Examining the Use of Forensic Engineering in Investigating Fires and Explosions in London

 There have been several fires and explosions in London in recent years and forensic engineering experts are looking to find ways to investigate these incidents. Forensic engineers work with police and other law enforcement agencies to identify objects and items left behind that might help the authorities learn more about what happened to the victims of the fires and explosions. Don't let fires and explosions in London go unresolved - call us for Forensic Engineering in London.

Artifacts left behind by accidental fires are often indistinguishable from evidence left behind by fully involved incendiary fires

• The scientific method is important in fire investigation. This methodology involves systematic observation and analysis of data to form hypotheses. Testing these hypotheses is an important part of the process.
• Fire investigators must evaluate building systems and components. They must also determine how fire spreads through the building and how the structure responds to a fire. As part of this analysis, investigators must consider the effects of ventilation and structural collapse.
• It is important to identify the area of origin for a fire. A smaller area of origin will be more likely to encompass fewer fires. However, it is difficult to establish the origin of a fire using patterns and observations. For instance, if the area of origin is a door, it is impossible to establish the origin of a fire based on the door's position.
• One way to identify the area of origin is by collecting data from outside the scene. Such data can be used to document fire growth and help establish the timeline of the fire.
• Another way to identify the origin is to examine the damage to items. Damaged items can be a key piece of evidence in understanding the severity of an explosion. If the items are damaged by fire, smoke, or flame, they may be displaced from their original location. These items can be examined in a laboratory to determine the role that potential ignition sources played in the explosion.

Research needs in the field

• In the field of forensic engineering in investigating fires and explosions in London, there are a few areas of research that have yet to be explored. However, the field has made considerable progress in the past few decades. A strategic plan has been developed that identifies the areas that require research. This document discusses the areas of research needed to improve the practice of fire investigation in the next few years.
• One of the most important pieces of data is pre-fire conditions. The design and construction of a building dictates how a fire will grow. Fire investigators must assess these variables in order to determine the origin of the fire.
• Another piece of information is the location of the fire's origin. Fire investigators are able to establish the point of origin by determining where the first fuel ignited combination was found.
• Another piece of information is the cause of the fire. Fire investigators determine the cause by identifying possible ignition sources, evaluating building systems, and evaluating fire dynamics principles.
• Finally, there are many hypotheses that can be developed. Hypotheses can explain why a fire happened, why it caused casualties, and why damages occurred. But these hypotheses must be based on solid facts, i.e. they must be testable and testable in a controlled environment.