A fire appears to begin quite unexpectedly while at a political dinner for a candidate running in a high stakes Senate election, but it was extinguished relatively quickly by some well-intentioned dinner guests who located a fire extinguisher. An investigator attending the event immediately jumps into action and begins to notice things that will likely serve as key pieces of evidence that the fire was not, in fact, an accident. Though the rest of the team aren’t due to arrive for some time, the investigator wants to collect the evidence as quickly as possible. Which of the following would MOST likely be used to collect evidence at the scene?

Question

A fire appears to begin quite unexpectedly while at a political dinner for a candidate running in a high stakes Senate election, but it was extinguished relatively quickly by some well-intentioned dinner guests who located a fire extinguisher. An investigator attending the event immediately jumps into action and begins to notice things that will likely serve as key pieces of evidence that the fire was not, in fact, an accident. Though the rest of the team aren’t due to arrive for some time, the investigator wants to collect the evidence as quickly as possible. Which of the following would MOST likely be used to collect evidence at the scene?

A.
a typical paper bag
B.
a typical plastic bag from a grocery store
C.
a well-sealed cooler
D.
a large, sturdy cardboard box that is found close to the scene

Answer 1

C. a well-sealed cooler would be the most likely option as it would provide a safe and secure place to store any potential evidence without risking contamination or damage.

Answer 2

What may be used to rinse materials to wash off explosive residue?

A.
water
B.
bleach
C.
acid
D.
acetone

Answer 3

A. water may be used to rinse materials to wash off explosive residue.

Answer 4

What is the blast effect?

A.
the vapors created by the heating of an accelerant
B.
the intense heat created by a Molotov cocktail
C.
the outward rush of gases from a bomb’s site of origin
D.
the pattern recorded by a gas chromatograph

Answer 5

C. The blast effect refers to the outward rush of gases from a bomb's site of origin.

Answer 6

The most suitable option for collecting evidence at the scene of a fire would be a well-sealed cooler (option C). A cooler is a portable container that can maintain a stable temperature and protect the evidence from contamination or damage. It provides an airtight and secure environment for preserving any physical evidence, such as samples of debris, ashes, or remnants of materials that may have started the fire.

A typical paper bag (option A) would not be ideal for collecting evidence in this case, as it is not sealed and may allow contamination or loss of evidence. Similarly, a typical plastic bag from a grocery store (option B) is not optimal as it does not provide a secure and controlled environment to preserve the evidence properly.

A large, sturdy cardboard box (option D) may offer some protection to the evidence, but it lacks the necessary sealing capabilities and may not efficiently prevent contamination or preserve delicate evidence.

Therefore, the best option for collecting evidence at the scene of the fire would be a well-sealed cooler (option C). However, it's important to note that the investigator should consult with an expert in fire investigation or forensic science to ensure the proper collection and preservation of evidence.