| Fire Warnings: Recent fires, Fire Investigations, Information Requests. |
Current hot website topics: Interesting fires, Requests for Information, New Studies. |
Warning On Filling Gasoline Cans
Gas cans should not be filled from filling station pumps while the can is left on the bed of a pick up truck. The can should be removed and placed on the ground. Failure to do so can cause an explosion. The solution to the potential problem is to remove the can and place it on the ground. This is especially important in pick up truck bed liners.
Fires Of Interest
Burning Potted Plant
Periodically an incident takes place that should give the fire investigator some insight into possible fire scenarios that could be overlooked. Thus the investigator who indicates that the only cause of the fire was arson because there were no other sources of ignition should review the following which we have called the "BURNING BUSH".
Hartsdale, New York Fire Department under the command of Deputy Chief William Raftery responded to an automatic fire alarm on 11/14/96 in a residence in their Westchester County District. They entered the building by forcible entry and found a smoke condition. The smoke condition was traced to a small dead potted plant. The center of the plant was showing a bright glow. The plant was on the floor of a room in preparation for being discarded as it was dead. Examination of the plant shows the plastic and aluminum wrap was melted but fire was from inside the plant.
Chief Raftrey reports that the potting soil appeared to be peat moss, soil, a small proportion of Vermiculite or similar substance. In addition, there appeared to be a fibre like substance. He describes it as a cotton or wool similar to the stuffing in a teddy bear.
Owner reported not fertilizing the plant and it had not been watered in a considerable time.
This is the type of case that should make every fire investigator and prosecuting attorney pause and remember that as investigators we often deal with the unusual
Thermostat Fires
Maryville Tennessee Fire Lt. David Williamson reported that a 24-Volt thermostat mounted on a wall in a Maryville Church ignited causing significant smoke damage. No fire spread took place because of limited fuel surrounding the area of the new multi-million dollar structure. Fire was discovered by a police officer checking the building. This is a case of combustible material being used in connection with an electrical device. Regardless of the failure mode the use of combustible plastics in an area of electrical installations can cause serious problems. This is one of several "thermostat fires" that we have confirmed.
Tread Mill Ignition
Owner reports that he experienced difficulty with his one year old tread mill. He unplugged it and went to an upper floor. Moments later the tread mill was burning and the rubber running mat had ignited.
