Forensic Investigation - A scientific approach

With extensive experience on marine investigations, Greg also has experience of preparing evidence for criminal proceedings. He explained the role of an investigator, how they have to be logical, up to date and have a methodical approach.meal
Greg took attendees on a theoretical journey on what a forensic scientist would look for, how would he/she collate the physical evidence and detailed the importance of photographs and sketches.
The first thing to remember is don’t tamper with the evidence, removal of evidence really hampers any investigation.
Greg asked the audience did they know how smoke stains a window asking the question could the window have been opened before the fire? He illustrated a case where the records from a security alarm evidenced that someone had come back into the premises. Even damaged alarms can have the memory removed and put back into a working alarm. It all became very “CSI Miami” when he began to talk and show the audience burn patterns, how steel melts, damaged fuses and depth of char patterns.
He discussed the human agency, accidental and deliberate and gave us pictures, stills and videos to illustrate how a fire can start - a landlady of a pub setting fire to a napkin and putting this in a bin not realising CCTV was filming her every move.
Some words of advice – be aware of tumble dryers, let them cool down, keep them clean and maintained and be aware of arcing and poor electrical connections. A circuit blocker is currently being recalled from 2010 – 2011 as it has a part that ignites and has caused many fires.
Greg explained how natural gas is lighter than air and it will rise and when a screwdriver went through a gas pipe, the result was a fireball was in the upper part of the room. Greg also showed an actual fire a very nasty fridge fire and said that even a static jumper could cause a spark that could ignite a fuel source. Be very careful with those Snowman and Reindeer Christmas jumpers!
Greg finished by showing the attendees some examples of a battery that cost £60 and an eBay equivalent cost that cost £20. The eBay version of the battery could have easily caused a fire. The seller weighed it down with lead because it had missing parts. Greg said - “You Tube has a lot to answer for as it can give would be arsonists ideas”.
The Institute have given some words of advice as it’s nearly Christmas - be careful with the fairy lights, lighted candles and brandy pudding or you could end up with Greg sharing your Christmas Dinner.
Be careful out there!

Examples of fuel and ignition sources:-