ABSTRACT
This chapter presents abbreviated fire scene inspection reports a selection of actual fires. In addition to the technical description of the fire investigation, a short "epilogue" follows each case study. The epilogue describes the practical or legal consequences of the investigation. Public-sector investigators are often called to investigate a fire when suspicious circumstances exist. Fire investigators who are called in by this third group of clients are almost never the first on a scene because they are responding to another investigator's allegation as to the cause of a fire. In addition to clientele, a fire investigator's portfolio is influenced by geography. A fluorescent light is likely to be found within a few feet of the origin of any commercial fire, and most residences contain at least a few, particularly in workshops and utility areas. Gas systems and appliances are frequently involved in fires and are sometimes responsible for starting them.
