Fire Modeling and Its Application in Fire Investigation

Abstract

Abstract Individuals involved in the forensic investigation and analysis of fire and explosion incidents are usually tasked with rendering opinions as to the origin, cause, responsibility, and/or prevention of such incidents so that future incidents can be avoided or prevented. The essence of the investigation of fire and explosion incidents is embodied in the use of the scientific method, which has traditionally been used in the physical sciences and forms the basis for legitimate scientific and engineering investigations. The combustion and fire sciences involve complex phenomena, and the advancement of these sciences has helped to build a technical foundation for the discipline. The challenge for the fire investigator is the practical application of fundamental knowledge to the investigation of fires. Such fundamental knowledge can be exploited through the development of models to overcome some of the complexities of the combustion phenomena that limit practical application. Mathematical fire modeling provides the fire investigator with tools for the testing of hypotheses associated with the origin and cause of a particular fire event. Even when the origin and cause of the fire is not at issue, these modeling tools can also be used to evaluate the factors that caused damage to property or injury to people. This article provides an overview of mathematical fire modeling and its application to the investigation of fire and explosion incidents.