On Improvement of the Quality of Forensic Fire Investigations

Circumstances having a significant impact on the quality of the conduct of fire investigations in forensic organizations of various agencies are considered. This mainly follows from the shortcomings of inquest and investigation on this category of cases, inadequate number of verified and recommended for forensic practice methods and computer programs, rare use of existing programs, contradictions of legislative acts regulating fire and explosion safety of different objects, from some experts’ insufficient qualification. Absence of data banks on fires and forensic examinations conducted on them as well as of courts’ decisions is common; there is no experimental base to research the fire risk indicators and physical and chemical properties of substances and materials along with the characteristics of their ignition and combustion considering all the conditions of the fire.

It is shown that further development of fire forensics and its effectiveness will largely depend on the progress in addressing the aforementioned shortcomings as well as on the success of the academic pursuits and of undertaking the necessary engineering research.

1. Mikeev A.K. Fire. Social, economic and ecological problems. Moscow: Pozhnauka, 1994. 336 p. (In Russ.)

2. Megorskii B.V. Methodology for establishing fire causes. Methodology framework and fire forensics basis. Moscow: Stroiizdat, 1966. 347 p. (In Russ.)

3. Pedenchuk A.K. (ed). Forensic fire investigations. Part I. (Handbook for experts, investigators and judges). Moscow: VNIISE, 1994. 141 p. (In Russ.)

4. Pedenchuk A.K. (ed). Forensic fire investigations. Part II. (Handbook for experts, investigators and judges). Moscow: RFCFS, 1995. 229 p. (In Russ.)

5. Bogatishchev A.I., Zernov S.Yu., Karpov S.Yu. Methods of task solutions for forensic fire investigations. Textbook. Moscow: Akademiya GPS MChS Rossii, 2009. 153 p. (In Russ.)

6. Brainin M.S. Investigation of cases involving fires. Handbook for investigators and prosecutors. Moscow: Gosyurizdat, 1956. 152 p. (In Russ.)

7. Bulochnikov N.M., Zernov S.I., Stanovenko A.A., Chernichuk Yu.P. Fire in a car: how to establish the cause? Practical issue / S.I. Zernov (ed). Moscow: Flogiston, 2006. 224 p. (In Russ).

8. Granenkov N.M., Dmitriev V.A., Kuz'mishchev A.P. Application of express methods when considering the leads about the causes and ways of fire spread in transport. Methodological recommendations. Moscow: VNIIPO MVD SSSR, 1991. 42 p. (In Russ.)

9. Granenkov N.M. Zernov S.I., Kolmakov A.I., et al. Expert study of metal products (in cases involving fires). Textbook / A.I. Kolmakov (ed). Moscow: EKTs MVD RF, 1994. 104 p. (In Russ.)

10. Dontsov V.G., Putilin V.N. Inquiry in fire forensics. Reference guide. Volgograd: VSSh MVD SSSR, 1992. 593 p. (In Russ.)

11. Zhdanov A.G., Zernov S.I., Makovkin A.V., Petrenko Yu.S. Expert investigation of electrical protection devices. Textbook. Moscow: VNII MVD SSSR, 1987. 51 p. (In Russ.)

12. Zernov S.I. Participation of a specialist in gathering information about the connection between the emergency mode of an electric installation and the outbreak of fire. Textbook. Moscow: VNII MVD SSSR, 1989. 61 p. (In Russ.)

13. Zernov S.I., Levin V.A. Forensic fire investigation. Moscow: VNKTs MVD SSSR, 1991. 79 p. (In Russ.)

14. Zernov S.I. Structure and content of an expert’s opinion in forensic fire investigations. Methodological recommendations. Moscow: VNKTs MVD SSSR, 1991. 46 p. (In Russ.)

15. Zernov S.I. Forensic technological support for fire investigations. Moscow: EKTs MVD RF, 1996. 128 p. (In Russ.)

16. Zernov S.I., Antonov O.Yu. Purpose and use of a conclusion of fire forensic expertise. Textbook. Moscow: YuI MVD Rossii, 1998. 52 p. (In Russ.)

17. Zernov S.I., Kolmakov A.I., Makovkin A.V., Popov I.A. Application of forensic technology tools and techniques when detecting and investigating arsons. Textbook. Moscow: EKTs MVD RF, 1998. 112 p. (In Russ.)

18. Zernov S.I. Tasks of forensic fire investigations and methods for dealing with them. Textbook. Moscow: EKTs MVD Rossii, 2001. 200 p. (In Russ.)

19. Zernov S.I. Fire forensics’ framework. Moscow: Akademiya GPS MChS Rossii, 2007. 71 p. (In Russ.)

20. Zolotarevskaya I.A., Shevyreva E.V., Salimov A.A., Armolik E.R. Research of hydrocarbonic composition of changed highly inflammable oil products. Methodological note for experts. Moscow: VNIISE, 1988. 81 p. (In Russ.)

21. Zolotarevskaya I.A., Shevyreva E.V., Salimov A.A., et al. Forensic research of highly inflammable oil products in after-fire remnants. Methodological note for experts. Moscow: VNIISE, 1993. 81 p. (In Russ.)

22. Il'in N.A. Technical expertise of fire-damaged buildings. Moscow: Stroiizdat, 1983. 200 p. (In Russ.)

23. Makovkin A.V., Zernov S.I., Kabanov V.N. Study of electrical components’ condition during incident site examination. Textbook. Moscow: VNII MVD SSSR, 1988. 44 p. (In Russ.)

24. Makovkin A.V., Kabanov V.N., Strukov V.M. Expert research on establishing the causal relationship between fault process in power grid and fire outbreak. Textbook. Moscow: VNKTs MVD SSSR, 1990. 64 p. (In Russ.)

25. Mitrichev S.P. Method for investigating arsons in criminal violations of fire safety rules. Moscow: VYuZI, 1959. 47 p. (In Russ.)

26. Panteleev I.F. Investigation and prevention of explosions, fires, crashes and air accidents. Moscow: Yurid. lit., 1975. 208 p. (In Russ.)

27. Integrated expert investigation of burnt textile clothes materials. Moscow: VNIISE, 1989. 74 p. (In Russ.)

28. Saklantii A.R., Saklantii I.S. The generalization of expert practice for criminal cases instituted for human arsons with applied combustion intensificators. Theory and Practice of Forensic Science. 2010. No. 4 (20). P. 226–259. (In Russ.)

29. Smirnov K.P. From the experience of determining the causes of fires related to electrical installation operation. Moscow: MKKh RSFSR, 1963. 72 p. (In Russ.)

30. Smirnov K.P., Cheshko I.D., Egorov E.S., et al. Integrated methodology for determining the source of the fire. Leningrad: VNIIPO MVD SSSR, 1987. 114 p. (In Russ.)

31. Stanovenko A.A. Fire in a car. Determine the cause. Practical guide from the experience of investigating fires. Simferopol: Diaipi, 2017. 62 p. (In Russ.)

32. Strukov V.M., Zernov S.M. Expert study of electrical products with tubular elements withdrawn from fire sites. Textbook. Moscow: EKTs MVD RF, 1996. 54 p. (In Russ.)

33. Taubkin I.S. Forensic investigation of technogenic explosions. Moscow: Yurlitinform, 2009. 592 p. (In Russ.)

34. Taubkin I.S. Arson. Motivation, indications, ways and means. Methodological recommendations for experts and investigators. Moscow: RFCFS, 2017. 324 p. (In Russ.)

35. Taubkin S.I. Fire and explosions, particularities of their examination. Moscow: VNIIPO MChS Rossii, 1999. 600 p. (In Russ.)

36. Fedotov A.I., Livchikov A.P., Ul'yanov L.N. Forensic fire investigation. Moscow: Stroiizdat, 1986. 271 p. (In Russ.)

37. Faibishenko A.D., Smirnova N.P. Methodology for research of physical evidence on cases involving fires (highly inflammable and combustible liquids). Leningrad: Pozharno-ispytatel'naya stantsiya, 1962. 105 p. (In Russ.)

38. Cherkasov V.N. Forensic fire examination of electrical part of project. Moscow: Stroiizdat, 1987. 104 p. (In Russ.)

39. Cheshko I.D. Examination of fires (objects, methods, research procedures.) 2nd ed. Saint Petersburg: MVD Rossii. 1997. 552 p. (In Russ.)

40. Cheshko I.D. Technical basis of fire investigation. Methodological guide. Moscow: VNIIPO MChS Rossii, 2002. 330 p. (In Russ.)

41. Cheshko I.D., Galishev M.A., Sharapov S.V., Krivykh N.N. Technical support of the investigation of arsons committed using accelerants. Moscow: VNIIPO MChS Rossii, 2002. 118 p. (In Russ.)

42. Cheshko I.D., Yun N.V., Plotnikov V.G., et al. Inspection of fire site. Methodological guide. Moscow: VNIIPO MChS Rossii, 2004. 503 p. (In Russ.)

43. Cheshko I.D., Plotnikov V.G. Analysis of expert versions for fire outbreak. Book 1. SPb.: Beresta, 2010. 708 p. (In Russ.)

44. Chirko V.E., Savandyukov M.A., Pertsev S.E., Popov I.A. Investigation of fires. Handbook for officers of Fire Safety Supervising Agency. Part 1. Moscow: VNIIPO MVD RF, 1993. 175 p. (In Russ.)

45. Chirko V.E., Savandyukov M.A., Pertsev S.E., Popov I.A. Investigation of fires. Handbook for officers of Fire Safety Supervising Agency. Part 2. Moscow: VNIIPO MVD RF, 1993. 131 p. (In Russ.)

46. Meinert F. Die Brandstiftung und ihre kriminalistische Erforschung. Lübeck: Verlag Polizei Rundschau, 1950. 374 S.

47. DeHaan J.D. Kirk’s Fire Investigation. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1990. 384 p.

48. Kirk P.L. Fire Investigation. Including Fire-Related Phenomena: Arson, Explosion, Asphyxiation. New York, London, Sydney, Toronto: Wiley & Sons, 1969. 255 p.

49. Bates E.B. Elements of Fire and Arson Investigation. Santa Cruz, California: Davis Publishing Company, 1975. 167 p.

50. Kennedy J., Kennedy P.M. Fires and Explosions. Determining Cause and Origin. Chicago, Illinois: Investigations Institute, 1985. 1505 p.

51. Noon R. Engineering Analysis Fires and Explosions. New York: CRC Press, 1995. 277 p.

52. Fire Cause Determination. International Fire Service Training Association, 1982. 159 p.

53. The Prevention and Control of Arson. Hertfordshire: Fire Protection Association, 1999. 180 p.

54. Shapkov S.A. Features of the tactics of inspecting the scene using computer-generated spherical panorama / Pressing issues of criminal process and forensic science in the activities of officers of Internal Affairs Agencies and Penal Enforcement System. Materials of scientific and practical conference (Vladimir, 18 March, 2010) Vladimir: VYuI FSIN Rossii, 2010. P. 231–242.

55. Khaziev Sh.N. Features of organization of forensic examinations in countries of Anglo-American legal system. Theory and Practice of Forensic Science. 2007. No. 4 (8). P. 218–220. (In Russ.)

56. Smelkov G.I., Aleksandrov A.A., Pekhotikov V.A. Methods for determining the involvement of emergency operations of power grids to fires. Moscow: Stroiizdat, 1980. 59 p. (In Russ.)

57. Mitrichev L.S., Kolmakov A.I., Stepanov B.V., Rossinskaya E.R., Vrtanes'yan E.V., Zernov S.I. Research of copper and aluminum conductors in short-curcuit and thermal impact zones. Methodological recommendations. Moscow: VNII MVD SSSR, 1986. 44 p. (In Russ.)

58. Taubkin I.S. On the admissibility of signs of “primary” and “secondary” short circuits as evidence of time of fire outbreak. Issues of safety in emergencies. Moscow: VINITI RAN, 2001. Issue 1. P. 123–133. (In Russ.)

59. Saklantii A.R., Taubkin I.S. The Forensic Analysis of A Household Refrigerator Involvement in Causing the Fire. Theory and Practice of Forensic Science. 2010. No. 4 (20). P. 170–207. (In Russ.)

60. Cheshko I.D., Sokolova A.N. (eds). Application of instrumental methods and technical tools in fire investigations / Digest of methodological recommendations. SPb.: SPb filial FGU VNII MChS Rossii, 2008. 279 p. (In Russ.)

61. Mokryak A.Yu., Var'yanovich Z.I., Cheshko I.D., Sokolova A.N. Metallographic and morphologic atlas of microstructures of objects withdrawn from fire sites. Moscow: VNIIPO, 2008, 186 p. (In Russ.)

62. Islamov T.Kh., Yusupov M.I. Statement on the topic № 34 “Research of melting on copper conducts to detect the signs of short circuit being primary (secondary)”. Tashkent: NIISE im. Kh. Sulaimanovoi, 1991. 22 p. (In Russ.)

63. Taubkin I.S., Saklantiy A.R. Methodological Resources for Investigating the Failure Status of Electrical Wiring with Copper Conductors as the Cause of Fire. Theory and Practice of Forensic Science. 2018. Vol. 13. No. 3. P. 38–46. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.30764/1819-2785-2018-13-3-38-46

64. Taubkin I.S., Saklantii A.R. Reliability of the Method for Establishing Causation between Electrical Circuit Overload and Fire Ignition. Theory and Practice of Forensic Science. 2019. Vol. 14. No. 1. P. 106–115. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.30764/1819-2785-2019-14-1-106-115

65. Taubkin I.S. Determining the Temperature and Time of Wood Combustion from Char Layer Parameters: Methodological Guidelines for Fire Investigators. Theory and Practice of Forensic Science. 2017. Vol. 12. No. 4. P. 37–47. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.30764/1819-2785-2017-12-4-37-47

66. Koshmarov Yu.A. Prediction of dangerous fire factors on the premises. Textbook. Moscow: Akademiya GPS MVD Rossii, 2000. 118 p. (In Russ.)

67. Astapenko V.M., Koshmarov Yu.A., Molchadskii I.S., Shevlyakov A.N. Thermogasdynamics of fires indoors. / Yu.A. Koshmarov (ed). Moscow: Stroiizdat, 1988. 448 p. (In Russ.)

68. Puzach S.V., Andreev V.V., Lebedchenko O.S. Prediction of dangerous fire factors on the premises. Handbook. Moscow: Akademiya GPS MChS Rossii, 2016. 72 p. (In Russ.)

69. Puzach S.V., Doan V.M., Nguen T.D., Suleikin E.V., Akperov R.G. Formation of toxic combustion products, their spread and effect on a human in indoors fires. Monograph/ S.V. Puzach (ed). Moscow: Akademiya GPS MChS Rossii, 2017. 130 p. (In Russ.)

70. Fedosov S.V., Ibragimov A.M., Solov'ev R.A., Murzin N.V., Tarakanov D.V., Lapshin S.S. Mathematical Model of Fire Escalation in Adjacent Rooms. Vestnik MGSU. 2013. No. 4. P. 121–128. (In Russ.)

71. Tarakanov D.V., Varlamov E.S., Ilemenov M.V. Computer Simulation of Development and Fighting Fires in Buildings. Technology of Technosphere Safety. 2014. No. 5 (57). (In Russ.). http://agps-2006.narod.ru/ttb/2014-5/38-05-14.ttb.pdf

72. Krylov A.N. My memories. Saint Petersburg: Politekhnika, 2003. 510 p. (In Russ.)

73. Taubkin I.S. On the shortcomings of technical regulations and standards for the choice of electrical equipment to work in dispersive medium. Occupation Safety in Industry. 2012. No. 2. P. 44–53. (In Russ.)

74. Taubkin I.S. On admissible temperature values for enclosures of electrical equipment used in the medium of inflammable dispersive substances and materials. Occupational Safety in Industry. 2011. No. 10. P. 52–57. (In Russ.)

75. Taubkin I.S., Taubkin S.I. On some provisions of “The rules of operation consumer’s electrical installation”. Safety and Emergency Problems. 1995. No. 12. P. 54–57. (In Russ.)

76. Maiorov A.V., Musin S.M., Yankovsii B.F. Detection of causes for aircraft equipment failure. Reference guide. Moscow: Transport, 1996. 286 p. (In Russ.)

77. Petrushenko L.A. The principle of feedback. (Some philosophical and methodological issues of management). Moscow: Mysl', 1967. 276 p. (In Russ.)

78. Propoi A.I., Pukhlikov A.V. Basis of mathematical theory of systems. Classical systems. Preprint. Moscow: VNIISI, 1990. 35 p. (In Russ.)

79. Taubkin I.S. Training program for experts on specialty 14.1. “Research of technological, technical, organizational and other causes, emerging conditions, processing history of fire and its consequences” / Professional training and advancement of forensic experts in state forensic organizations of the Russian Ministry of Justice. Method. issue. Moscow: RFCFS, 2005. P. 480–522. (In Russ.)

80. Klyuev V.V. (ed). Nondestructive control. Reference book in 7 volumes. Vol. 6. Magnetic methods of control. 2nd ed. Moscow: Mashinostroenie, 2006. 832 p. (In Russ.)

81. Glikin M.A. Effectiveness and explosion safety of chemical technology processes. Kiev: Print ekspress, 2000. 392 p. (In Russ.)

82. Monakhov V.T. Research methods for fire safety of substances. Moscow: Khimiya, 1972. 414 p. (In Russ.)

83. Taubkin S.I., Taubkin I.S. Fire and explosion hazard of dust-like materials and of technological processes of their recycling. Moscow: Khimiya, 1976. 264 p. (In Russ.)

84. Baratov A.N., Korol'chenko A.Ya. (eds). Fire and explosion hazard of substances and materials and means of their extinguishing. Reference book. Book 1. Moscow: Khimiya, 1990. 496 p. (In Russ.)

85. Baratov A.N., Korol'chenko A.Ya. (eds). Fire and explosion hazard of substances and materials and means of their extinguishing. Reference book. Book 2. Moscow: Khimiya, 1990. 384 p. (In Russ.)

86. Ryabov I.V. Fire hazard of substances and materials used in chemical industry. Reference book. Moscow: Khimiya, 1970. 336 p. (In Russ.)

87. Korol'chenko A.Ya., Korol'chenko D.A. Fire and explosion hazard of substances and materials and means of their extinguishing. Reference book. Part I. 2nd ed. Moscow: Pozhnauka, 2004. 713 p. (In Russ.)

88. Korol'chenko A.Ya., Korol'chenko D.A. Fire and explosion hazard of substances and materials and means of their extinguishing. Reference book. Part II. 2nd ed. Moscow: Pozhnauka, 2004. 774 p. (In Russ.)

89. Monakhov V.T. The values of fire hazard of substances and materials. Analysis and prediction. Gases and liquids. Moscow: FGU VNIIPO MChS Rossii, 2007. 248 p. (In Russ.)

90. Taubkin I.S., Saklanty A.R. About Lacks “Safety Rules for the Petroleum and Gas Industry (RS 08-624-03)” (the Preventive notice). Theory and Practice of Forensic Science. 2012. No. 2 (26). P. 34–43. (In Russ.)

91. Taubkin I.S. About Lacks of a Regulation of Safety of Manufactures of the Industrial Assignment Explosives (Preventive Notice). Theory and Practice of Forensic Science. 2012. No. 3 (27). P. 52–59. (In Russ.)

92. Taubkin I.S. On the shortcomings of categorization of industrial premises and buildings by fire and explosion hazard / Forensic expertise in paradigm of the Russian science (to the 85th anniversary of Yu.G. Koruhov). Materials of the 54th forensic readings (Moscow, 29 November, 2013). Moscow: Akademiya upravleniya MVD Rossii. 2013. Part 2. P. 264–269. (In Russ.)

93. Taubkin I.S. On shortcomings of legal and regulatory acts guiding the choice of electrical equipment for premises with gas-vapor mediums / Materials of the All-Russian conference and school for young scientists “Security management systems for technosphere” (14–16 October 2014) Taganrog: YuFU. P. 70–72. (In Russ.)

94. Taubkin I.S. On Regulatory Legal Acts that Govern Fire and Explosion Safety of Rooms and Buildings used for Construction of Gas Distribution and Gas Consumption Networks. Ventilation, Heating, Air Conditioning, Heat Supply and Building Thermal Physics” (ABOK). 2015. No. 6. P. 68–73. (In Russ.).

95. Taubkin I.S. On Regulatory Legal Acts that Govern Fire and Explosion Safety of Rooms and Buildings used for Construction of Gas Distribution and Gas Consumption Networks. Ventilation, Heating, Air Conditioning, Heat Supply and Building Thermal Physics” (ABOK). 2015. No. 7. P. 72–76. (In Russ.)

96. Baron L.B., Nam A.G., Smirnov V.Yu. Identifying the signs of wood combustion (floor covering materials) in the presence of petrol. Methodological recommendations for investigators, experts and fire security officers. Alma-Ata: Kazakhskii NII sudeb. ekspertiz, 1990. 9 p. (In Russ.)

97. Pavlov P.P., Khovanova A.M. On combustion of oil and oil products from free surfaces. Baku: TsNIPO, 1955. 79 p. (In Russ.)

98. Volkov O.M., Proskuryakov G.A. Fire safety at the enterprises of transport and oil and oil products storage. Moscow: Nedra, 1981. 256 p. (In Russ.)