any books on fire investigation?

[fireweather]

Hey folks,

I've been trying to get my fire behavior and arson awareness, as well as my principals of fire investigation to get arson training, however I keep missing the courses. I am wondering is there any books out there on arson awareness and fire investigation?.

thanks

Jer
Firefighter/CFR-D
Cortland Fire Dept.
Cortland New York

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Don't buy another book until you have read and understand the principles in NFPA 921, Guide to Fire and Explosion Investigation. www.nfpa.org.

Also, check this website: http://www.nyfireinvestigators.com/

[Firefighter2230]

the book my basic arson class used for a course as part of my degree was Kirk's Fire Investigation by Brady that could be a starting point for you.

[firefighter1023]

I would agree that Kirk's Fire Investigation is a good place to begin. It references 921 many, many times. It tends to be a bit more 'user friendly' than 921, however you should read 921 soon after completing Kirk's.

[ftfdverbenec770]

i have to agree with the two before me. Kirks is a great book to add to your collection even just for some good reading. I have not read NFPA 921 yet, but it is on my "to-do" list.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

The only thing more user friendly than 921 would be a coloring book.

921 is essentially the standard of care for fire investigation. Many courts have used this document as an "authoritative treaty" than any other source. It is a consensus document that reflects the latest in research and technology. It reflects the latest in legal decisions and precedents. It is also able to be updated with TIA's in the event of some important development.

Kirk's is a textbook. John DeHaan will be the first to tell you that it is completely different from 921. It is designed to be used in a different manor than 921.

921 contains the foundational knowledge that an investigator should have. Kirk's contains the advanced knowledge. You wouldn't buy Part 2 before you read Part 1.