Incendiary Indicators

Situations or conditions may exist at fire scenes that suggest the possibility of the incident being incendiary. Information leading to this conculsion comes from three related sources/stages: 1) initial interviews, 2) scene examination, and 3) subsequent investigation.

Investigating details presented in the following stages will often aid in the unveiling of critical information.

Stage 1: The interview.

Information obtained through interviewing the owner of a business or other insured property.

• New or increased coverage on the structure? Expiring coverage?
• Obsolescence of items or location?
• Any prior fires?
• Prior insurance claims at that location or elsewhere?
• Prior questionable or fraudulent claims?
• Large amounts of cash claimed?
• Domestic problems?
• Closing of seasonal business?
• Foreclosure or condemnation situation?
• Numerous debts?
• Property for sale (presently or unsuccessfully in the past)?
• Relatives with previous fires?
• Problems with neighbors?
• Multiple insurance policies?
• Fires to cover other crimes (especially embezzlement, tax evasion, burglary)?
• Poor business?
• Lacks ability to obtain raw materials or merchandise?
• New highway bypassing business?
• Controversies between owner and contractor during construction?
• Repairs from first fire not completed or started before second fire totals the building?
• Especially true if insurance coverage is too low to cover the total building: but, if burned twice, the coverage would be greater?
• Owner or spouse in poor health or must retire shortly anyway?
• Fires preceded by vandalism or threats by unknown persons?
• Neighborhood deteriorating or planned for an "adverse" development?

Stage 2: Scene examination.

Information learned from a physical examination of the arson fire scene.

• Unlocked, open, or forced exterior doors or windows after business hours?
• Incendiary interior fire with locked exterior doors?
• Intrusion/fire alarms disconnected or otherwise disabled?
• Sprinkler system shut off or otherwise interfered with?
• Question: are furniture and other furnishings present after the fire "normal" to the type and "style" of occupancy?
• Non-communicated fire damage in two or more areas?
• Obsolete or unusable contents?
• Lack of expected contents--vacant rooms, empty closets, low food supplies?
• Localized, low points of burning--irregular fire patterns?
• Peculiar origin areas such as middle of a room?
• Check doors and windows: locked, open when they should be closed, covered, nailed, blocked? Are there any signs of forced entry?
• Thermostats set unusually high or low for season?
• Wattage of light bulbs indicate intentional "over-bulbing"?
• Amperage of fuses, signs of tampering, signs of accelerant poured in or around circuit boxes?
• Appliance locations and settings?
• Prized possessions missing from their expected or usual place?
• Pets killed in the fire (locate remains)?
• Family photo albums or framed pictures on walls or desk?
• College diplomas or professional certifications (CPA, MD, etc.) displayed?
• Special licenses?
• Items of person memorabilia (game ball, bowling trophy, etc.)?
• The Fire Insurance policy for the building is not destroyed in the fire?
• Irreplaceable documents such as wills or deeds in the house--not destroyed?
• Hobby materials destroyed (valuable guns, stamp collection, woodworking tools)?
• Check "out" buildings and cartilage for unusual or unexpected storage?
• Damaged, poor quality, obsolete or pre-burned contents?
• Flash burn injuries to occupants (especially hands, face, lower legs)--possible accelerant used to set the fire?
• Damaged or tampered fuel or electrical supply lines?
• Condemned, deteriorated or flawed structure?
• Termites or other insect damage?
• Dry or wet rot?
• Partly constructed before failure or bankruptcy?
• Fires just prior to or during renovation?

Stage 3: Subsequent investigation.

Information learned concerning the motive or opporunity of people involved in an arson fire.

• Occupants leaving shortly before fire?
• No sign of forced entry; alarms or sprinklers fail? Who has the keys?
• ALIBIS--trips, vacations or visiting friends.
• Comments about the fire made to neighbors or friends before or after the fire occurs.
• Comments made to people about the condition of the business, etc.
• Movement of furnishings or valuables before fire.
• Locked doors of business during a normal work day.
• Surrounding business or neighbors not present during the time or the fire.
• Nighttime or holiday fires.
• Fires during storms or fog conditions.
• Rumors of personal financial debts from a girlfriend, drug habit, gambling, etc.

Reprinted with permission from Management for Arson Prevention and Control. pages CC-11 to CC-14.