Question 1

Depth of char are the effects of heat or partial burning that indicate a fire's rate of development,points of origin,temperature,duration,and time of occurrence,as well as the presence of flammable liquids.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Depth of char are the effects of...

Question 2

The fire service has taught firefighters that fire loss is less and public relations are better if they clean the premises: but if arson is suspected,moving debris,even window glass may destroy valuable physical evidence.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Firefighters have been taught that cleaning the premises after a fire can help reduce fire loss and improve public relations with property owners. However, if arson is suspected, any movement of debris or destruction of potential evidence (such as broken window glass) can hinder arson investigators in determining the cause and origin of the fire. Therefore, it is important for firefighters to balance the need for clean-up with preservation of potential evidence in suspected arson cases.

Question 3

Most chemical ignition units leave some residue; have a distinctive odor,or both.

Accepted Answer

Most chemical ignition units leave residue due to the combustion of the chemicals, which may also result in a distinctive odor.

Question 4

Spontaneous ignition is fairly common in residences and small businesses.

Accepted Answer

Spontaneous ignition, also known as spontaneous combustion, is not common in residences and small businesses. It occurs when a substance self-heats and ignites without an external heat source, but it usually requires certain conditions such as a large amount of material, poor ventilation, and high humidity. Such occurrences are rare and mostly observed in industrial settings where large piles of organic material such as coal, manure, or hay can generate heat and combust over time.

Question 5

According to the textbook,only professional arsonists and pyromaniacs seem to favor striking matches.

Accepted Answer

The textbook does not make this claim.

Question 6

The ________ is as sensitive as any of the other currently available detecting equipment but there are flammable liquids to which it is not sensitive.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The ________ is as sensitive as any...

Question 7

It is necessary that a temperature of _____ be reached before furniture springs will collapse from their own weight.

Accepted Answer

The answer of It is necessary that a temperature of...

Question 8

What is the term that refers to an identifiable pattern or characteristic of using essentially the same or similar bomb construction components and construction,fabrication,and design techniques for multiple bombs?

Accepted Answer

Bomber's signature refers to the unique aspects of bomb construction that can be linked to a specific individual or group, similar to how a signature identifies a person. This includes the use of specific components, design techniques, and construction methods that are consistently found across multiple devices, allowing experts to potentially identify and track the activities of a particular bomber or bomb-making group.

Question 9

During a fire investigation,it should be borne in mind that a fire always has three causes: a source of heat,material,and ignition.

Accepted Answer

A fire always has three components: fuel, heat and oxygen, commonly referred to as the "fire triangle." The term "ignition" is often used to describe the start of the fire, but it is not considered a separate cause of the fire. Therefore, the statement is false.

Question 10

Spontaneous heating is produced in three major ways: chemical action,fermentation,and oxidation (the most common way).

Accepted Answer

Spontaneous heating can be produced in all three ways mentioned, with oxidation being the most common cause.

Question 11

In another broad category of arson for profit,the beneficiary of the fire is not the owner-insured but a ________ who arranges for the fire out of some economic incentive.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In another broad category of arson for...

Question 12

Which of the following precautions should be followed when encountering a suspicious package or letter?

Accepted Answer

All of the precautions mentioned should be followed when encountering a suspicious package or letter. Inspecting for lumps, bulges or protrusions without applying pressure, doing a balance check to determine if the package is lopsided or heavy-sided, and checking the company name on the address label to see if it exists are all important steps in identifying a potentially dangerous package or letter.

Question 13

An incendiary mechanism may be mechanical or chemical,and consists of an ignition device,one or more "plants" to feed or accelerate the initial flame,and frequently,trailers to spread the fire.

Accepted Answer

This statement accurately describes the components of an incendiary mechanism.

Question 14

Spalling is the breakdown of the surface tensile strength of concrete,masonry,or brick that occurs when exposure to high temperatures and rates of heating produces mechanical forces within the material.

Accepted Answer

Spalling is the breakdown of surface strength due to thermal and mechanical stresses.

Question 15

Trailers are the material placed around the ignition device to feed the flames in arson.

Accepted Answer

Trailers are materials used by arsonists to spread fire from the ignition point to other areas, not specifically to feed the flames around the ignition device.

Question 16

Which of the following are burn indicators?

Accepted Answer

Alligatoring, depth of char, and breaking of glass are all indicators of a burn. Alligatoring refers to the cracking and splitting of burned material, depth of char indicates how deeply the material has been burned, and breaking of glass can be caused by extreme heat from a fire.

Question 17

________ fires are set in retaliation for some injustice,real or imagined,perceived by the offender.

Accepted Answer

The answer of ________ fires are set in retaliation for...

Question 18

When looking for evidence after an explosion occurs,the investigator should

Accepted Answer

When looking for evidence after an explosion occurs, the investigator should not only focus on the immediate area, as evidence may have been blown away or damaged. Instead, the investigator should also look at adjacent vehicles and buildings for evidence that may have been impacted.

Question 19

A ________ is used to spread the fire.It is ignited by the blaze from the plant.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A ________ is used to spread the...

Question 20

According to the textbook,who was the earliest identified serial bomb builder in the United States?

Accepted Answer

George Metesky, also known as the "Mad Bomber," was the earliest identified serial bomb builder in the United States. He planted a series of bombs in New York City between 1940 and 1956, targeting locations such as movie theaters and public buildings. He was eventually caught and committed to a mental institution in 1957.

Quiz 19: Arson and Explosives Investigations