ISFI 2014
International Symposium on Fire Investigation Science and Technology
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction
iii
v
Plenary Sessions
1
SCIENTIFIC METHOD-USE, APPLICATION,
AND GAP ANALYSIS FOR ORIGIN DETERMINATION
Gregory E. Gorbett, MScFPE, CFEI, IAAI-CFI, CFII, CFPS
Wayne Chapdelaine, CFEI, IAAI-CFI, CFII
3
FIRES ORIGINATING IN BRANCH-CIRCUIT
NM CABLES DUE TO INSTALLATION DAMAGE
Vytenis (Vyto) Babrauskas, Ph.D.
17
ANATOMY OF A WRONGFUL ARSON CONVICTION:
SENTINEL EVENT ANALYSIS IN FIREINVESTIGATION
Paul Bieber, CFEI, B.S., M.L.S.
29
TEXAS STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE’S
SCIENCE ADVISORY WORKGROUP
Chris Connealy, MS, EFO, CFO
45
THE APPLICATION AND USE OF DIGITAL
MULTIMEDIA EVIDENCE IN FIRE INVESTIGATIONS
James H. Shanley, Jr., PE, CFEI, CFI, MIFireE
James T. Noll
55
QUANTIFYING THE HAZARDS OF GREEN
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION FOR FIRE
INVESTIGATION ANALYSIS
Jason A. Sutula, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI, CFII, CFI
Noah L. Ryder, MSFPE, MBA, P.E., CFEI
61
Delegate Papers
73
ANALYSIS OF POST-FIRE CHARACTERISTICS OF
PORTABLE OIL FILLED ROOM HEATERS TO
DETERMINE PRE-FIRE ORIENTATION
K. Scott Barnhill, P.E.
75
DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN ARCING AND MELTING
DAMAGE IN ELECTRICAL RECEPTACLES
Matthew Benfer
Daniel Gottuk
87
“BREAKING BAD”-INVESTIGATING FIRES FROM
CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL REACTIONS
Elizabeth C. Buc, PhD, PE, CFI
97
REDUCED SCALE ENCLOSURE TESTING
WITH LOWHEAT RELEASE INITIAL FUEL PACKAGES
Mark A. Campbell, CFPS, SET
107
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DEPOSITION TESTIMONY: DON’T FALL PREY
TO LAWYER TRICKS
Karrie J. Clinkinbeard, J.D., CFEI
Gerald A. King, J.D., CFEI
119
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE NORTH
AMERICAN BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS AND THE SOUTHERN
EUROPEAN BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS AFFECTS THE TYPE
OF FIRE PATTERNS THAT ARE MOST COMMONLY FOUND IN
A FIRE SCENE
Giovanni Cocchi, P.E.,Ph.D.
125
OBSERVATIONS ON TWO FIRES IN WHICH THE
SPILL OF FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS LED TO
DEFLAGRATION AND/OR FLASH FIRE IN A
STRATIFIED HEAVY VAPOR/AIR MIXTURE
Giovanni Cocchi, P.E.,Ph.D.
137
A CASE STUDY OF AN ALLEGED
CO POISONING IN A MOVING TRUCK
Scott Davis, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI
Tom DeBold
Derek Engel, CFEI
Bryant Hendrickson
Peter Hinze, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI
149
COMPLEX EXPLOSION DEVELOPMENT IN MINES:
CASE STUDY – 2010 UPPER BIG BRANCH MINE
EXPLOSION
Scott Davis, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI,
Derek Engel, CFEI,
Kees van Wingerden, Ph.D.
161
MISUSE OF SIMPLE EXPLOSION TOOLS IN
COMPLEX EXPLOSION INVESTIGATIONS
Scott Davis, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI
Derek Engel, CFEI
Tom DeBold
Peter Hinze, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI
Bryant Hendrickson
173
ON-SCENE CHARACTERIZATION OF FLAMMABLE
LIQUID VAPORS USING GC/MS AND SPME
SAMPLING
J.D. DeHaan, Ph.D
David A. Matthew, M.A.
Gareth S. Dobson. Ph.D.
185
TOTAL STATION SURVEYING TECHNOLOGY FOR
FORENSIC MAPPING OF FIRE AND EXPLOSION
INCIDENT SCENES
Brian C. Dunagan, CSP, CFEI, CFII
Christopher F. Schemel, Ph.D.
197
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International Symposium on Fire Investigation Science and Technology
ORIGIN DETERMINATION IN
FIRES INVOLVING FUEL GAS
Andrew D. Ellison, P.E., CFEI
Jeffrey Rosen, CFEI
207
TESTING YOUR IGNITION SOURCE THEORY:
CASE STUDY OF ALLEGED WOOD IGNITION BY HOT
EXHAUST GASES
Derek Engel, CFEI
Scott Davis, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI
219
INVESTIGATIVE BIAS INVOLVING
SMOKE ALARMS IN FATAL FIRES
Joseph M. Fleming, Deputy Chief
Vyto Babrauskas, Ph.D.
231
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF
CORRUGATED STAINLESS STEEL TUBING
COMPONENTS AND SYSTEMS
Mark Goodson PE
David Icove PE, PhD
243
PLASMA ASHING AS A
FIRE INVESTIGATIVE TOOL
Mark Goodson PE
Lee Green PE
Michael Shuttlesworth PE
253
USE OF BOND WIRES IN
ICS IN FIRE INVESTIGATION
Mark Goodson PE
Lee Green PE
Michael Shuttlesworth PE
261
FIRE INITIATION BY SMOULDERING COMBUSTION:
STATE OF THE ART AND APPLICATION TO WUI FIRES
Rory M Hadden
Kamila Kempna
Albert Simeoni
273
ANALYSIS OF FLAMMABLE LIQUID EJECTION
FROM A CONTAINER FOLLOWING HEADSPACE
VAPOR IGNITION
Todd M Hetrick, P.E.
Delmar “Trey” Morrison, Ph.D., P.E.
Juan C. Ramirez, Ph.D., P.E.
Brian A. Ott, Ph.D., P.E
James Karneskey, Ph.D.
283
ANALYSIS OF THE POTENTIAL FOR PERFORATION
OF CORRUGATED STAINLESS STEEL TUBE (CSST)
BY ENERGIZED BRANCH CIRCUITS IN FIRE CONDITIONS
John B. Holecek, PE, CFEI
Keith Atkinson, CFEI
293
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PROJECT ARSON: UNCOVERING THE TRUE
ARSON RATE IN THE UNITED STATES
David J. Icove, Ph.D., P.E., FSFPE
Thomas K. Hargrove
305
THE USE OF THE “HARRIS MATRIX”
IN FIRE SCENE DOCUMENTATION
David J. Icove, Ph.D., P.E., FSFPE
J.R. “Joe” Lally, J.D., Ph.D.
Lindsey K. Miller, B.S.
Edward C. Harris, M.B.E., Ph.D., F.S.A.
317
IGNITION PROPENSITY OF CANNABIS
(MARIJUANA) CIGARETTES
Zachary J. Jason, PE, CFEI
Dennis E. Shelp, MS, PE, CFI, CFEI
John L. Schumacher, MChE, PE, CFI, CFPS
J. Hedglin, CFI, CFEI
323
THE NECKED VESSEL FLAME
THROWER EFFECT
Patrick M. Kennedy, B.Sc. (Hons.) CFEI, CFPS, ASSE, MIFireE
Richard J. Meier, B.Sc. CFEI, CFPS
335
EXPERTS BEWARE: IGNORING THE SCIENTIFIC
METHOD CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR
TESTIMONY – AN UPDATE ON THE LAW
Gerald A. King, J.D., CFEI
Karrie Clinkinbeard, J.D., CFEI
349
UNDERSTANDING LONG TERM LOW
TEMPERATURE IGNITION OF WOOD
Chris Lautenberger
Scott Sexton
David Rich
361
ELECTRONIC DATA AVAILABLE FOR EVIDENCE
INFIRE INVESTIGATION
Michael D. Lejeune, P.Eng., CFEI
Peter L. Senez, M.Eng., P.Eng
375
ORIGIN, SPREAD AND CAUSE ANALYSIS OF
FIRES ORIGINATING IN ELECTRONIC AIR FILTERS
Kevin H. Lewis, PE, CFEI, CFII, CFVI
Danielle M. Murphy, PhD
389
SELECTED MATHEMATICAL NOTIONS TO
COMPLEMENT FIRE/WATER SUBROGATION
PROCESSING
Joel Liebesfeld, PI, MA, MAS, CES
401
FIRES INVOLVING AIR CONDITIONING
FAN COIL UNITS
Lim Beng Hui, M.Sc, B.Eng, CFEI, CFII
Yazeed Abdul Rahman, B.Eng, CFEI, CVFI
Soh Seok Yuen, B.Eng
413
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International Symposium on Fire Investigation Science and Technology
EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO INCIDENTS INVOLVING
ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY HAZARDS:
FULL-SCALE TESTING RESULTS
R. Thomas Long Jr.
Andrew F. Blum
423
ANALYSIS OF ARC EROSION ON
THERMAL SWITCH CONTACTS
Kevin C. Marr, Ph.D, P.E., CFEI
Paul M. Verghese, Ph.D., P.E., CRE
William A. Braff, Ph.D.
Timothy Morse, Ph.D., P.E
435
ELECTRICAL FAULT DAMAGE TO CORRUGATED
STAINLESS STEEL TUBING IN A HOUSE FIRE
Timothy L. Morse, Ph.D., P.E.
Andrew D. Ellison, P.E., CFEI
Harri K. Kytömaa, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI
445
WIND TURBINE FIRE ORIGIN INVESTIGATION
Timothy L. Morse, Ph.D., P.E.
Robert W. Whittlesey, Ph.D., CFEI
457
ABSORPTION REFRIGERATION FIRES
Danielle M. Murphy, PhD
Kevin H. Lewis, PE, CFI
467
EDUCATIONAL REVIEW AND CASE STUDIES OF
NFPA 302 AND NFPA 303
Michael V. Murphy, CFI, CFEI, CVFI
477
FURNITURE MANUFACTURING FIRES DISTRIBUTES
BY WOOD DUST INSIDE DUCTING
SYSTEM TRIGGERED BY ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD
Ir. Adrianus Pangaribuan. MT, CFEI
485
HOT OIL FIRE TRIGGERED BY ELECTROSTATIC
AFTER TWO HOURS LEAKAGE
Ir. Adrianus Pangaribuan. MT, CFEI
497
UV SHOES MAKING MACHINE EXPLOSION
Ir. Adrianus Pangaribuan. MT, CFEI
511
ELECTRICAL ARCS AND SPARKS: A LITERATURE
REVIEW OF DEFINITIONS AND THEIR
IMPLICATIONS IN THE ANALYSIS OF 12 VOLT
DIRECT CURRENT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FIRES
Kerry D. Parrott, BSME, CFI, CVFI, CFEI
Douglas R. Stahl, PE, CVFI, CFEI
529
SCENE SAFETY AND THE IMPACT AND EFFECTS OF
TOXIC GASES ON FIRE INVESTIGATORS
Jeffrey L. Pauley BS, CFEI, IAAI-FIT
537
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THE ANATOMY OF A MARINE FIRE INVESTIGATION
Christopher J. Reed, CFEI, MIFireE, MSc.Eng, P.Eng
549
THE EFFECT OF INERT GAS TEMPERATURE
EXTINGUISHING CLASS A AND B FIRES
Scott R. Rockwell
Jason Reigelsperger
561
PROPENSITY OF WOOD IGNITION FROM
RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICAL ARCING
Michael J. Rushton, B.Sc., CFEI, CET
David Gillingham, P. Eng.
571
ISOTOPIC, RADIOCARBON AND MIXTURE
ANALYSES FOR METHANE SOURCE
DETERMINATION IN GAS EXPLOSIONS AND FIRES
Christopher F. Schemel, Ph.D.
Brian C. Dunagan, CSP, CFEI, CFII
581
INVESTIGATION OF THE EXPLOSION AT THE
CONAGRA SLIM JIM PLANT
John L. Schumacher, MChE, PE, CFI, CFPS
Scott G. Davis, PhD, PE
593
HIGH RESISTANCE (GLOWING) CONNECTIONS ON
ELECTRICAL RECEPTACLES: A STUDY OF THE
POST FLASHOVER PERSISTANCE OF PREFLASHOVER
HEAT EFFECTS
Joe Sesniak, IAAI-CFI, IAAI-CI, CFEI, GIFireE
605
ALL UP IN YOUR GRILL:
A LOOK AT GAS GRILLS AND FIRE INCIDENTS
Dennis E. Shelp, MS, PE, CFI, CFEI
John (Jay) M. Freeman, MS, PE, CFEI
John L. Schumacher, MChE, PE, CFI, CFPS
Zachary J. Jason, PE, CFEI
615
LIGHTNING-CAUSED CSST HOLE FORMATION WITH
CONCURRENT IGNITION OF ESCAPING FUEL GAS:
VALIDATION OF FIELD OBSERVATIONS BY
LABORATORY TESTING
Johnie P. Spruiell, P.E.
Mark C. Hergenrether, P.E.
C. Kelly Colwell, Master Electrician
627
COMMERCIAL COOKING
OPERATION-RELATED FIRES
Charles B. Sullivan
John L. Schumacher, MChE, PE, CFI, CFPS
639
A FIRE INVESTIGATOR INQUIRY
2014 NFPA 921 & 1033
Robert J. Trenkle, CFI, CFEI
651
ISFI 2014
International Symposium on Fire Investigation Science and Technology
TESTING THE HYPOTHESIS – THE DETROIT,
MICHIGAN EXPERIENCE
Robert J. Trenkle, CFI, CFEI
661
WRONGFUL ARSON CONVICTION:
CASE REVIEW AND DISCUSSION
Robert J. Trenkle, CFI, CFEI
667
FIRE INVESTIGATION DOCUMENTATION
IN THE IPAD ERA
Bryan W. Winningham, MSEE, EIT
Ryan M. Cox, B.Sc. FPET, CFEI, CFI, CFPS
Kevin M. Hecksher, BSEE, EIT, CFEI, CVFI
679
ANALYSIS AND APPLICATION OF CALCINATION
DEPTH PROBING TOOL AND TECHNIQUE
Andrew J Wolfe, P.E.
Daniel T. Gottuk, Ph.D., P.E.
691
SELECTING A FIRE MODEL AND APPLYING
EXPERIMENTAL DATA TO MODEL A FIRE INCIDENT
Christopher B. Wood
703
FIRE AND DAMAGE PATTERNS
ON MOTOR CARS IN ACTUAL FIRES
Yazeed Abdul Rahman, B.Eng, CFEI, CVFI
Soh Seok Yuen, B.Eng
Lim Beng Hui, M.Sc, B.Eng, CFEI, CFII
715
Index of Authors
725
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ISFI 2012
International Symposium on Fire Investigation Science and Technology
Table of Contents
Dedication
Preface
Introduction
iii
iv
v
Plenary Sessions
1
MEASURING THE IMPACT OF COGNITIVE BIAS
IN FIRE INVESTIGATION
Paul Bieber, CFEI, B.S., M.L.S.
3
“COMPLEX INVESTIGATIONS” INVESTIGATIONS
GONE WILD: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF NFPA 921 AND
THE INVESTIGATIVE PROCESS MANAGER
(WHILE KEEPING LEGAL PEACE)
Ronald L. Hopkins, MS, CFEI, CFPS
17
HAVE YOU TESTED YOUR THEORY? YOUR
RISK OF EXCLUSION JUST DOUBLED
Gerald A. King, J.D., CFEI
Karrie J. Clinkinbeard, J.D., CFEI
31
“TOTALITY OF THE EVIDENCE” OR CONTEXTUAL
BIAS: WHERE DO YOU DRAW THE LINE?
John J. Lentini, CFEI, CFI, D-ABC
43
FIRE INVESTIGATION ORIGIN DETERMINATION SURVEY
Andrew T. Tinsley, PE, CFEI, CFII
Gregory E. Gorbett, MScFPE, CFEI, IAAI-CFI, CFII, CFPS
53
Delegate Papers
69
FIRE INVESTIGATIONS INVOLVING METAL
HALIDE LIGHTING
Rachel B. Abrecht-Litchfield, PE, CFEI
71
US OR BS?
Mick Beasley, CFEI. GIFireE. MIPI
83
FIRE EFFECTS ON RECEPTACLES
Matthew E. Benfer,
Daniel T. Gottuk
93
CHINESE PRAYING ALTAR FIRES INVOLVING
ULTRAPURE PARAFFIN OILS
Lim Beng Hui, MSc(FI)(Dist), BEng(Civ)(Hons), CFEI, CFII
Tan Kim Haw, MSc(HSE), BSc(Chem)(Hons), CFEI
105
TYPE HT FACTORY BUILT CHIMNEYS IN RELATIONSHIP
TO CELLULOSE INSULATION
Randy J. Bicknese, PE, CFEI
Todd S. Metzger, PE, CFEI
113
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CASE STUDY REVIEW OF COGNITIVE
BIAS IN FIRE INVESTIGATION
Paul Bieber, CFEI, B.S., M.L.S.
125
METALLURGY AND FIRE INVESTIGATION
Elizabeth C. Buc, PhD, PE, CFI
137
CURRENT RESEARCH AND FUTURE
EXPECTATIONS OF RSE BURNING
Mark A. Campbell, CFPS, SET
149
CURRENT FUEL SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY
Cam J. Cope
John M. Stilson
161
CURRENT STATE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR
PRIVATE FIRE INVESTIGATORS IN THE UNITED STATES: 2012
Ryan M Cox, B.Sc. FPET, CFEI, CFI, CFPS
169
HOT SURFACE IGNITION OF BEARING GREASE
IN HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL ORIENTATIONS
Sean J. Dee
Ryan J. Hart, Ph.D.
Todd M. Hetrick, M.S., CFEI
Delmar “Trey” Morrison III, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI
181
REPOSITIONING OF HUMAN BODIES DURING FIRES
John D. DeHaan, Ph.D., FABC, FFSSoc, MIFireE
193
INVESTIGATION OF CARBON MONOXIDE INCIDENTS
Andrew D. Ellison, CFEI;
Vijay Somandepalli, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI;
Timothy J. Myers, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI, CFI
205
LIGHTNING RELATED STRUCTURE FIRES
Andrew D. Ellison, CFEI;
Timothy Morse, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI;
Harri Kytomaa, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI
217
OPTIMIZATION OF CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR
LAYOUT IN RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES
Derek Engel
Scott Davis
229
QUANTIFYING IGNITABLE LIQUIDS IN FIRE DEBRIS:
POSSIBLE OR PROBLEMATIC?*
Michelle Evans
Colleen Games
241
CFD ANALYSIS OF THE ACCUMULATION AND
DEFLAGRATION OF A FLAMMABLE GAS RELEASE
IN A CLOSED ENVIRONMENT
Filippo Gavelli
P.C. Hinze
Scott Davis
253
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IGNITION OF GASOLINE-SOAKED CLOTHING
WITH AN OPEN FLAME
Justin A. Geiman, P.E.
`
265
CARBON MONOXIDE ACCUMULATION FROM
SIDEWALL VENTS IN SCREENED ENCLOSURES
Jayson Geiser
Scott Davis
Filippo Gavelli
273
ANALYSIS OF THE PSC MOTOR
Mark Goodson, PE
Lee Green, PE
285
THE APPLICATION OF CT X-RAY TO ANALYSIS
OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
Mark Goodson PE
293
ANALYSIS OF BEADS FORMED ON ENERGIZED
AND NON-ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL COPPER CONDUCTORS
EXPOSED TO VARIOUSTHERMAL INSULTS.
Nasir Hussain, M.S.F.P.E.
Jamie L. McAllister
Richard J. Roby
305
EXPLOSION SEVERITY: PROPANE VERSUS NATURAL GAS
Alfonso Ibarreta, Ph.D., PE, CFEI
Timothy Myers, Ph.D., PE, CFEI, CFI
James Bucher, Ph.D. CFEI
Kevin Marr, Ph.D., CFEI
317
THE AFFECTS OF ASSEMBLY TORQUE AND
POLYETHYLENE PIPE INSERTION DEPTH ON
SERVICE HEAD ADAPTER PERFORMANCE
Zachary J. Jason, PE, CFEI
John L. Schumacher, MChE, PE, CFI, CFPS
Michael L. Brown, PE
Dennis E. Shelp, MS, PE, CFI, CFEI
323
STRUCTURAL FIRES RELATED TO ELECTRICAL
SERVICE PROBLEMS AND FAILURES
Robert P. Juergens, P.E., C.F.I., C.F.E.I.
337
THE MYTHS AND MYSTERIES OF NFPA 921
Patrick M. Kennedy, B.Sc. (Hons.), CFEI, CFPS, MIFireE, ASSE
349
IDENTIFICATION AND DISCRIMINATION OF
COMPARTMENT MATERIALS POST FIRE BY
CONFOCAL RAMAN MICROSPECTROSCOPY AND
PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS
Tanya Kerr
Keith Duncan
Leary Myers
359
THE USE AND MISUSE OF ENGINEERS IN FIRE INVESTIGATION
Richard Kovarsky, P.E., CFEI
371
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QUANTUM-CHEMICAL RESEARCH OF CHEMICAL
SCAVEGING EFFECTS IN FLAME RADICAL REACTIONS
V.V. Kukueva
377
PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF ENERGIZED AND
NONENERGIZED MULTI-STRAND COPPER WIRE
WITHIN THREE FULL SCALE COMPARTMENT FIRES
Thomas Lancaster, CFEI, CVFI
Alan Meadors, CFEI, CVFI
383
STUDY OF THE POSSIBILITY OF IGNITION AND
BURNING OF TRASH BY A CIGARETTE
Lee Seok Dong
Kim Jin Gu
395
SMALL ELECTRIC MOTOR FIRES
Joel Liebesfeld, PI, MA, MAS, CES
407
HIGH VOLTAGE IMPULSE TESTING OF CORRUGATED
STAINLESS STEEL TUBING (CSST)
Jeffrey E. Lindsey, P.E., C.F.I.
Randall E. Bills, P.E., C.F.I.
Stephen E. Erlenbach, P.E.
Timothy C.Martin, P.E., C.F.E.I.
Richard B. Marzola, P.E, C.F.I
Mark J. Mulcahy, C.F.I.
Michael Rupp
417
A STUDY OF CALCINATION OF GYPSUM WALLBOARD
Christopher L. Mealy
Daniel T. Gottuk
427
A STUDY OF THE PERSISTENCE OF IGNITABLE LIQUID RESIDUE
Christopher L. Mealy
Daniel T. Gottuk
439
FIRE EFFECTS ON HIGH EFFICIENCY COMPACT
FLUORESCENT LIGHTING
Richard J. Meier, CFEI, CFII, CVFI
451
FUEL GAS LEAKAGE POTENTIAL FROM COMMON
THREADED PIPE CONNECTIONS - CONSIDERATIONS
FOR FIRE/EXPLOSION INVESTIGATIONS
Kim R. Mniszewski, P.E., CFEI
463
THE CASE FOR CASE REVIEW
Jeffery T Morrill, NAFI-CFEI, CFII, CVFI, IAAI CFI
473
VALIDATION OF FLACS-FIRE FOR JET FIRES
UNDER VENTILATION-CONTROLLED CONDITIONS
Deiveegan Muthusamy
Bjørn Lilleberg
485
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ISFI 2012
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DETECTING AND CONFIRMING THE PRESENCE
OF ROAD FLARE RESIDUE IN FIRE INVESTIGATIONS
Scott Nesvold, M.S., M.Eng., P.E.
Kerri Pacholke, MFS, F-ABC
495
IN-SITU CONCRETE STRENGTH TESTING
AS A TOOL IN FIRE INVESTIGATION
Michael J. OConnor, M.Sc., P.E., CFEI, CVFI, PI
507
ANALYSIS OF SUSCEPTIBILITY TO IGNITION OF
SELECTED INDUSTRY DUST FROM A HEATED SURFACE –
COMPARATIVE VALUE OF MINIMAL IGNITION
TEMPERATURES OF A DUST LAYER AND CLOUDS
Marzena Półka
Marek Wolinski
Bożena Kukfisz
Zdzisław Salamonowicz
515
IGNITABLE LIQUID RESIDUE DISTRIBUTION IN POUR PATTERNS
J. Graham Rankin, Ph.D.
Dana L. Greely, MSFS
Bob Sullivan, CFI-IAAI, CFEI
525
USE OF THERMO-GRAVIMETRIC ANALYSER IN
FORENSIC INVESTIGATION: SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
AND APPLICATION TO HUMAN TEETH
C. Riera
A. Thiry
A. Coppalle
J.P. Garo
A. Ben Cheikh
S. Toupenay
H. Bazin
535
INDUSTRIAL INCIDENT INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUES
Thomas V. Rodante, P.E., CFEI, CFII
547
THE NEED FOR A CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
FOR MODELING USE IN SUPPORT OF PERFORMANCE
BASED DESIGN AND INVESTIGATIONS
Noah L. Ryder, PE, CFEI, MBA
559
ALUMINUM PHOSPHIDE-BASED FUMIGANTS
AS AN IGNITION SOURCE IN AGRICULTURAL
COMMODITY STORAGE STRUCTURE FIRES
John L. Schumacher, MChE, PE, CFI, CFPS
Zachary J. Jason, PE, CFEI
565
INVESTIGATION OF ASBESTOS CONTAMINATED
FIRE AND EXPLOSION SCENES
James H. Shanley, Jr., PE, CFEI, CFI, MIFireE
577
A STRANGE NEW SOURCE OF STRUCTURE FIRE IGNITION
Ronald D. Simmons, P.E., C.F.E.I.
Eric M. Benstock, P.E., IEng., C.F.E.I.
585
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THE DEATH OF NEGATIVE CORPUS (Abridged Version)
Dennis W. Smith, B.A., B.Sc.
597
VEHICLE FIRE BURN PATTERN STUDY: Part 2
Nicholas J. Smith, BS, CFEI, CVFI, IAAI-CFI
William Hicks, MS, CFEI, CVFI, IAAI-CFI, EFO, CFOD, MIFireE
Gregory E. Gorbett, MScFPE, CFEI, CVFI, IAAI-CFI, MIFireE
Ronald L. Hopkins, MS, CFEI, CVFI, CFPS
Patrick M. Kennedy, BS (Hons), CFEI, CVFI, MIFireE
609
APPLICABILITY AND LIMITATIONS OF ARC MAPPING
IN VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT FIRE INVESTIGATION
Douglas R. Stahl, PE, CFEI/CVFI
Kerry D. Parrott, BSME, CFEI/CVFI, CFI
617
METHODOLOGY FOR LINKING CARBON MONOXIDE
UPTAKE IN FIRE VICTIMS WITH COMPUTER FIRE
MODELING IN POST-FIRE RECONSTRUCTION ANALYSES
Jason A. Sutula, Ph.D., P.E.
625
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IN
FIRE MODELLING FIELD IN ORDER TO ASSESS
THE USE OF FIRE SCENARIO SIMULATION IN INVESTIGATION FRAMEWORK
Aurélien Thiry
Camille Riera
Mathieu Suzanne
Axel Bellivier
Hervé Bazin
633
EVALUATING FIRE DAMAGED REGULATORS:
HOW RELIABLE IS POST-FIRE TESTING?
Jerry R. Tindal, MS, P.E.
John B. Holecek, MS, P.E.
645
CARELESS COOKING FIRES
Robert J. Trenkle, CFI, CFEI
657
PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF THE EFFECT OF CARPET
PAD SEAMS COMPARED TO IGNITABLE
LIQUID POURS, FLOOR FIRE PATTERNS IN POST-FLASHOVER FIRES
Christopher B. Wood, JD, MsFPE, PE
Albert Simeoni, PhD
Ryan Foley, BS
663
Index of Authors
675
xii
ISFI 2010
International Symposium on Fire Investigation Science and Technology
Table of Contents
Dedication
Preface
Introduction
iii
iv
v
Plenary Sessions
1
ISFI 2010 KEYNOTE ADDRESS - INSIGHTS INTO
FIRE INVESTIGATION FROM FIFTY YEARS OF
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: What’s Wrong?
What’s Right? What’s the Difference?
Patrick M. Kennedy, BSc.(Hons), CFEI, CFPS, MIFireE, ASSE
3
“PROGRESS” IN FIRE INVESTIGATION: MOVING
FROM WITCHCRAFT AND FOLKLORE TO THE
MISUSE OF MODELS AND THE ABUSE OF SCIENCE
John J. Lentini, CFEI, D-ABC
15
THE ‘BENEFITS’ OF ARCING
Daniel L. Churchward, CFEI
Ryan M. Cox, CFI, CFEI, CFPS
27
DEVELOPMENT AND ASSESSMENT OF A DECISION
SUPPORT FRAMEWORK FOR ENHANCING THE
FORENSIC ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF
FIRE PATTERNS
Gregory E. Gorbett, MScFPE, MSc, CFEI, CFPS, IAAI-CFI, MIFireE
Brian Meacham, Ph.D., P.E.,
Christopher B. Wood, J.D., P.E.,
39
FIRE INVESTIGATOR SAFETY; UNINFORMED,
UNDER INFORMED, OR COMPLACENT
Ronald L. Hopkins, MS, CFEI, CFPS
57
NFPA 1033: 13 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Stuart A. Sklar, CFEI
73
Delegate Papers
79
PREFERENTIAL GAS FLOW AROUND A
SNOWCOVERED PIPE: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE AND MODELING
Robert W. Ashcraft
Alfonso F. Ibarreta
Timothy J. Myers
81
EVALUATION OF CALORIMETER HEAT RELEASE RATE
AS INPUT TO FDS MODEL FOR SIMULATION OF
UNDERVENTILATED COMPARTMENT FIRES
Haavard R. Boehmer
Jason E. Floyd
Daniel T. Gottuk
93
vii
ISFI 2010
International Symposium on Fire Investigation Science and Technology
viii
THE ADMISSIBILITY OF FORENSIC FIRE
INVESTIGATION TESTIMONY: JUSTIFYING A
METHODOLOGY BASED ON ABDUCTIVE INFERENCE
UNDER NFPA 921
Vincent M. Brannigan J.D
Elizabeth C. Buc PhD, PE
105
FIRE DAMAGE OR EQUIPMENT BREAKDOWN?
Vytenis Babrauskas, Ph.D.
119
“CLEAN BURN” FIRE PATTERNS –
A NEW PERSPECTIVE FOR INVESTIGATORS
Steven W. Carman, IAAI-CFI, ATF-CFI (Retired)
131
FAST IDENTIFICATION OF FIRE DEBRIS
BY ASTM 1412 WITH GC/MS-SIM
Chin-Mei Yeh
Show-Chuen Chen
143
EFFECTIVENESS OF SHIELDING
VEHICLE HOT SURFACES
Cam Cope
John M. Stilson
153
FUNDAMENTALS OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
FOR FIRE INVESTIGATORS
Ryan M Cox, B.Sc. FPET, CFEI, CFI, CFPS
169
ORGANIZING AND COMPLETING A FIRE SCENE
EXAMINATION WITH MULTIPLE INTERESTED PARTIES
Ryan M Cox, B.Sc. FPET, CFEI, CFI, CFPS
181
FIRE SCENE DOCUMENTATION:
AN EVER EVOLVING PROCESS
Michael Dalton
189
ADVANCED METHODS FOR DETERMINING
THE ORIGIN OF VAPOR CLOUD EXPLOSIONS CASE STUDY:
2006 DANVERS EXPLOSION INVESTIGATION
Scott G. Davis
Derek Engel
Filippo Gavelli
Peter Hinze
Olav R. Hansen
197
INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUES USED TO DETERMINE
THE MASSIVE VAPOR CLOUD EXPLOSION AT
THE BUNCEFIELD FUEL DEPOT
Scott G. Davis
Peter Hinze
Olav R. Hansen
Kees van Wingerden
209
ISFI 2010
International Symposium on Fire Investigation Science and Technology
BURNING FOR PROFIT: PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
John D. DeHaan, PhD, CFEI, CFI
David J. Icove, PhD, PE, CFEI
Randy Crim, CFEI
John L. Blankenship
221
HOW DOES AIR GET INTO A SEALED GAS SYSTEM –
TESTING VS. THEORY
John M. Freeman, Jr, MS, PE
John L. Schumacher, MChE, PE, CFI
Dennis E. Shelp, MS, PE, CFI, CFEI
Zachary J. Jason, BS, CFEI
231
A MODERN TOOL FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF
INDOOR FLAMMABLE GAS MIGRATION
Filippo Gavelli
Scott G. Davis
Olav R. Hansen
243
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NONENERGIZED
AND ENERGIZED CABLES IN SCALED COMPARTMENT FIRES
Adam Goodman, BScFPE
Christopher Schooler, BScAE
Jamie L. McAllister, P.E., Ph.D.
255
FIRE PATTERNS ANALYSIS WITH LOW HEAT
RELEASE RATE INITIAL FUELS
Gregory E. Gorbett, MScFPE, MSc, CFEI, CFPS, IAAI-CFI, MIFireE
William Hicks, MSc, CFEI, CFPS, IAAI-CFI, EFO, CFO, MIFireE
Ron Hopkins, MSc, CFEI, CFPS
Patrick M. Kennedy, BSc (Hons), BSc, CFEI, CFPS, MIFireE
269
THE DAUBERT DISASTER: UNINTENDED
CONSEQUENCES AFFECTING EXPERT WITNESSES
Brian P. Henry, Esq., CFEI
295
HOW TO LEARN NFPA 921
Terry-Dawn Hewitt, C.I.P., B.A. (Spec.), LL.B., LL.M.
Wayne J. McKenna, B.A (Spec.), LL.B.
305
FIRE MODELING: BEST PRACTICES FOR
CONSTRUCTING ACADEMIC HIGH PERFORMANCE
COMPUTING CLUSTERS
David J. Icove, PhD, PE, CFEI
Gregory E. Gorbett, MS, CFEI
J. Douglas Birdwell, PhD
Richard E. Merck, PE, CFEI
313
EXPERT REPORT WRITING: BEST PRACTICES
FOR PRODUCING QUALITY REPORTS
David J. Icove, PhD, PE, CFEI
Brian P. Henry, Esq., CFEI
319
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ISFI 2010
International Symposium on Fire Investigation Science and Technology
x
EXPERTS BEWARE: WHAT YOU SAY (AND DO)
CONTINUES TO BE USED AGAINST YOU IN A
COURT OF LAW IN 2008, 2009, AND 2010
Patrick J. Kenny, J.D.
Karrie J. Clinkinbeard, J.D., CFEI
327
EXPERTS BEWARE: IGNORING THE SCIENTIFIC
METHOD CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR TESTIMONY
Gerald A. King, J.D., CFEI
Karrie J. Clinkinbeard, J.D., CFEI
341
CHAR DEPTH MAPPING OF FLOOR STRUCTURE
TO DETERMINE FIRE ORIGIN
Harri K. Kytomaa, PhD, PE, CFEI, CFI,
Alfonso F. Ibarreta, PhD, PE, CFEI
John Loud, MSEE, PE, CFEI
353
CASE STUDY: A FAILED CRIMP CONNECTOR
ON A SHADED-POLE FAN MOTOR AS A FIRE CAUSE
AND THE LEGAL MANEUVERINGS TO EXCLUDE THIS EVIDENCE
Kevin H. Lewis, P.E., CFEI, CFI
William E. Pierson, Jr. Esquire
361
FIRE PATTERN REPEATABILITY:
A LABORATORY STUDY ON GYPSUM WALLBOARD
Daniel Madrzykowski
Charles Fleischmann, PhD
381
NFPA 921 IN CRIMINAL CASES
Wayne J. McKenna, B.A (Spec.), LL.B.
Terry-Dawn Hewitt, C.I.P., B.A. (Spec.), LL.B., LL.M.
393
FIRE DYNAMICS AND FORENSIC ANALYSIS
OF LIQUID FUEL FIRES
Christopher L. Mealy
Mathew E. Benfer
Daniel T. Gottuk
399
USING NFPA 70B AS A TOOL IN THE
INVESTIGATION OF ELECTRICAL FIRES
Robert A. Neary, P.E. CFEI
411
RE-VISITING THE MICHAEL LEDFORD FIRE INCIDENT
Stephen M. Olenick, MSFPE, CFEI, P.E.
Richard J. Roby, Ph.D, P.E.
Douglas J. Carpenter, MScFPE, CFEI, P.E.
417
SURVIVAL SCROLL CABLE AS THE FIRE
TRIGGER IN NIGHT CLUB FIRE
Ir. Adrianus Pangaribuan, MT,CFEI
431
SPACE HEATERS AS AN IGNITION SOURCE:
POSSIBLE, PLAUSIBLE OR PROBABLE
Christopher W. Parrish, CFEI
Amanda L. Moore, CFEI, CFII
Jason A. Griest, CFEI, CVFI, CFII, FIT
447
ISFI 2010
International Symposium on Fire Investigation Science and Technology
ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE FIRES AT
RETAIL FUEL TRANSFER FACILITIES REVISITED
James L. Pharr
Stephen L. Fowler
Timothy R. Jonas
457
FIRE INVESTIGATION PEER REVIEW:
C/O COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA V. DANIEL DOUGHERTY
Angelo L. Pisani, Jr. Ph.D., CFEI
475
TELLTALE SIGNS OF WATER HEATER GAS
CONTROL VALVE OVERPRESSURIZATION
John L. Schumacher, MChE, PE, CFI
Dennis E. Shelp, MS, PE, CFI, CFEI
John M. Freeman, Jr., MS, PE
Zachary J. Jason, BS, CFEI
487
FORENSIC FAILURE ANALYSIS AND FIRE IGNITION
SEQUENCE OF FRACTIONAL HORSEPOWER, SHADED
POLE MOTORS USED IN APPLIANCES
James H. Shanley, Jr., PE
499
FUEL GAS OVERPRESSURE AS IT RELATES
TO REGULATOR FUNCTION
Dennis E. Shelp, MS, PE, CFI, CFEI
John L. Schumacher, MChE, PE, CFI
John M. Freeman, Jr., MS, PE
Zachary Jason, BS, EIT, CFEI
511
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTS AND THE 2010
AMENDMENTS TO THE FEDERAL RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE
David M. Smith, CFI. , RFP
Joseph Carey, BS, JD.
523
VEHICLE FIRE BURN PATTERN STUDY
Nicholas J. Smith, BS, CFEI, CVFI, IAAI-CFI
William Hicks, MS, CFEI, CVFI, IAAI-CFI, EFO, CFOD, MIFireE
Gregory E. Gorbett, MScFPE, CFEI, CVFI, IAAI-CFI, MIFireE
Ronald L. Hopkins, MS, CFEI, CVFI, CFPS
Patrick M. Kennedy, BS (Hons), CFEI, CVFI, MIFireE
533
CRIMP CONNECTOR FAILURES:
QUANTIFYING THE CAUSE OF RESISTIVE HEATING
Vijay Somandepalli
John Wise
Brian Arena
Scott Davis
545
ANALYSIS OF HAY CLINKER AS AN
INDICATOR OF FIRE CAUSE
Andrew T. Tinsley, MS, EI, CFEI
Michael Whaley
David J. Icove, Ph.D., PE, CFEI
555
xi
ISFI 2010
International Symposium on Fire Investigation Science and Technology
xii
BELT---A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN
CONVEYOR BELT FIRE SAFETY
Harry C. Verakis, CFEI
565
LOW VOLTAGE THE INCOMPETENT IGNITION
SOURCE DISPELLING THE MYTH
Richard J. Vicars, BSEE, MBA, CFEI
James E. Small, BSEE, MBA
Terry Munson
Christopher Parrish, BScFS, CFEI
577
ANALYSIS OF A DOUBLE FATALITY FIRE
ALLEGEDLY CAUSED BY A PORTABLE ELECTRIC HEATER:
HOW POOR METHODOLOGY CAN LEAD TO THE WRONG CONCLUSION
Jeffery H. Warren, Ph.D., P.E., CSP, CFEI
Jerry R. Tindal, MS, P.E., CFEI
John Holecek, MS, P.E., CFEI
591
FIRE DYNAMICS OF LIMITED VENTILATION
COMPARTMENT FIRES
Andrew J. Wolfe
Christopher L. Mealy
Daniel T. Gottuk, P.E.
603
A PRELIMINARY REPORT OF FULL-SCALE
ARC MAPPING TEST RESULTS
Christopher B. Wood
Amanda Kimball
615
CONSIDERATION ON THE USE OF HEAT RELEASE
DATA FROM THE CONE CALORIMETER
Neil P. Wu, P.E., CBO, CFEI
Yunyong Utiskul, Ph.D., CFEI
Joel E. Sipe, Ph.D., CFEI
629
Index of Authors
641