Cooking; The #1 Cause of Residential Fires.

Historic Home Heavily Damaged

Another DNA Video

DNA Extraction

How is DNA used in Arson Cases?

How is DNA used in Arson Cases?

A greater tragedy avoided...No one injured.

Gadsden woman charged with attempting to burn house with husband and kids inside...
http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/02/gadsden_woman_charged_with_att.html

Gasoline Vapor Ignition

Watch this poor soul rech into his pocket for the lighter. After the explosion you see him rolling on the ground, flames covering his entire body.  

ARSON FOR PROFIT!

ARSON FOR PROFIT!

Semmes woman charged with hiring nephew to set fire that burned him.

http://blog.al.com/live/2011/02/semmes_woman_charged_with_hiri.html



No commentary on this article would be appropriate without beginning with the highest praise for the excellent investigative work by the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. It is character and dedication to a cause that enables them to tirelessly pursue, what is in my opinion, the most difficult crime to investigate and prosecute; arson.

Kudos aside, this article from the Mobile Register illustrates the elaborate nature many profit seeking arsonist will employ to defraud an insurance company via the use of fire. In an economy that continues to struggle, scenarios like this have become much more prevalent. It is my opinion, based on two-thirds of my fire service career having been spent in fire investigations and enforcement, this trend will continue to increase until departments finally allow Fire Prevention to become more of a focal point to their mission, instead of an afterthought.  

It is well known among the professionals who investigate fire causes that Arsonists motivated by profit, either to receive cash, alleviate debt, reduce competition, or improve property values, employ more effort and thought into their schemes than arsonists motivated by any other indentified factor.

Consider the referenced article as an example. There are three alleged conspirators cited in this case, one of whom may have died as a direct result of injuries sustained during the ignition, a deferred payment plan of $5,000 due upon receipt of monies from the insurance company, including up-front seed money of $500, presumably to finance the interstate trip using a rental car for the out of work “torch”, and possessions having been removed from the residence prior to this incident. All of which are designed to help provide a built-in alibi for the property owner. These are text book examples.

Although the exact method of ignition employed by this arsonist was not cited, and remains unknown to the general public, the nature of his injuries provide notable information indicating a large and unexpected “flash” at the moment of flame inception. The most common fuel source for such an initial conflagration is the use of copious amounts of an ignitable liquid, usually gasoline. The injured party may have either waited too long after dispersing the liquid, thus allowing the vapor to disperse and reach an alternate ignition source, such as a pilot light, or may have simply been standing too close when he lit the match due to a fatal misunderstanding of the volatility of hydrocarbon vapors.

All of these aspects stem from the primary goals that bind all profit arsonists together: financial gain, causing the greatest amount of destruction in the least amount of time, and getting away with their crime.  There is no limit to the creativity that may be employed when the human mind endeavors to deceive.

I have encountered three distinct types of profit arsonist that I categorize in the following manner: Entry Level, Graduated, and Professional.

Entry Level Profiteers (ELP) exhibit little or no prior criminal history, have amenable lifestyles, and in most respects may seem completely mainstream to friends and family, acquaintances, and co-workers. There are usually few discernable traits visible to a casual observer. Their primer to arson is a seemingly overwhelming degree of personal financial stress, with a myriad of catalysts in reaching their breaking point; job loss, divorce, pending foreclosure, or even a general overextension of financial obligations as a few examples.

Based on a typical sense of right and wrong, many are prone to confessions if presented with evidence, or even “indicators” of their culpability, especially if the initial contact with investigators occurs prior to their perception of escape. That is to say, once a suspect in this category perceives they have been cleared of their deed, or an extended period of time passes between the act and initial questioning, it becomes more difficult for investigators to tap into the emotions of the perpetrator. The most vulnerable emotion that significantly influence people in this category to confess is a sense of guilt.

Most of these people have a finite time frame in which they feel vulnerable. It is the amount of time the individual goes from the rush of adrenaline, through the first steps of a rehearsed response, and through the reconciling period that they are actually a good person. This time frame varies, but I would estimate it to be no longer than 10-14 days. It may also be influenced by benchmarks and clues they garner from observing the behavior and mannerisms of investigators, and may be the only time they feel any sense of emotional discomfort from committing their crime. Afterwards, garnering confessions becomes much more difficult.

The Graduated Profit Arsonists (GPA) will also exhibit financial problems, but with the added element of a distinct criminal record, primarily involving fraud, larceny, forgery or similarly related offenses. More serious criminal histories have also been noted, such as assault, rape, robbery and homicide, but the number of graduated offenders with more severe charges seems to be less than those who have yet to make a serious step towards heightened criminal activity.

 GPA’s have also demonstrated an increased history of insurance claims, including workman’s compensation, but rarely are there traceable histories involving the suspicion of utilizing fire as a means of gain. Thorough investigation may reveal the sporadic incident of fire loss in the past history of a small portion of GPA’s, but often there is no suggestion of arson or suspicion towards the claimant. I have even encountered incidents when the cases of previous accidental fire losses have been the genesis of thought for committing fire fraud.

The successful closing of these types of investigations is very unlikely to occur with a “bluff” or rue from investigators. Although GPA’s are not immune from admitting their guilt to authorities, stronger items of evidence, usually on the level of credible eyewitnesses, demonstrating a false alibi, taped conversations, or proving that their prior acts were in preparation for the fire, are necessary to demonstrate to the GPA the best course of action is to limit further deception and cut their losses. GPA’s have an are still vunerable to genuine feelings of culpability, similar to the ELA’s, it is simply more difficult to tap into that the ELA’s. The most likely “win” for investigators is to have the insured feel enough legitimate pressure that a withdrawal of the insurance claim occurs.

The Professional Profit Arsonist (PPA) is more or less self descriptive term. These are individuals, or groups, that have made a conscious decision that the use of fire is a tool of deception and advancement, and have employed this method more than once. Ironically, their criminal histories may or may not be checkered, as the use of their advanced level of manipulation has propelled them through many previous encounters with authorities. Simply put, they are con artists. Most display a marked lack, or even complete, disregard for others, and have a refined ability to project and deflect fault towards other in a maniacal, sociopathic manner. Even when presented with hard evidence, it is unlikely to illicit a noticeable kinetic response.  PPA’s are very ambitious in many aspects of their lives, be it legitimate business or criminal enterprise, and have superior intellect. The most likely scenario to ensnare the PPA is when they become too comfortable due to their not perceived invincibility. Their history of incendiary fires becomes the primary red flag for their involvement. Confessions from this category are extremely rare. Fewer specific details are known of this group due to their skill at avoiding detection.

Two Alabama Firefighters Charged with Arson.

These two volunteer firefighters, both 18, fit the classic example of fire setting motivated by Excitement or Vanity. In cases of police and firefighters who set fires, it is more specifically referred to as the "Hero" syndrome. If Excitement was indeed the motivation, numerous personality precursors are often exhibited prior to the event.

Boredome, especially is young males, is a key factor, as well as a history of impulsive behavior and early ego development. The fact these two teenagers were part of a volunteer department is a clear indication of at least two relative personality traits, the need for excitement, and a sense (probably confused) of civic duty. In most documented instances of Hero fire setting, the accused may actually feel they are doing society a favor, perhaps by eliminating structures that are an eyesore, or providing training opportunities for other members of their department.

Although I do not know the specifics of this case, the charge of 2nd degree arson indicates the structure was uninhabited. I am willing to bet there is a high probability it was actually vacant and in a remote location as well.  

There are also instances of volunteers setting fires due to some sort of compensation for each response. In such cases, "Profit" become the obvious motive.  From this limited article, it is unclear if that is a possibility, although such structured departments are rare in  the southeastern portion of the US.

http://www2.alabamas13.com/news/2011/jan/18/two-alabama-firefighters-charged-arson-ar-1357246/

3-D Reconstruction

Here is an example of a typical reconstruction of a residence after a fire.

Compared to a typical 2-D representation, you can quickly see how the perspective of conditions that existed prior to an event can be greatly enhanced. This enables your audience to be more in the momemt.

(if the video stops, place your cursor on the slide bar and left click)

CFI CHRONICALS is Expanding!

Thanks to the positive response of my friends and colleges, all of whom have contributed in unique and positive ways, CFI CHRONICALS is once again expanding!

Please be encouraged to share your professional insights and join the community of investigators, insurance professionals, attorneys, engineers and scientists for the cause of enhancing our industry with scientifically sound principles.

Most of you probably recall at least one specific instance when networking with other professionals brought you insight that was not expected at the time, but that accelerated your learning curve and helped you develop into a more complete professional.

CFI CHRONICALS is intended to create a similar environment where the creativity and ingenuity of the people in this field can spread beyond jurisdictions and disciplines, to help improve everyone involved in the Fire Investigation process.

With these thoughts in mind, I am pleased to announce the development of a new segment within the Chronicals entitled ”The Code Corner". This section is specifically intended for the Fire Prevention Specialists.

I look forward to your thoughts and ideas during another time of growth.

As a reminder, previous issues of CFI CHRONICALS can be found by visiting my website at the link below.

"It Is What It Is"

 http://hdcranfordconsulting.com/Investigations.html