Forensic fire investigation: the underpinning fire science and investigative methodology

Overview

The Ingénieurs et Scientifiques de France (IESF), British Section, annual inauguration lecture and dinner, is the most significant and popular event of the British Section’s year; this will be held at the Institution of Civil Engineers.

When unchecked, fire causes many fatalities, a greater number of serious injuries, and annual social and economic losses in the UK typically exceeding £10 billion. Dr Chris Foster, president elect, in his inaugural address will describe the stages in the growth of a fire from ignition to fully developed, and the way in which physical, chemical, and dimensional factors influence each stage in its development and spread beyond the compartment of origin. Ignition criteria will be defined in terms of the properties of the material first ignited and the characteristics of the ignition source.

He will use the Kings Cross Underground fire to illustrate the application of these principles to the investigation of large-scale disasters. Chris will describe the investigative methodology, referring to evidence found at scenes of accidental and deliberately started fires, and will review advances in both on-scene and laboratory analytical techniques.

Programme