an engaging and student-led Forensics unit to your high school or middle school students. This no-prep resource is complete with everything that you'll need to teach a 5-8 day Forensics Arson unit. Because it's all-inclusive, this resource is especially useful to teachers that are just starting a Forensics course.
Need a digital option? No problem! I have included both a print and digital version of this resource, making it perfect for distance learning, flipped classrooms, online courses and traditional classrooms. (Please note: the digital version comes as a link to a Google Drive full of digital resources)
With over 10 years of experience teaching a popular Forensics class in my school, I have created (from scratch) a curriculum that has proven to be extremely engaging for my students. I have worked with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to ensure that the content in my lessons are accurate and up to date with the latest technological advancements. Why re-invent the wheel? The work has been done for you! Check out what's included in this valuable bundle:
Content Covered:
►Arson Crimes
►Science Behind Fire
►Collecting Evidence
►Reasons for Arson
What's Included:
►5-8 Day Lesson Plan
►Arson Inquiry Lab/Project (a student favorite!)
►EDITABLE PowerPoint/Google Slides Presentation
►Science Doodles (to accompany lesson)
►Arson WebQuest
►Arson Review Worksheet (w/ answer key)
►Arson Tarsia Puzzle Activity
►Case Study w/ Viewing Guide Printable
►Editable Arson Quiz
►Bonus: Arson Podcast w/ Guided Listening Guides
►Digital, Google Drive, version of all resources listed above
What types of files are included:
When you download this product you will receive a zip file with 4 folders of files divided into an 4-5 day lesson plan. The PowerPoint/Google Slides Lesson is editable and you may customize it to fit your classroom needs. The quiz is also editable. Many of the activities and documents in this product are secured PDF’s, meaning you can print them but not copy or edit the text. This is to protect the copyright and intellectual property of my own work, plus the work of many dedicated clip artists that are included in this product. If you have questions about this, please don’t hesitate to email me with them!
You may also be interested in these Forensics resources:
⭐ FORENSIC EVIDENCE MYSTERY PICTURE
⭐ Forensic Evidence: Classroom Escape Activity [Distance Learning Compatible]
⭐ DNA Case Study Project for Forensics (Distance Learning Compatible)
⭐ Serial Killer Cereal Box Project [Forensics]
⭐ SAVE 20%- FORENSICS CURRICULUM- ENTIRE YEAR COURSE BUNDLE
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A Guide for Investigating Fire and Arson
Archival notice.
This is an archive page that is no longer being updated. It may contain outdated information and links may no longer function as originally intended.
This handbook is intended as a guide to recommended practices for the collection and preservation of evidence at fire/arson scenes. [1]
Fires are destructive, spreading as they grow and consuming the evidence of their initiation. Putting out fires and finding out how they started involves public officials and private groups — such as fire departments, emergency medical services and law enforcement. Law enforcement and fire service departments must always determine the cause of the fire, whether arson or accidental, in order to identify hazards and dangerous practices and prevent future fires. Many fires can be prevented through public education — for instance, educating people on safe practices for using room heaters or other gas and electric devices.
Not every portion of this document may be applicable to all fires. It is at the discretion of responding personnel (depending on their responsibilities, as well as the purpose and scope of their duties) to apply the procedures recommended in this Guide to a particular incident. Some of the procedures described in this Guide may not be performed in the sequence described or may be performed simultaneously.
Steps in this guide include:
- Arriving at the scene .
- Evaluating the scene .
- Documenting the scene .
- Processing evidence at the scene .
- Completing the investigation .
Arriving at the Fire and/or Arson Scene
First responders to a fire scene must assess and secure the scene and ensure that victims receive medical attention.
- Observe the fire and scene conditions .
- Exercise scene safety .
- Preserve the fire scene .
- Establish security and control .
- Coordinate interagency activities .
Observe the fire and scene conditions. First responders at a fire scene must observe conditions and activities and provide investigators with an accurate and complete description.
While approaching a fire scene, first responders should observe and mentally note the following conditions and activities and initiate permanent documentation of the information (e.g., written notes, voice recordings and videotapes):
- The presence, location and condition of victims and witnesses.
- Vehicles leaving the scene, bystanders or unusual activities near the scene.
- Flame and smoke conditions (e.g., the volume of flames and smoke; the color, height and location of the flames; the direction in which the flames and smoke are moving).
- The first public safety personnel to arrive on the scene, whether they are law enforcement professionals, firefighters, or emergency medical services (EMS) personnel.
- The type of occupancy and use of the structure (e.g., a residential occupancy being used as a business).
- Conditions of the structure (e.g., lights turned on; fire through the roof; walls standing; open, closed, or broken windows and doors).
- Conditions surrounding the scene (e.g., blocked driveways, debris, damage to other structures).
- Weather conditions.
- Unusual characteristics of the scene (e.g., the presence of containers, exterior burning or charring on the building, the absence of normal contents, unusual odors, fire trailers [physical trails of fuel and the burn patterns caused by those trails]).
- The fire suppression techniques used.
- The status of fire alarms, security alarms and sprinklers.
Exercise scene safety. Safety overrides all other concerns. First responders must make sure that victims, bystanders, and public safety personnel are safe. This involves mitigating safety hazards that may further threaten victims, bystanders, and public safety personnel. They must exercise due caution to avoid injuries to themselves and others.
First responders should:
- Evaluate the scene for safety hazards (e.g., structural collapse of the building; smoke; electrical, chemical or biological hazards; other health risks).
- Establish safety/hazard zones.
- Communicate hazards to other personnel arriving at the scene.
- Use tools and personal protective equipment appropriate to the task during all operations.
DANGER:Beware of incendiary or explosive devices! The scene may contain devices specifically designed to kill or maim public safety responders. Do not touch any suspected incendiary or explosive device. Evacuate the area, and request the services of personnel trained in the removal of such items.
Preserve the fire scene. First responders must understand how rescue, medical, fire suppression, overhaul, and salvage efforts can adversely affect evidence and take steps to preserve it. They should secure the fire scene and identify potential evidence, take preliminary steps to preserve it, and notify appropriate authorities about its existence.
- Fire patterns (including multiple fire locations).
- Burn injuries to victims and fire patterns on clothing.
- Trailers, ignitable liquids or other unusual fuel distribution (e.g., piles of newspapers and/or furniture pushed together).
- Incendiary/ignition/explosive devices (e.g., lighters, matches and timing devices).
- Shoe prints and tire impressions.
- Broken windows and doors.
- Distribution of broken glass and debris.
- Indications of forced entry (tools and tool marks).
- Containers.
- Discarded clothing.
- Trace evidence (e.g., hairs, fibers, fingerprints, blood and other body fluids).
- Evidence of crimes in addition to the possible arson (e.g., weapons, bodies, drugs and/or clandestine drug laboratory equipment).
- Witnesses, bystanders and victims.
- Any other unusual items or the absence of normal contents or structural components.
- Fire-suppression activities that may wash away or dilute potential evidence.
- Overhaul activities that destroy fire patterns.
- Salvage activities that involve moving or removing physical evidence.
- Tool use that may destroy evidence.
- Moving knobs, switches and controls on appliances and utilities.
- Weather conditions that affect transient evidence (i.e., wind, precipitation or temperature changes).
- Personnel walking through the scene.
- Witnesses and victims leaving the scene.
- Medical intervention and treatment of victims (e.g., by damaging evidence at the scene or destroying victims' clothing).
- Premature removal or movement of bodies.
- Vehicles at the scene (e.g., that introduce fluid to the scene through vehicle leaks or destroy other evidence, including shoe prints and tire impressions).
- Contamination from external sources, such as fuel-powered tools or equipment.
- Limiting excessive fire suppression, overhaul and salvage.
- Avoiding needless destruction of property.
- Leaving bodies undisturbed.
- Flagging items of evidence with cones or markers.
- Recording observations through written notes or voice recordings.
- Covering items or areas containing evidence with objects that will not contaminate the evidence (e.g., clean boxes or tarpaulins).
- Isolating items or areas containing evidence with rope, barrier tape, barricades or sentries.
- Retaining and securing clothing items removed from victims and suspects.
- Obtaining information about victims and witnesses (i.e., their names, addresses and telephone numbers).
- Preserving transient evidence (e.g., trace evidence, shoe prints and tire impressions).
- Removing evidence if it might be destroyed by the fire or the collapse of a damaged building.
- Telling arriving investigators about what evidence has been discovered.
Establish security and control. First responders should immediately establish control of the scene and initiate documentation of the scene.
To establish security and control, first responders should:
- Set up a security perimeter (e.g., using barrier tape).
- Control access into the scene through the security perimeter.
- Initiate documentation of the scene.
Coordinate interagency activities. First responders must coordinate emergency operations between many different agencies and organizations.
To coordinate activities at the scene, first responders should:
- Establish a command post and implement an incident command system (i.e., a point of contact and line of communication and authority for public safety personnel).
- Establish staging areas to ensure that emergency and support vehicles have access into the area.
- Request additional personnel resources, such as firefighters, EMS personnel, law enforcement officers, investigators, and representatives of utility companies.
- Inform authorities about the status of the incident, hazards, injuries, witnesses, the location of evidence, and other pertinent facts.
Evaluating the Scene
Once a lead investigator arrives at the scene to relieve the first responders, he or she should evaluate the scene, identify witnesses and survey what must be done. The lead investigator must:
- Contact first responders and establish presence .
- Define the scene's boundaries .
- Identify and interview witnesses at the scene .
- Assess scene security at the time of the fire .
- Identify the resources required to process the scene .
Contact first responders and establish presence. The investigator should meet with the incident commander and first responders to assess previous events and the current status of the fire scene, make introductions, identify essential personnel, and determine scene safety and integrity issues.
The investigator should:
- Identify and contact the current incident commander and present identification.
- Conduct a briefing with the incident commander to determine who has jurisdiction and authorization (legal right of entry) and to identify other personnel at the scene (e.g., law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services, hazardous materials personnel and utility services personnel).
- Determine the level of assistance required and whether additional personnel are needed.
- Determine initial scene safety prior to entry through observations and discussions with first responders. Consider environmental as well as personnel safety concerns. Assess changes in safety conditions resulting from suppression efforts.
Define the scene's boundaries. The investigator should perform a preliminary scene assessment, determine the area in which the site examination will be conducted and establish the scene perimeter.
- Make a preliminary scene assessment (an overall tour of the fire scene to determine the extent of the damage, proceeding from areas of least damage to areas of greater damage) to identify areas that warrant further examination, being careful not to disturb evidence.
- Inspect and protect adjacent areas that may include nonfire evidence (e.g., bodies, bloodstains, latent prints or tool marks) or additional fire-related evidence (e.g., unsuccessful ignition sources, fuel containers and ignitable liquids).
- Mark or reevaluate the perimeter and establish the procedures for controlling access to the scene.
Identify and interview witness(es) at the scene. The investigator should determine the identities of witnesses and conduct interviews.
- Contact the incident commander, identify first responders and first-in firefighters, and arrange to document their observations either in writing or through recorded interviews.
- Determine who reported the fire. Secure a tape or transcript of the report if available.
- Identify the owner of the building/scene, any occupants, and the person responsible for property management.
- Identify who was last to leave the building/scene and what occurred immediately before they left.
- Identify and interview other witnesses (e.g., neighbors and bystanders) and record their statements.
Assess scene security at the time of the fire. The investigator should determine whether the building or vehicle was intact and secure and if intrusion alarms or fire detection and suppression systems were operational at the time of the fire.
- Ask first responders where an entry was made, what steps were taken to gain entry to the building or vehicle, and whether any systems had been activated when they arrived at the scene.
- Observe and document the condition of doors, windows, other openings, and fire separations (e.g., fire doors). Attempt to determine whether they were open, closed or compromised at the time of the fire.
- Observe and document the position of timers, switches, valves, and control units for utilities, detection systems, and suppression systems, as well as any alterations to those positions by first responders.
- Contact security and suppression system monitoring agencies to obtain information and available documentation about the design and function of the systems.
Identify the resources required to process the scene. The investigator should determine what personnel may be required to process the scene according to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 921 and other recognized national guidelines.
- Identify a distinct origin (location where the fire started) and an obvious fire cause (ignition source, first fuel ignited, and circumstances of the event that brought the two together).
- Conduct a scene examination in accordance with NFPA 921 and other guidelines.
- Seek someone with the expertise required.
- Barrier tape.
- Clean, unused evidence containers (e.g., cans, glass jars, nylon or polyester bags).
- Decontamination equipment (e.g., buckets, pans and detergent).
- Evidence tags, labels and tape.
- Gloves (disposable gloves and work gloves).
- Handtools (e.g., hammers, screwdrivers, knives and crowbars).
- Lights (e.g., flashlights, spotlights).
- Marker cones or flags.
- Personal protective equipment.
- Photographic equipment.
- Rakes, brooms, spades, etc.
- Tape measures.
- Writing equipment (e.g., notebooks, pens, pencils and permanent markers).
Note: If the scene involves arson or other crimes, the investigator must address legal requirements for scene access, search and evidence seizure.
- Recognize the interests of parties that may be affected by the outcome of the investigation and avoid jeopardizing those interests by taking steps to protect evidence. These issues include spoliation [3] , subrogation [4] and third-party claims.
Documenting the Scene
After the lead investigator has evaluated the scene, he or she must document the scene. He or she should follow these steps:
- Photograph or videotape the scene .
- Describe and document the scene .
Photograph or videotape the scene. The investigator should create and preserve an accurate visual record of the scene and the evidence prior to disturbing the scene.
- Photograph and/or videotape the assembled crowd and the fire in progress.
- Remove all nonessential personnel from the background when photographing the scene and evidence.
- Photograph the exterior and interior of the fire scene (consider walls, doors, windows, ceilings, floors) in a systematic and consistent manner. (Videotaping may serve as an additional record but not as a replacement for still photography.)
- Photograph any points or areas of origin, ignition sources and first material ignited.
- Photograph any physical reconstruction of the scene.
- Maintain photo and video logs. Record the date, the name of the photographer and the subject.
- Determine whether additional photographic resources are necessary (e.g., aerial photography, infrared photography or stereo photography).
Describe and document the scene. The investigator should create a permanent, documented record of observations to refresh recollections, support the investigator's opinions and conclusions, and support photographic documentation.
- Prepare a narrative, written descriptions and observations, including possible fire causes.
- Sketch an accurate representation of the scene and its dimensions, including significant features such as the ceiling height, fuel packages (e.g., combustible contents of the room), doors, windows and any areas of origin.
- Prepare a detailed diagram using the scene sketch(es), preexisting diagrams, drawings, floor plans or architectural or engineering drawings of the scene. This may be done at a later date.
- Determine whether additional documentation resources are necessary.
Processing Evidence at the Scene
After documenting the scene, the investigator or other evidence collectors must collect, preserve and store evidence from the scene. He or she should follow these steps:
- Identify, collect and preserve evidence .
- Prevent evidence contamination .
- Package and transport evidence .
- Establish and maintain the chain of custody .
Identify, collect and preserve evidence. The investigator should ensure that evidence collectors identify, document, collect and preserve evidence for laboratory analyses, further investigations and court proceedings.
Evidence collectors should:
- Take precautions to prevent contamination.
- Document the location of evidence using written notes, sketches, photographs, photo and video logs, the evidence recovery log, evidence tags and container labels.
- Collect evidence in any areas where the fire originated (such as the first fuel ignited and ignition source) in cases where the fire is not accidental.
- Place evidence in labeled containers for transportation and preservation. Liquid evidence collected for laboratory identification must be immediately placed in clean, unused, vaportight containers (e.g., clean, unused paint cans; glass jars; laboratory-approved nylon or polyester bags) and then sealed.
- Label each container so that it is uniquely identified. Labeling may include the name of the investigator, date and time of collection, case number, sample number, description and location of recovery.
- Collect and preserve suitable comparison samples but recognize that such samples may be unavailable.
- Package evidence in accordance with their laboratories' policies and procedures.
- Recognize the presence of other physical evidence, such as bloodstains, shoe prints, latent prints and trace evidence, and use proper preservation and collection methods or seek qualified assistance.
Prevent evidence contamination. The investigator should control access to the fire scene after fire suppression and see that evidence is collected, stored and transported so that it will not be contaminated.
- Establish and maintain strict control of access to the scene.
- Recognize that fuel-powered tools and equipment present potential contamination sources and should be avoided. When collectors must use these tools and equipment, the investigator should document their use.
- Wear clean, protective outergarments, including footwear.
- Use clean disposable gloves for collecting items of evidence. (To avoid cross-contamination, gloves should be changed between collecting unrelated items of evidence or when visibly soiled.)
- Use clean or disposable tools for collecting items of evidence from different locations within a scene.
- Place evidence in clean, unused containers and seal immediately.
- Store and ship fire debris evidence containers of evidence collected from different scenes in separate packages.
- Package liquid samples to prevent leakage and ship them separately from other evidence.
- Store and ship fire debris evidence separately from other evidence.
- Follow specific laboratory requests (e.g., to submit an unused sample container).
Note: In cases of accidental fire, evidence should not be needlessly disturbed, but the property owner or insurer should be notified to avoid issues of spoliation.
Package and transport evidence. The investigator should ensure that packaging, transportation and storage procedures are followed to prevent any destructive changes in the condition of samples.
The personnel responsible for packaging and transport should:
- Package fragile items carefully.
- Freeze or immediately transport items containing soil to the laboratory.
- Transport all volatile samples to the laboratory in a timely manner.
- Comply with shipping regulations.
Establish and maintain the chain of custody. The investigator should ensure that the chain of custody is maintained.
Personnel responsible for the chain of custody should:
- Maintain written records documenting the sample number, description of the evidence, date and location where it was found, collector's name and miscellaneous comments.
- Document all transfers of custody, including the name of the recipient and the date and manner of transfer.
- Document the final disposition of the evidence.
Completing the Investigation
Once evidence has been collected and processed, the investigator must complete the investigation and release the scene. He or she should follow these steps:
- Release the scene .
- Submit reports to the appropriate databases .
Release the scene. The investigator should release the scene after reasonable efforts have been made to identify, collect and remove all evidence from the scene for examination and that all physical characteristics of the scene have been documented. In addition, prior to releasing the scene, associated legal, health and safety issues must be articulated to the party taking over the investigation and reported to public safety agencies if necessary.
The investigator should ensure that the following tasks are completed before releasing the scene:
- Ensure that all evidence is inventoried and in custody.
- Discuss preliminary scene findings with team members.
- Discuss postscene issues including forensic testing, insurance inquiries, interview results and criminal histories.
- Assign postscene responsibilities to law enforcement personnel and other investigators.
- Address legal considerations.
- Verify that all scene documentation has been completed.
- Address structural, environmental, health and safety issues.
- Recover and inventory equipment.
- Decontaminate equipment and personnel.
- Time and date of release.
- Receiving party.
- Authority releasing the scene.
- Condition of the scene at the time of release (e.g., structural, environmental, health and safety issues). Consider photographing and/or videotaping the final condition of the scene.
- Cautions given to the receiving party upon release (e.g., safety concerns, conditions, evidence, legal issues).
Submit reports to the appropriate databases. The responsible agencies must file incident reports with the appropriate databases. Detailed fire information is collected, integrated and disseminated through national and State databases. These data help authorities identify fire trends and develop innovative procedures and equipment.
The investigator should collect sufficient information and report it to the following databases:
- Arson and Explosives National Repository (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms).
- Bomb Data Center (Federal Bureau of Investigation).
- National Fire Incident Reporting System (U.S. Fire Administration).
- National Incident-Based Reporting System (Federal Bureau of Investigation).
- State and local fire incident reporting systems.
[note 1] NIJ's Crime Scene guides were created by multidisciplinary technical working groups of content area experts from across the United States.
[note 2] As stated in NFPA 921 , the scientific method consists of defining the problem, collecting data, analyzing the data, developing hypothesis (e.g., what could have caused the fire), testing the hypothesis and considering alternative hypothesis.
[note 3] Damage or loss of evidence that would compromise a legal case.
[note 4] Recovering damages by a finding of fault; finding that the cause of the fire was failure of some product or system.
Cite this Article
Read more about:.
The DC Serial Arsonist
In 2003 the DC region was terrorized by one of the most notorious arsonists in U.S. history. This is the story of the arson investigators tasked with finding the elusive fire setter.
Episode 1: The Firesetter
On the heels of 9/11, and the deadly sniper shootings, a firesetter in the DC region is terrorizing neighborhoods in the middle of the night. A chance encounter leads to the realization that this is the work of a serial arsonist.
Read Transcript
Episode 2: The Eye Witnesses
As fires continue, the investigation hinges on the recall of three eyewitnesses, all teenagers. The task force comes up with some creative ways to track down the arsonist who is purchasing materials for his incendiary devices at local convenience stores.
Episode 3: The Media Leaks
To complicate the investigation further, someone close to the task force is leaking classified details of the case to the local media. It’s a delicate balance to keep the public informed while not inciting copycat firesetters and jeopardizing the investigation.
Episode 4: The DNA Profile
A DNA profile is consistently found at some of the fire scenes but doesn’t match up with a name. More physical evidence leads the task force to loop in NCIS who is dealing with their own arson investigation.
Episode 5: The Arrest
The serial arsonist is finally named and confirmed through DNA lab work. The task force has to make an arrest, but media leaks once again throw a wrench into the timeline.
Episode 6: The Serial Arsonist
The task force learns that the arsonist has been lighting fires in the DC area since the early 1980s. For the first time, we reveal the list of fires he admitted to ATF as part of a proffer agreement.
Episode 7: The Catastrophic Damage
The terror the arsonist perpetuated for decades finally came to an end thanks to the hard work of the ATF task force. In letters to our producer, the serial arsonist admits to fetishes and desires that caused him to light fires.
DC Serial Arsonist Fires.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is the federal agency primarily responsible for administering and enforcing federal laws pertaining to arson and explosives. More information about ATF and their mission to investigate arson can be found at https://www.atf.gov/arson.
Credit: Kara McGuirk-Allison
One of the circle 7 stores where arsonist bought the materials for his incendiary devices..
The office space acquired for the task force at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center.
The KFC today where the arsonist worked.
The apartment where the arsonist lived.
Credit: ATF
Sketch artist rendering of the arsonist based on interviews with three eyewitnesses.
Computer composite of arsonist aka “Mr. Potato Head” sketch.
The KFC at the time the arsonist worked there.
One of the Cornelius Shopping Bag company bags.
A numeric tag that was used inside the shopping bags.
Melted incendiary device that was inside a black shopping bag.
Marine Corps pants found at arson scene in Virgina. This led the team to visit NCIS.
Marine Corps cover found at arson scene in Virgina.
Melted incendiary device tagged at ATF lab.
Lou Edna Jones’ home after the fire that killed her.
ATF’s Scott Fulkerson, Bob Luckett and Thomas Sweatt.
About Arson
Kara McGuirk-Allison has over 25 years of journalism experience. She produced news programs for NPR including Justice Talking, and helped create and launch the podcast Hidden Brain. Kara created several podcasts as Executive Producer of Platform Media.
Scott Stephens, Executive Director for the International Association of Arson Investigators.
Arson Podcast Trailer on Apple
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IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Listen to each section of the podcast ranging from 2-10 minutes each and answer the analysis questions that follow. In total, the podcast runs around 55 minutes. Write all answers in a different color. There are a lot of questions. You do not have to write in complete sentences. Short answers are fine as long as the question has been answered!
The dramatic 13-episode audio series follows a fire from the 911 report, the investigation and the final resolution. The program is available online as a MP3 and podcast, and this delivery gives investigators the flexibility of listening and learning when they have time. Discussion questions are obtainable as PDFs to review at the end of the ...
The next day, I had my students complete an arson case-study webquest and then we started on a podcast assignment. During the podcast, I had my students complete a listening guide and periodically paused the podcast to discuss some key points of arson investigation.
Arson WebQuest Arson Review Worksheet (w/ answer key) Arson Tarsia Puzzle Activity Case Study w/ Viewing Guide Printable Editable Arson Quiz Bonus: Arson Podcast w/ Guided Listening Guides Digital, Google Drive, version of all resources listed above . What types of files are included:
Discussion Questions and Answers 1. How many possible victims and witnesses are there according to this 911 call? A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4 E. 5 Correct Answer: 5 — Rosa, Manny, their baby, Jessica, and Margaret (Jessica's grandmother). 2. Where is the fire? A. 118 Cypress Street B. 118A Cypress Street C. 118B Cypress Street D. 188A Cypress Street
ARSON INVESTIGATION PODCAST ASSIGNMENT. Perfect for distance learning or face-to-face instruction, this resource is the perfect addition to your next Arson Investigation unit! Enter your email address below to have the file sent directly to your inbox. ENJOY! EMAIL ME THIS FREEBIE! We respect your privacy.
What's Included: 5-8 Day Lesson Plan. Arson Inquiry Lab/Project (a student favorite!) EDITABLE PowerPoint/Google Slides Presentation. Science Doodles (to accompany lesson) Arson WebQuest. Arson Review Worksheet (w/ answer key) Arson Tarsia Puzzle Activity. Case Study w/ Viewing Guide Printable.
On the left is the wall next to the hallway, which has an empty key rack and a framed picture of a teakettle on it. Directly in front of us is a small, round breakfast table with two chairs. The table and chairs look to be metal and the chair cushions are destroyed. The area of heaviest damage is the stove and the small counterspace directly to ...
Extinguishing fires. List 3 indications that might lead investigators to believe that an arson crime is committed. Detect and identify relevant chemical material, indemnity ingredients and reconstruct the events that led to the fire. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Combustion, Exothermic reaction, Arson and more.
Check all that apply. He had burns on his hands. The chemicals on his hands matched the accelerant used. Which indicates that the fire was caused by arson? Check all that apply. Burn patterns in the walls to the office were an inverted cone shape. There were burn trails connecting areas of the two rooms. There were chemical traces of accelerants.
View Copy of Following an Arson Investigation.pdf from SC 101 at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. ... Arson Podcast Assignment.pptx. West Orange High, West Orange. SCIENCE 101. ... Listen to each section of the podcast ranging from 2-10 minutes each and answer the analysis questions that follow. In total, the podcast runs around 55 ...
This handbook is intended as a guide to recommended practices for the collection and preservation of evidence at fire/arson scenes. [1] Follow Agency Policies! Actions taken following these guides should be performed in accordance with department policies and procedures and federal and state laws. Jurisdictional, logistical or legal conditions may preclude the use of particular procedures ...
Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Review the following court decisions: Michigan v. Tyler; Michigan v. Clifford; Daubert v. Dow. What key findings from these cases influence all modern arson investigations?, emergency circumstances, this infamous New York City resident kept a careful record of hundreds of arson attacks. He went on to become a serial murderer and ...
This is the story of the arson investigators tasked with finding the elusive fire setter. Episodes. ... and helped create and launch the podcast Hidden Brain. Kara created several podcasts as Executive Producer of Platform Media. Kara. Scott Stephens, Executive Director for the International Association of Arson Investigators.
Welcome on board. We'll be working as a team and I'm looking forward to investigating the fire with you. Right now, we've just arrived on scene and we've secured the scene to keep onlookers out and ensure that only necessary personnel are inside. We've got police officer stationed at the perimeter and everyone has to log in and out ...
Training. National Fire Academy training courses teach fire service personnel about the science and techniques required to conduct modern fire investigations and how to pursue arson cases through the judicial system. Browse training courses. Page last reviewed: June 23, 2023.
flash point. place, event, or time at which trouble, such as violence or anger, flares up. point of origin. The first point at which a moving target is located on a plotting board. 2. A well-defined point, easily distinguishable visually and/or electronically, used as a starting point for the bomb run to the target. 3.
Arson Investigation Completr.docx. Solutions Available. University of Miami. OCE 503 ... Arson podcast answer key ... View Arson Podcast Assignment.pptx from SCIENCE 101 at West Orange High, West Orange. F... Recently submitted questions See more.
110 episodes. The IAAI and CFITrainer.Net present these podcasts with a focus on issues relating to fire investigation. With expertise from around the world, the International Association of Arson Investigators produces these podcasts to bring more information and electronic media to fire investigators looking for training, education and ...
The basic methodology of the fire investigation relies on a _______. Scientific Method. The recommended systematic approach is that of a. recognize the need, define the problem, collect data, analyze the data, develop a hypothesis, test the hypothesis. What six steps are applied in the systematic method.
While the election is slated for late July, Venezuela law mandates that the winning candidate won't take office before January 2025 - creating a delicate 6-month handover period that Gonzalez ...
Arson investigations pose ______ to investigators. fire is a form of ______, oxygen combines with another substance generating light and heat. e.g. burning of methane gas converts chemical energy to heat and light energy. rapid chemical combination of a substance with oxygen, involving the production of heat and light.