Kirk's Fire Investigation, 8th Edition

Features

• Provides a sound basis for the fire expert to use when evaluating fire scenes, preparing reports, or offering testimony.
• Incorporates updated in-depth case examples to demonstrate the use of forensic fire investigation and analysis approaches.
• Meets the FESHE guidelines for Fire Investigation and Analysis, with correlations to the 2017 Edition of NFPA 921 and the 2014 Edition of NFPA 1033.
• Describes a systematic approach to reconstructing fire scenes that combines principles of fire protection engineering along with forensic and behavioural science.
• Describes the scientific underpinnings of fire patterns and how they can be used in assessing fire damage and determining a fire’s origin.
• Details the systematic approachneeded to support forensic fire analysis and reports.
• Reviews the techniques used in the analysis of arsonists’ motives and intents.
• Discusses the use of various mathematical, physical, and computer-assisted techniques for modeling fires, explosions, and the movement of people.
• Provides an in-depth examination of the impact and tenability of fires on humans.
• Reviews the applicable standard forensic laboratory and fire testing methods that are important to fire scene analysis and reconstruction
• Cites peer-reviewed and widely cited expert treatise in the fire investigation field to support concepts and investigative techniques. 
• Emphasises and cross-references the critical Job Performance Requirements (JPRs) of NFPA 1033 for fire investigators and provides background for NFPA 1033’s “Basic Sixteen” knowledge requirements.
• Includes the latest information on applying the scientific method to fire investigations, particularly with the use of Bilancia Ignition Matrix™.
• Provides the essential information required to prepare for certification exams–the International Association of Arson Investigators’ (IAAI) Fire Investigation Technician (IAAI-FIT) and Evidence Collection Technician (IAAI-ECT) Examinations. 
• Provides websites for both instructors and students, including problem sets from NIST, NFPA, US Department of Justice, and the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Assessment Board.
• Uses helpful learning tools–introductions, key terms, end-of-chapter review questions, and appendices–to reinforce learning and retention.
• Incorporates a comprehensive glossary to offer readers the latest definitions of common forensic fire investigation terminologies.
• Includes colour photos (nearly all photos are now in colour) to bring concepts to life for the reader.

The Eighth Edition of Kirk’s Fire Investigation is included in required and supplemental fire investigation professional training and certification programs by the National Fire Academy, the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), and the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI). This text blends both academic information for the student and real-world applications for the practicing fire safety professional to become the best in their field.

The leading Fire Investigation textbook on the market

With today’s fire investigators being held to higher standards than ever before, it’s crucial that they gain a thorough understanding of fire protection and investigation engineering concepts, technology, and field analysis. The Eighth Edition of Kirk’s Fire Investigation blends the Seventh Edition of Kirk’s with the Third Edition of Forensic Fire Scene Reconstruction to help investigators bring their knowledge and skills to the next level. Written to the model FESHE curriculum, it takes readers through the entire fire investigation process, from evaluating a fire scene to writing reports and providing testimony—all while incorporating updated NFPA 921 and 1033 guidelines and peer-reviewed, widely cited expert treatise.

The new edition covers engineering calculations and fire modeling, and features even more in-depth case studies that provide real-world examples. Specialized topic areas include use of scanning and panoramic photography, preparation of comprehensive reports, the ignition matrix, expert testimony, and computer modeling and laser imaging. Retaining its hallmark systematic approach to fire scene investigation and reconstruction, the Eighth Edition is written to help all investigators find the right answers for the right reasons.

Table of Contents

1. Principles of Fire Investigation
2. The Basic Science and Dynamics of Fire
3. Chemical Fires and Explosions
4. Sources of Ignition
5. Fire Scene Investigations
6. Fire Scene Documentation
7. Fires by Property Type
8. Forensic Laboratory Services
9. Fire Modeling
10. Fire Testing
11. Arson Crime Scene Analysis
12. Fire Deaths and Injuries
Appendices
1. Conversions of Units
2. Mathematics Refresher
3. Selected Material Properties