Detective Gundy found several areas in a warehouse where fires appeared to have started. What can he MOST likely conclude from this evidence?
A.
Someone deliberately set fires at different points around the warehouse.
B.
Several people accidentally dropped lit cigarettes around the warehouse.
C.
Strong winds spread the fire throughout multiple areas in the warehouse.
D.
There was no accelerant used to start any of these fires.
A. Someone deliberately set fires at different points around the warehouse.
The use of a device known as a “sniffer” helps investigators make decisions about whether a fire was accidental or whether it should be investigated as arson.
A.
True
B.
False
A. True
Marisa is in charge of using a sniffer to investigate a crime scene involving a fire. What is MOST likely involved in this task?
A.
She will send in a dog to detect flammable liquids.
B.
She will look for the point of origin by examining the burn patterns.
C.
She will walk around the scene watching for a wire to heat up.
D.
She will draw a detailed sketch of the crime scene.
B. She will look for the point of origin by examining the burn patterns.
The suspect claims to have started a fire by putting gasoline in a glass jar, adding a wick, and lighting it. He then threw it in a house. What did the suspect do?
A.
He started the fire with a substrate control.
B.
He used multiple high explosives.
C.
He created a Molotov cocktail.
D.
He utilized vapor concentration.
C. He created a Molotov cocktail.
Investigators are looking for a fire’s point of origin. What is the MOST likely indication of the point of origin?
A.
the highest point that shows intense burning
B.
the lowest point that shows intense burning
C.
the highest point that shows moderate burning
D.
the lowest point that shows moderate burning
B. The lowest point that shows intense burning.
To determine the most likely conclusion from the evidence, Detective Gundy should consider the following:
1. Gather information: Analyze the areas where fires appeared to have started and any other related evidence present in the warehouse.
2. Evaluate deliberate action: Check for any signs of intentional fire starting, such as evidence of accelerants or deliberate ignition points. Assess if any patterns or motives can be identified.
3. Consider accidental causes: Assess if accidental causes like dropped lit cigarettes are plausible by examining the surroundings. Look for indications like ashtrays, cigarette butts, or any smoking-related evidence.
4. Assess external factors: Consider the possibility of external factors, such as strong winds, that could have contributed to the spread of fires across multiple areas. Look for evidence of wind patterns or debris movement.
Based on the above considerations, the MOST likely conclusion for Detective Gundy would be:
A. Someone deliberately set fires at different points around the warehouse.
This conclusion is determined by finding evidence of intentional fire starting, such as the presence of accelerants or specific ignition points, and ruling out accidental causes or significant external factors.