Forensic Examination of Fire and Arson

Fire and Arson Forensic Examination Quiz Crafted By-

Vikas Kumar

Scientific Officer

Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science India Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi

Introduction to Fire and Arson Forensic Examination 

Fire investigators conduct their investigations using a systematic approach utilizing the scientific method, including the following: When arsonists attack, there is very rarely much evidence left at the scene. However, arsonists usually use accelerants to speed up a blaze. Forensic scientists use technologies to heat samples taken from the scene causing any residue to separate. This sample is then analyzed to determine the chemical structure. Scientists also use other tests such as using liquid nitrogen gas to trap residue which are then analyzed using gas chromatography. 

The investigator receives the assignment and responsibilities such as

• Plans the investigation and assembles tools, equipment, and personnel
• Examines the scene and collects data
• Collects, tests, evaluates, and documents evidence
• Applies the scientific method to analyze the information obtained

Let's look at the questions and their answer. 

Ques 1. Which substance has the highest ignition temperature?

a) Turpentine

b) Fuel Oil

c) Benzene

d) Kerosene

Answer-c)

Ques 2. The correct sequence of events of firing process in order of occurrence is?                                                 

a) Free burning, Incipient, Smoldering

b) Smoldering, Free burning, Incipient

c) Free burning, Smoldering, Incipient

d) Incipient, Free burning, Smoldering

Answer-d) 

Ques 3. The Fundamental chemical reaction of fire initiation is

a) Hydroxylation

b) Combustion

c) Oxidation                                                       

d) Ignition

Answer-c)

Ques 4. The minimum temperature at which a volatile compound forms flammable vapors that can ignite from an external source is called

a) Fire Point                                                    

b) Flash Point

c) Ignition Point                                                       

d) Pout Point

Answer-b)

Ques 5. In most chemical reactions, a rise of ________ in temperature doubles or triples the reaction rate

a) 18 degrees Celsius                                                      

b) 10 degrees Celsius

c) 15 degrees Fahrenheit                                                       

d) 23 degrees Fahrenheit

Answer-b)

Ques 6. What type of burn pattern indicates that a fire spread up and out from something?

a) O Pattern

b) L Pattern

c) V Pattern

d) T Pattern

Answer-c)

Ques 7. Assertion (A) The Flashpoint of a liquid is always greater than the fire point

Reason (R): Fire points need more external heat to form enough vapours to continue burning. 

a) Both A and R are correct

b) Both A and R are incorrect

c) Only A is correct and R is wrong

d) Only R is correct and A is wrong                                                  

Answer-d)

Ques 8. Which type of explosive is classified into two groups, primary and secondary?

a) Low explosives                                                      

b) Medium explosives

c) All explosives                                                        

d) High explosives

Answer-d)

Ques 9. The temperature at which a volatile compound forms and ignitable vapor mixture in air that burns by an external source for 5 second or less is considered to be:

a) Fire Point

b) Flash Point

c) Ignition Point

d) Pout Point

Answer-b)

Ques 10. Arrange the following in ascending order of temperature.

a) Fire point > Flash Point>Ignition Point

b) Flash Point>Ignition Point>Fire Point

c) Ignition Point>Fire Point>Flash Point

d) Ignition Point>Flash Point>Fire Point

Answer-c)