Weber, James, A., et al. Fatal Fire Investigation. September 1981.

Abstract: This research paper provides information for investigators in the areas of victim identification, position of the body, and cause of death. All three of these areas provide important information to investigators.

This article explains the different procedures pathologists will perform to identify victims. It also explains the importance of the victim's location, position, and appearance. This information offers important elements of the fire to the investigators. The position of the body will often indicate whether the person was responsible for igniting the fire. The appearance and position of the body also reveal what the person was doing when death occurred.

The article explains the methods pathologists use to determine the cause of death. The pathologist can also determine the manner of death. Manner of death is a classification described in the terms natural, accidental, homicide, or suicide. This conclusion helps investigators determine whether the fire was accidental or incendiary.