Arson and Explosives

This chapter discusses the investigations of arson and explosives that require a high degree of specialization. Arson is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. It remains very costly in both economic and human terms. Bombings have become the weapon of choice in any number of criminal acts, including domestic terrorist groups, revenge attacks, and random attacks by deranged individuals. Besides the firefighters who extinguish the blaze, other people such as the person who discovered the fire; the owner or manager, and the tenants of the burned structure; company employees; business associates and business competitors; insurance and financial personnel; and TV camera technicians can add to the pool of information collected through interviewing. The motives for committing arson are numerous, but can be summarized as follows: profit, spite, revenge, vandalism, and pyromania. The chapter presents guidelines for conducting a fire investigation and follow-up activities. The chapter also discusses bombing investigations and several types of explosives.