ABSTRACT
All fires and explosions are chemical reactions that needoxygen to ignite, but oxygen feeds them in different ways.Fire needs air around its flames, while an explosion draws oxygen from the materials used. This means fires can grow slowly, but explosions happen almost instantly. Knowledge of the workings and attributes of fire and explosives is essential for forensic scientists who deal in criminal cases involving arson and terrorist bombings. A successful investigation requires sharp skills to collect evidence left at the scene, identify it in a laboratory, trace it back to the seller or manufacturer, and make the final solid link to the criminal who purchased it.
