Fire and Arson Investigation Quiz Crafted by -
Vijay Kumar Yadav
Coordinator /Assistant Professor
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Institute of Forensic Science and Criminology,
B.U. Jhansi
Introduction to Fire and Arson Investigation
Fire investigators conduct their investigations using a systematic approach utilizing the scientific method, including the following: When arsonists attack, there is very rarely much evidence left at the scene. However, arsonists usually use accelerants to speed up a blaze. Forensic scientists use technologies to heat samples taken from the scene causing any residue to separate. This sample is then analyzed to determine the chemical structure. Scientists also use other tests such as using liquid nitrogen gas to trap residue which are then analyzed using gas chromatography.
Depending on how much evidence is present, an investigator can use different approaches. Two techniques include process of elimination, or disregarding the causes that the evidence deems not possible. The second is to start investigating the most probable cause first until it is ruled unlikely.
Let's look at the questions and their answer.
Que 1. NFPA refers to:
a) National Fire Prevention Association
b) National Fire Police Association
c) National Fire Protection Association
d) National Fire Preventive Authority
Answer - c) National Fire Protection Association
Que 2. The minimum amount of oxygen present in the surrounding atmosphere to initiate a fire is:
a) 5%
b) 8%
c) 10%
d) 16%
Answer - c) 10%
Que 3. Which technique among the following is the most specific for the identification of ignitable liquids:
a) Thin Layer Chromatography
b) UV-Visible spectroscopy
c) Flame test
d) Gas chromatography
Answer - d) Gas chromatography
Que 4. Non piloted ignition is also termed as:
a) Auto ignition
b) Coil on plug ignition
c) Spontaneous ignition
d) None of these
Answer - a) Auto ignition
Que 5. Smoldering combustion occurs when:
a) Flame is not generated
b) Flame is generated with proper sequence of layers
c) Flame is generated without proper sequence of layers
d) None of these
Answer - a) Flame is not generated
Que 6. Which of following NFPA standard refers to guide for fire and explosion investigation:
a) NFPA-101
b) NFPA- 710
c) NFPA-1001
d) NFPA-921
Answer - d) NFPA-921
Que 7. Technical name of hydrocarbon sniffer is:
a) Catalytic combustion detector
b) Infrared spectrophotometer
c) Chemical Color test detector
d) Gas liquid chromatograph
Answer - b) Infrared spectrophotometer
Que 8. Pattern of fire that are typically observed at the scene of arson:
a) ‘M’ Pattern
b) ‘W’ Pattern
c) ‘U’ Pattern
d) ‘V’ Pattern
Answer - d) ‘V’ Pattern
Que 9. Which of the following describes best the term ‘Deflagration’:
a) Subsonic Combustion
b) Supersonic Combustion
c) Both a and b
d) None of these
Answer - a) Subsonic Combustion
Que 10. The term ‘Drugfire’ is associated with:
a) Analysis of drugs
b) Analysis of fire and arson residues
c) Analysis of poisons
d) Examination of fired cartridge cases
Answer - d) Examination of fired cartridge cases
Que 11. Which organization endorses the use of properly trained dogs in Arson investigation
a) IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators)
b) IAIA (International Arson Investigators’ Association)
c) IIAA (International Investigators’ association for Arson)
d) AIAI (Association for International Arson Investigators)
Answer - a) IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators)
Que 12. Partial combustion is when:
a) Oxidizer is present
b) Oxidizer is deficient
c) Oxidizer is absent
d) None of these
Answer - b) Oxidizer is deficient
Que 13. Methanol burns with:
a) Blue Flame
b) Orange Flame
c) Red Flame
d) Yellow
Answer - a) Blue Flame
Que 14. Which type of ignition source is present in forest fire:
a) Biological
b) Mechanical
c) Chemical
d) None of these
Answer - b) Mechanical
Que 15. Which type of combustion takes place in the fire of gas burner:
a) Smoldering combustion
b) Flaming combustion
c) Both a and b
d) None of these
Answer - b) Flaming combustion