NCJ Number
84319
Date Published
1981
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This discussion of arson insurance investigation considers the exclusion of accidental causes; aspects of set fires; evidence collection; alibis, motives, and the corpus delicti; fires for profit; and the claim representative's contact with authorities.
Abstract
The exclusion of accidental causes of the fire and the determination that a fire is arson involve inquiry into the typical causes of accidental fires, assessing if the fire pattern within the building type is consistent with an accidental fire, determining if separate fires are involved, and also examination of the color of smoke and flames, size of the fire, direction of travel, intensity, odors, and condition of contents. Bystanders who seem unduly interested in the fire or who have been seen at other fires should be interviewed. When a fire is classified as suspicious, the investigator's task is to determine the point of origin, the fire-setting mechanism used, any ignition and timing mechanisms involved, the material placed around the ignition device, and 'trailers' used to spread the fire. Types of evidence that may be collected are (1) direct evidence that directly proves any matter, (2) circumstantial evidence (facts which attend other facts sought to be proved), and (3) physical evidence (any clues, trace, impression, or thing connected with the case). When adjusters suspect that a fire was arson, they should notify the fire chief, the police chief, or the fire marshall, State police, or county sheriff in rural areas. Types of motives for arson are itemized, and an adjuster's investigation checklist is provided, followed by a list of questions to ask the responding fire department.