Manual For Investigation of Vehicle Fires. National Automobile Theft Bureau.

Abstract: Vehicle fires require investigators to have skills in both criminal investigation and fire investigation. This divides the investigation into a two-step process. The first step is to prove the fire was intentional and the second step is identifying the culprit. This manual provides suggested procedures for insurance adjusters and fire investigators. The manual also includes a detailed procedure for the inspection of the vehicle. To support a conviction, the investigator must rule out any possibility of the fire being accidental. This requires that every detail be examined and taken into consideration.

This manual was designed to serve as a guide to investigators, not as a set of rules and regulations. The National Automobile Theft Bureau (NATB) has conducted tests on numerous cars and concludes that is difficult for a properly functioning car to catch fire accidentally. However, vehicles are constantly changing. An investigator must treat every possible vehicle arson individually. To make generalities does benefit the fire investigator because the circumstances are always changing.

For more information contact:
National Automobile Theft Bureau
Executive Office
10330 South Roberts Road, 3A
Palos Hills, Illinois 60465
(312) 430-2430