CRIMINAL DETECTION AND

INVESTIGATION
Modified and MADE SIMPLE
FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON
INVESTIGATION

Jessie R. Abique Rcrim, CFES,

HISTORY
IMPORTANT DATES
• 1.4 million years – The earliest use of fire by humans may have
occurred this age; evidence for this was found in KENYA.
• 1777 – It was discovered that burning is the result of rapid
combination of Fuel with other gases to form combustion.
• 1879 - American inventor Thomas Edison developed the
incandescent lamp, or light.
• 1901 – Establishment of the first Fire Department in the
Philippines – The Manila Fire Department.
IMPORTANT DATES
•1977 - The Fire Code of the Philippines
enacted into law to serve as a yardstick to
determine the suitability of an establishment
for people’s occupancy.
•1990 – Establishment of the BFP of the
Philippines by RA 6975.
PERSONALITIES
• HOMO ERECTUS – They were the first to use fire on a
regular basis.
• PROMETHEUS – In Greek mythology, he was bestowed
godlike powers when he stole the gods’ fire to give it to
humanity.
• VESTA – The Roman goddess of the hearth. To honor Vesta,
the high priest of the Roman religion periodically chose six
priestesses, called Vestal Virgins, to keep a fire going in a
community hearth.
• AUGUSTUS - The Roman emperor who is credited of instituting a
corps of fire brigade - vigiles (“watchmen”) in 24 BC. Regulations
for checking and preventing fires were made.
• JAN VAN DER HEYDEN - A dutch who invented the fire hose
in 1672. Constructed of flexible leather and coupled every 50 feet
(15 m).
• RICHARD NEWSHAM – Develop the “fire engine” in 1725.
Pulled as a cart to the fire, these manual pumps were manned by
teams of men.
• BENJAMIN FRANKLIN - Created the “Union Fire
Company” in 1736 in Philadelphia, the first volunteer fire
company in America.
• NAPOLEON BONAPARTE - Created the first professional
firefighters in 1810, known as “Sapeurs-Pompiers”, from the
French Army.
• ANTOINE LAVOISIER - A French Chemist who proved
that burning is the result of the rapid union of oxygen with
other substances.
• THOMAS ALVA EDISON - An American
inventor who was able to sent current to a filament
that simultaneously burns because it became so hot.
• JOHN WALKER – British Chemist who invented
in 1827 a match made of phosphorus and ignited by
friction.
• Brimstone match - made by dipping thin strips of
wood into melted sulfur.
•CAPT. F.R. DODGE – The first Chief of the
Manila Fire Department. (1901)
•Vigiles of Rome – the first firefighter.

• Ancient Hawaiian Chants Pele was

considered as the GODDESS OF
FIRE.
WHAT ARE THE BASIC CONCEPTS OF FIRE
TECHNOLOGY?

Fire has been produced by the two principal

methods.
•Friction – Uses to temperature of combustible
material (kindling) to ignition temperature.
•Percussion – Produce a spark to set a kindling
fire.
IMPORTANT PERSONALITIES AND THEIR
INVENTIONS

1. JOHN WALKER – he was the English Pharmacist

who invented the first match in 1872, the tip of his
match was coated a mixture sulfide and potassium
chlorate that was held on the wooden matchstick by
gym Arabic and Starch.
2. ANTOINE LAVOISER – A French
Chemist who proved in 1777 that burning is
the result of the rapid union of oxygen with
other substances. As substances burn, heat and
light are produced.
3. THOMAS ALYA EDISON – An
American inventor who was able to send an
electric current through a carbon filament
(wire) until the filament become so hot that
it gave off light.
IMPORTANT WORDS TO
REMEMBER
1. FIRE – The rapid oxidation of combustible material
accompanied by release of energy usually in the form of heat and
light.

2. OXIDATION – A chemical process in which a substance

combine with oxygen during the process energy is given off
usually in form of heat.
3. FIRE TRIANGLE – A graphical representation of the
three elements of fire namely the oxygen, heat and fuel.

4. OXYGEN –A colorless, odorless gas and pone of the

composition of air which is approximately 21% by
volume.
5. HEAT – a form of energy generated by
transformation of some other form of energy as in
combustion of burning.
6. FUEL – any substance which reacts chemically with
oxygen and produces flames or burn

FUEL SOURCE
•Solid molecules are closely packet
•Liquid- molecules are loosely packet
•Gas – molecules are free to moved
7. FIRE TETRAHEDRON – A solid figure
with the four triangular sides illustrating
how the chain reaction sequences or
intersects with heat, fuel and oxygen to
support and sustain combustion.
8. FLASH POINT – The minimum temperature at
which a liquid fuel gives off sufficient vapor to form an
ignitable mixture with a near surface. At this
temperature, the ignited vapor will flash but will not
continue to burn.
9. FIRE POINT – The temperature at which a liquid
fuel will produce vapors sufficient to support
combustion once ignited.
10. IGNITION TEMPERATURE – The minimum
temperature to start self sustained combustion
independent of the heating source.

11. CHAIN REACTION – A series of events of which

causes of influences its succeeding
event.
12. FREE RADICALS – Highly combustible vapors
such as:

•Hydrogen gas (H)

•Carbon Monoxide (CO)
•Carbon dioxide (CO2)
•Nitrogen (N)
13. PYROLYSIS – It refers to the chemical process
whereby fire consumes to most solid part of the fuel.
It is the thermal decomposition of combustible matter. It
is the chemical decomposition of the solid fuel through
the action of the heat.
14. HEAT SOURCES

• Open flame
• Friction
• Electrical circuit
• All sources of ignition
• Hot surface
• Sparks
15. OXYGEN SOURCE / COMPOSITION OF AIR OXYGEN
REQUIREMENT
• 21 normal oxygen
12% no fire
• 79% nitrogen
14% flash point
• 1% other gasses
16-21% fire point
16. TEMPERATURE – the measure of thermal degree of the agitation
of molecules of a given substances the measure of the molecules
activity within substance.

21 degree Celsius – normal room temperature

37 degree Celsius – normal body temperature
17. FLAME: the matter produced by fire. It is composed of burning
incandescent gasses. It is the manifestation of fire, when fire is in gas
phased combustion.
18. Biteback
Biteback is a fatal conditions that takes place when the fire resists
extinguishment operation and becomes stronger and bigger instead.
TEMPERATURE SCALES
1. CELSIUS – the freezing point of water is 0 Celsius and boiling
point of 100 degree Celsius.
*Boiling pt = 100’C and Freezing pt = 0’C

2. FAHRENHEIT – the freezing point of water is 32 degrees F and a

boiling point of 212 degree.
*Boiling pt = 212’ F and Freezing pt = 32’ F
FIRE TRIANGLE
FUEL

HEAT OXYGEN
PROPERTIES OF FIRE
A. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
1. Specific Gravity – the ratio of the weight of a
solid or liquid substance to the weight of an
equal volume of water.
2. Vapor density – the weight of a volume of
pure gas composed to the volume of water.
3. Vapor Pressure – the force exerted by the
molecules on the surface of the liquid at
equilibrium.
4. Temperature – the measure of thermal degree
of the agitation of molecules of a given
substances the measure of the molecular activity
of the substance.

5. Boiling point – the constant temperature at

which the vapor pressure of the liquid is equal to
the atmospheric pressure.
6. Ignition temperature or Kindling temperature
– the minimum temperature to which the
substance in the air must be heated in order to
initiate on cause self contained combustion
without the addition of heat from outside
sources.
7. Fire point – the temperature at which the
material will give off enough vapors to keep
burning.
B. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
1. Endothermic Reaction – are
changes whereby energy is
absorbed or is added before the
reaction takes place.
•*Absorbed / added energy
2. Exothermic Reaction – reactions
or changes that release or gives off
energy (heat) thus they produce
substances with less energy that are
reactants.
* Give off / Release energy
3.Oxidation – a chemical changes in which
combustible material (fuel) and an oxidizing
agent part.

4. Combustion Flame – the manifestation of fire

when the fire in gas-phased combustion. A
matter that is produced by fire.(result of fire)
FLAME
TYPES OF FLAME
•According to color and
completeness of combustion
1. Luminous Flame – a reddish orange in
color, it deposits soot because it is a
product of incomplete combustion, it has
lower temperature.
2. Non luminous flame – bluish in color, it
does not deposit soot because it is a product
of complete combustion, it has higher
temperature than luminous flame.
According to burning fuel and air
mixture
•Premixed Flame – is exemplified by a
Bunsen-type laboratory burner where
hydrocarbon (any substance containing primarily
carbon and hydrogen) is thoroughly mixed with
air before reaching the flame zone.
•e.g. flame of Bunsen burner.
DIFFUSION FLAME
– is observed when gas (fuel) alone is force through a
nozzle into the atmosphere which diffuses in the
surrounding atmosphere in order to form a flammable
mixture. The candle flame is an example of diffusion
flame governed purely by molecular diffusion, and the
flame of the oxyacetylene torch (diffused – dispersed,
widely spread)
e.g. flame of oxyacetylene torch (diffused –
dispersed; widely spread)
ACCORDING TO BURNING
FUEL AND AIR MIXTURE
Based on smoothness
•Laminar Flame – (Smooth Flame) flame is
laminar when a particle follows a smooth path
through a gaseous flame.
•Turbulent Flame – ( Rough Flame) those having
unsteady, irregular and eddies.
53

MODES OF HEAT
TRANSFER
54

Heat is by-product of combustion that is of

significant importance to the firefighter. It is
heat that causes fire to sustain its combustion
and, more important, to extend. When heat
given off as a product of combustion is
exposed to an unheated substance, certain
changes occur that can make the new
substance a contributing factor in extending a
fire.
Conduction
- is heat transfer within solids or between contacting solids.

Convection
- is heat transfer by the movement of liquids or gasses.

Radiation
- is heat transfer by electromagnetic waves.
CONDUCTION
When a hot object transfers its heat, conduction has taken place. The
transfer could be to another object or to another portion of the same
object. As we have discovered and will be constantly reinforced about,
combustion occurs on the molecular level. When an object heats up,
the atoms become agitated and begin to collide with one another. A
chain reaction of molecules and atoms, like a wave energy, occurs and
causes the agitated molecules to pass the heat energy to areas of
non-heat.
CONDUCTION 57
58

CONVECTION

Air that is hotter than its surroundings rises. Air that is cooler than its
surroundings sinks. Air is made up of many molecules floating about
freely. Even so, it still has weight. Some molecules are made up of the
same element. For example, oxygen in its natural state will combine
with another oxygen atom to form a stable oxygen molecule. In a given
volume, air at a given temperature will have the same density.
CONVECTION 59
RADIATION
60

The last form of heat

transfer occurs by
radiation. As we have
already seen, heat energy
can be transmitted
directly when molecules
collide with one another
and cause the waves of
heat energy to travel.
CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE

Based on cause

1. Natural fire
2. Accidental fire
3. Intentional fire
NATURAL FIRE
• These are the kinds of fire that are
innate or they are natural, they are
occurring without the help of human.
Example of these natural fire is:
• Lightning Fire
• Earthquake Fire
• Typhoon Fire
• Sun rays and convex lens
• Spontaneous Combustion of
flammable materials from
unventilated area
ACCIDENTAL FIRE
• these are the kinds of fire that does not
involve any intention from the human act
to create combustion or to set a fire, it is
a fire that occurs unexpectedly or by
chance. Example of these fire is:
• Abandoned Candle
• Overload electric extensions
• Children playing lighters and matches
• Overheating and sparks of different
electrical instrument
• Cigarettes
• Careless disposition of highly
combustible materials
INTENTIONAL CAUSES
OF FIRE
• these are the kinds of fire who are
determined to have an intent to do
it or an act recklessly by setting of
fire to personal property, which
the person knows that the fire
should not be set. Example of
these fire is:
• Arson
• Controlled burns fire
• Crop Clearing
II. Classification of fire base on burning fuel

1. Class A
– ordinary solid materials such as wood, paper, fabrics, etc. this will
indicated deep cited fire, leaves ashes and embers (glowing coals) after
burning.

2. Class B
– flammable liquids such as gasoline, lube oil, kerosene, paint
thinner, etc.
3. Class C
– electrical appliances. It causes electric shock.

4. Class D
– metal fire such as magnesium (white element burning with dazzling
light), sodium (a silver white metallic element), etc. This creates violent
reaction.
67

5. Class E
– flammable gases such as LPG, LNG, etc. This will also creates
violent reaction.
Fire Classes in the United Kingdom and Europe

A – ordinary combustibles
B – flammable or flammable liquids
C – flammable gasses
D – combustible metals
E – (this class has stopped being employed in Europe)
F – cooking oils and fats
Fire Classes in Australia and Asia
A – everyday combustibles
B – combustible or combustible liquids
C – combustible gasses
D – combustible metals
E – electrical equipment
F – cooking fats and oils
70

Fire Classes in the U.S.A.

A – regular combustibles
B – flammable liquids and gasses
C – electrical appliances
D – combustible metals
K – cooking oils and fats
NFPA
71
FIRE 72

EXTINGUISHMENT
Extinguishing Agent

1. Class A – water (all agents)

2. Class B – foam/carbon dioxide (all agents)
3. Class C – carbon dioxide/powder (never use water, soda acid and
foam)
4. Class D – special powder
5. Class E – all agents
74
75
76

Extinguishment of fire using fire

extinguisher
77
78

Methods of Extinguishment

1. Cooling – heat absorption.

2. Separation – the removal of the fuel.
3. Smothering – by expelling oxygen
4. Inhibition or the interruption of chemical chain reaction
Strategies Used in firefighting

1. Locate the fire

2. Confine the fire
3. Extinguish the fire
4. Exposures
80

Factors to be considered in extinguishment

1. Time
2. Weather (temperature, humidity, wind)
3. The fire ( ex. Extent, location, bldg construction, contents involved)
4. Occupancy
5. ventilation (used for clearing the bldg of smoke and gases)
Types of Ventilation

a. Vertical ventilation- it must be worked from the top to bottom.

b. Cross or horizontal ventilation- use if gases have not reached the
higher level through the opening of windows.
c. Mechanical force ventilation- a method whereby a device such as
smoke ejector is utilized to remove faster excessive heat and dense
smoke.
Vertical Ventilation 82
Cross/ Horizontal Ventilation
83
Mechanical force ventilation
84
FIRE CONTROL AND
EXTINGUISHMENTS
• Pre-Fire Planning - This
activity involves developing
and defining systematic course
of actions that maybe
performed in order to realize
the objectives of fire protection
• It involves the process of
establishing the SOP in case
fire breaks out.
EVALUATION
• Size-Up (on-the-spot planning or sizing-up the
situation)
• This is the process of knowing the emergency
situation.
• It involves mental evaluation by the operation
officer-in-charge to determine the appropriate course
of action that provides the highest probability of
success.
The things to consider in SIZE-UP (Evaluation of the
situation):
•Learn the facts of the situation – by answering the 5
Ws and 1 H
•Understand the probabilities of dangerous or fatal
behavior of fire
•Know your own situation or capabilities – weaknesses
and strengths; available manpower and equipment
•Determine the specific course of action – entry or
rescue
EVACUATION
• the activity of transferring
people, livestock, and
property away from the
burning area to minimize
damage or destruction that
the fire might incur in case
it propagates to other
adjacent buildings.
ENTRY
• This is the process of
accessing the burning
structure.
• Entry maybe done in
a forcible manner.
•The following are the purposes of conducting
forcible entry:

•to provide access for fire fighters with

equipment for fire extinguishments

•to provide rescue

•to aid in ventilation

RESCUE
•This is the operation of removing
(extricating).
•Thus, saving people and other livestock from
the burning building and others involved
properties, conveying them to a secured place.
EXPOSURE – COVER
EXPOSURE
•This is the activity of securing other
buildings near the burning structure
in order to prevent the fire from
extending to another building.
CONFINEMENT
• This is the activity of restricting the
fire at the place (room) where it
started.
• The process of preventing fire from
extending from another section or
from one section to another section
of the involved building.
VENTILATION
• This is the operation
purposely conducted to
displace toxic gases.
• It includes the process of
displacing the heated
atmosphere within the
involved building with
normal air from outside
atmosphere.
SALVAGE
• The activity of protecting the properties from
preventable damage other than the fire.
• Steps:
• remove the material outside the burning area
• protect or cover the materials by using tarpaulins
(cotton canvass treated with water proofing).
EXTINGUISHMENT
• This is the process of
putting out the main
body of fire by using the
4 general methods of fire
extinguishments like
cooling.
OVERHAUL
• This is the complete and detailed
check of the structure and all
materials therein to eliminate
conditions that may cause reflash.
• It involves complete
extinguishments of sparks or
smoldering (glowing) substances
(embers) to prevent or eliminate
possibilities of re-ignition or
rekindling.
FIRE SCENE
INVESTIGATION
• This is an inquiry
conducted to know or
determine the origin and
cause of fire.
FIRE FIGHTING
EQUIPMENT
• Fire Trucks
•The term usually
means any other
type of truck used to
carry equipment or
people to a fire or
emergency.
FIRE ENGINES
• It has large pump that takes water from a small fire
hydrant or other source.
• The pump boosts the pressure of the water and
forces it through hoses.
• Engines carry several sizes of hoses and nozzles.
• Many also have a small-diameter hose called a
booster line.
• Engines used for fighting grass or bush fire carry a
tank of water and such tools as shovels and rakes.
LADDER TRUCKS
• These are equipped with
portable ladders of various
types and sizes.
• These also carry forcible
entry tools (axes, power saws,
and sledge hammers) which
firefighters use to gain entry
into a building and to
ventilate it to let out smoke.
KINDS OF LADDER
TRUCKS
AERIAL LADDER
TRUCK
• It has metal
extension ladder
mounted on a
turntable.
• The ladder can be
raised as high as
100 feet (30 meters)
or about eight – ten
storeys.
ELEVATING-PLATFOR
M TRUCK
• It has a cage - like platform that can hold several people.
• The platform is attached to a lifting device that is mounted on a
turntable.
• The lifting device consists of either a hinged boom (long metal
arm) or an extendable boom made of several sections that fit inside
each other.
• The boom on the largest trucks can extend 150 feet (46 meters).
• A built-in hose runs the length of the boom and is used to direct
water on a fire.
• In most cases, a pump in a nearby engine generates the pressure
needed to spray the water.
RESCUE TRUCKS
• These are enclosed vehicles
equipped with many of the
same kinds of forcible entry
tools that ladder truck carry.
• They have such tools as
oxyacetylene torches, for
cutting through metal and
hydraulic jacks, for lifting
heavy objects.
• It may also carry other hydraulic tools. With a hydraulic
rescue tool, commonly known by the trade name Jaws of
Life, firefighters can apply a large amount of pressure to
two objects to squeeze them together to or pry them
apart. It is often used to free people trapped in
automobiles and other vehicles after the incident.
• It also carries small hand tools, such as crowbars and
saws, and ropes and harnesses for rescuing people from
water or high places.
• In addition it carries medical supplies and equipment.
SPECIAL FIRE
VEHICLES
• It includes airport crash
trucks and hazardous material
trucks.
• Airport crash trucks are
engines that spray foam or
dry chemicals on burning
aircraft. Water is ineffective
against many aircraft fires,
such as those that involve jet
fuel, gasoline, or certain
metals.
PROTECTIVE
CLOTHING
• Firefighters require special
clothing for protection
against flames, falling
objects, heat, toxic gases or
lack of oxygen, loss of
vision, loss of
communication, and
physical damage.
FIRE LADDER
STRAIGHT LADDER
• It is non-adjustable in length
and consists only of one
section.
• Sometimes called a wall
ladder, used for quick access
to windows and roofs of one
and two-storey buildings.
(12’, 14’, 16’, 18’ and 24’)
EXTENSION LADDER
• It is adjustable in length.
• It consists of two or more
section, which travels in
guides or brackets to permit
length adjustment.
• It provides access in
windows and roofs within
the limits of extendable
length.
ROOF LADDERS
• It is designed for one specific function. However, it may be
used for other purposes if condition warrant.
• These are equipped with folding at the top and which provide
a means of anchoring the ladder over the roof ridge or other
roof part.
• These are generally equipped to lie flat on the roof surface so
that firefighters may stand on the ladder for roof work.
• Their length range from 12 to 20 feet.
FOLDING LADDERS OR
COLLAPSIBLE LADDERS
• It provides a means of reaching
through opening into attics and
lofts and other areas which are
somewhat difficult to reach
without a special ladder.
• It is constructed so that they can be
folded or collapsed for small or
closet work.
• These are usually short in length
since they only require reaching a
short distance.
AERIAL LADDERS
• is a mechanical unit generally operated by hydraulic
power that is mounted / built chassis.
• The source of power is usually derived from apparatus
engine which actuates a hydraulic hoist.
• These are currently constructed of metal and are trusted
to provide adequate strength.
• These generally range in length from 65 to 100 feet.
TOWER LADDERS
• Tower ladder
apparatus combines
some features of
both aerial ladder
equipment and
elevating platforms.
POMPIER LADDERS
• It consists of a
large gooseneck
hook at the tip,
with a single bed
through which
the rungs project.
FIRE HOSE AND ITS
PARTS
FIRE HOSE
•A type of flexible tube
used by firefighters to
carry water under
pressure from the
source of supply to a
point where it is
discharged to
extinguish fire.
HOSE HOIST
• It is a device over which rope or hose may be
pulled to hoist or lower equipment when
firefighters are operating in buildings above the
ground level.

•It consists of a metal frame, curved so that it

will fit over a windowsill or the edge of the
roof.
•It contains two or more rollers over
which rope or hose may be drawn.

•This device reduce the possibility of

cutting the hose on the sharp edge of the
wall, cornice, or roof while it is being
raised or lowered.
HOSE CLAMP
•It is a tool to shut off the water in hose lines
when other control valves are not applicable.

•It is used to replace a burst section of hose, to

extend lines, or to hold water back for line
advancement without shutting off the source
of supply.
HOSE JACKET
• It is used to seal
small cuts or
breaks which
may occur in
fire hose or to
connect
damaged
couplings of the
same size.
HOSE SPANNER
WRENCH
•It is to tighten or
loosen hose
couplings, but
this versatile tool
can be used to
close utility
cocks, pry, and
hammer.
FIRE HOSE RAMS AND
RIDGES
•It protects hose from injuries from
vehicles crossing hose lines.
•Firefighters at the nozzles will
receive sudden jerks each time a
wheel cuts off the water
momentarily.
NOZZLE
• It is a piece of firefighting
equipment used to direct
and control a stream of
water.
• The characteristics of the
stream of water or fire
stream are determined
mainly by the nozzle.
WATER SPRINKLER
SYSTEM
• They are generally used to protect living quarters,
adjacent and passageways.
• The system may extinguish fire in these places.
• Their primary function is to protect the building
structure, limit the spread of fire and control the
amount of heat produced.
• They also protect the people in these areas and
maintain escape routes.
SMOKE
is a collection of airborne particulates and
gases emitted when a material undergoes
combustion or pyrolysis, together with the
quantity of air that is entrained or
otherwise mixed into the mass.
WHITE
•Incipient stage/Smoke with fewer
carbon particles/ extinguishment
GRAY
•Plastics/ Painted/stained surfaces in
initial stages of burning
TAN-BROWN

•Wood product in initial

stages possible
structural involvement
BLACK
•Hydrocarbons/ Materials in
the later stages of burning
DEFINITION OF TERMS (R.A. 9514)
FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
2008
• Abatement. Any act that would remove or neutralize a fire
hazard.
• Bale. A large bundle or package of hay or a raw material
such as cotton, tightly bound with string or wire to keep it in
shape during transportation or storage.
• Blasting Agent. Any material or mixture consisting of a fuel
and oxidizer used to set off explosives.
• Blowout. A sudden release of oil and gas from a well.
• Boil-over. The expulsion of crude oil (or certain
other liquids) from a burning tank in which the light
fractions of the crude oil burn off producing a heat
wave in the residue, which on reaching a water strata
may result in the explosion of the portion of the
contents of the tank in the form of a froth.
• Cargo Tank. Any tank having a liquid capacity
more than four hundred fifty liters (450ℓ) used for
carrying flammable and combustible liquids.
• City/Municipal Fire Marshal. The duly designated
head of the City or Municipal Fire Station including
those designated as “Officer-in-Charge” or in an
“Acting” capacity.

• Chemical Plant. A large integrated plant or that

portion of such plant other than a refinery or
distillery where flammable or combustible liquids
are produced by chemical reactions or used in
chemical reactions.
• Combustible Waste. Also known as loose waste material, are those
generated by an establishment or process and, being salvageable,
are retained for scrap or reprocessing on the premises where
generated. These include, but not limited to, all combustible fibers,
hay, straw, hair, feathers, down, wood shavings, turnings, styropor,
all types of plastics, all types of paper products, soiled cloth
trimmings and cuttings, rubber trimmings and buffings, metal
fines, used oil and any mixture of the above items, or any other
salvageable combustible waste material.
• Corrosive Liquid. Any liquid which causes fire when in contact
with organic matter or with certain chemicals.
• Curtain Board. A vertical panel of non-combustible or fire
resistive materials attached to and extending below the bottom
chord of the roof trusses to divide the underside of the roof into
separate compartments so that heat and smoke will be directed
upwards to a roof vent.
• Dust. Any finely divided solid, four millimeters (4 mm) or less in
diameter which, if mixed with air in the proper proportion,
becomes explosive and may be ignited by a flame or spark or other
source of ignition.
• Ember. A hot piece or lump that remains after a material has
partially burned, and is still oxidizing without the manifestation of
flames.
• Fire Alarm. Any visual or audible signal produced by a device
or system to warn the occupants of the building or fire fighting
elements of the presence or danger of fire.
• Fire Alerting System. A fire alarm system activated by the
presence of fire, where the signal is transmitted to designated
locations instead of sounding a general alarm.
• Fire Brigade. A collective term that is used to refer to a group
of firefighters, primarily performing fire suppression activities
in areas such as, but not limited to, community/barangay,
company, and other government and nongovernment
establishments.
•Fire Door. A fire resistive door prescribed for
openings in fire separation walls or partitions.
•Fire Exit Drill. A practice drill for the orderly and
safe evacuation of occupants in the buildings.
•Fire Hazard. Any condition or act which increases
or may cause an increase in the probability of the
occurrence of fire, or which may obstruct, delay,
hinder or interfere with fire fighting operations and
the safeguarding of life and property.
• Fire Lane. The portion of a roadway or public way that
should be kept opened and unobstructed at all times for the
expedient conduct of fire fighting operations.
• Fire Resistance Rating. The time duration that a material or
construction can withstand the effect of a standard fire test.
• Fire Safety Constructions. Refers to the design and
installation of walls, barriers, doors, windows, vents, means
of egress and other elements integral to and incorporated into
a building or structure in order to minimize danger to life
from fire, smoke, fumes or panic before the building is
evacuated.
•Fire Trap. A building unsafe in case of fire
because it will burn easily or because it lacks
adequate exits or fire escapes.

•Fire Volunteer. A person who voluntarily

enters into firefighting service through a Fire
Volunteer Organization (FVO) and undergoes
the same discipline as that of BFP firefighters.
• Fire Wall. A wall designed to prevent the spread of
fire, having a fire resistance rating of not less than
four (4) hours with sufficient structural stability to
remain standing even if construction on either side
collapses under fire conditions.
• Flame Retardant. Any compound or mixture which
when applied properly improves the resistivity or
fire resistance quality of fabrics and other materials.
• Flame Spread Rating. The time in which flame will
spread over the surface of a burning material.
• Flammable Finishes. Are material coatings in
which the material being applied is a flammable
liquid, combustible liquid, combustible powder or
flammable or combustible gel coating.
• Forging. A process where a piece of metal is heated
prior to changing its shape or dimensions.
•Fulminate. A kind explode violently
or flash like lightning.
•Hazard Evaluation. Identification of
potential hazards which includes risk
evaluation that takes into account the
likelihood of the hazard resulting in
a fire or explosion.
• Hazardous Fire Area. Any area covered with dry grass,
cogon, reeds, brush, and other highly combustible growth or
any area used for stockpiling of used or waste materials that,
by virtue of exposure to environment, may cause its
deterioration, decomposition or other conditions that fires are
likely to occur therein and hard to suppress.
• Hazardous Operation/Process. Any act of manufacturing,
fabrication, conversion, or other similar operations that use or
produce materials which are likely to cause fires or
explosions.
• Hose Box. A box or cabinet where fire hoses, valves
and other equipment are stored and arranged for fire
fighting.
• Hose Reel. A cylindrical device turning on an axis
around which a fire hose is wound and connected.
• Jumper. Any piece of metal or an electrical
conductor used to bypass a safety device in an
electrical system.
• Occupant Load. The maximum number of persons
that may be allowed to occupy a particular building,
structure, or facility, or portions hereof.
• Occupant. Any person actually occupying and using
a building or portions.
• Overloading. The use of one or more electrical
appliances or devices which draw or consume
electrical current beyond the designed capacity of
the existing electrical system.
• Owner - The person who holds the legal right of
possession or title to a building or real property.
• Oxidizing Material - A material that readily yields oxygen in
quantities sufficient to stimulate or support combustion.
• Pressurized Or Forced Draft Burning Equipment -
Type or burner where the fuel is subjected to pressure
prior to discharge into the combustion chamber and/or
which includes fans or other provisions for the
introduction of air at above normal atmosphere pressure
into the same combustion chamber.
•Public Assembly Building - Any building or
structure where fifty (50) or more people
congregate, gather, or assemble for any purpose.
•Public Way - Any street, alley or other strip of
land unobstructed from the ground to the sky,
deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently
appropriated for public use.
•Pyrophoric - Descriptive of any substance that
ignites spontaneously when exposed to air.
• Refining - A process where impurities and/or
deleterious materials are removed from a mixture in
order to produce a pure element of compound. It
shall also refer to partial distillation and electrolysis.
• Self-Closing Doors - Automatic closing doors that
are designed to confine smoke and heat and delay
the spread of fire.
• Smelting - Melting or fusing of metallic ores or
compounds so as to separate impurities from pure
metals.
SECTION 4. APPLICABILITY
OF THE CODE.
•The provisions of the Fire Code
shall apply to all persons and all
private and public buildings,
facilities or structures erected or
constructed before and after its
effectivity.
SECTION 5. RESPONSIBILITY
FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF
THIS CODE.
• This Code shall be administered and enforced by the
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), under the direct
supervision and control of the Chief of the Bureau of
Fire Protection, through the hierarchy of
organization as provided for in Chapter VI of
Republic Act No. 6975. with the approval of the
Secretary of the Department of the Interior and
Local Government (DILG), the BFP, is hereby
authorized to:
•a. Issue implementing rules and
regulations, and prescribe standards,
schedules of fees/fire service charges
and administrative penalties therefore as
provided in the pertinent provisions of
this Code;
•b. Reorganize the BFP as may be
necessary and appropriate;
• c. Support and assist fire volunteers, practitioners and fire
volunteer organizations in the country who shall undergo
mandatory fire suppression, inspection, rescue,
emergency medical services and related emergency
response trainings and competency evaluations to be
conducted by the BFP. In the case of the Fire
practitiones, they shall undergo mandatory continuous
professional education and competency evaluation of
their expertise, knowledge and skills in the area of fire
science, engineering and technology to be conducted by
the BFP;
•The BFP may enter into external party
agreements for the conduct of training, education
and evaluation of fire volunteers, practitioners
and fire volunteer organizations, which shall be
under the full control and supervision of the
BFP: Provided, however, That during firefighting
operations, fire volunteer organizations shall be
under the direct operational control of the fire
ground commanders of the BFP;
• d. Enter into long term agreement, either through
public biddings or negotiations in accordance with
the provisions of Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise
known as the Government Procurement Reform Act
of 2003, for the acquisition of fire prevention, fire
protection and fire fighting investigation, rescue,
paramedics, hazardous material handling equipment,
supplies, materials and related technical services
necessary for the fire services;
• e. Enter into Memoranda of Agreement with other
departments, bureaus, agencies, offices and
corporations of the government, as well as private
institutions, in order to define areas of cooperation
and coordination and delineate responsibility on fire
prevention education, fire safety, fire prevention, fire
suppression and other matters of common concern;
• f. Call on the police, other law enforcement
agencies, and local government assistance to render
necessary assistance in the enforcement of this
Code;
• g. Designate a fire safety inspector through his/her duly
authorized representative, who shall conduct an
inspection of every building or structure within his area
of responsibility at least once a year and every time the
owner, administrator or occupant shall renew his/her
business permit or permit to operate;
• No occupancy permit, business or permit to operate
shall be issued without securing a Fire Safety
Inspection Certification (FSIC) from the Chief, BFP, or
his/her duly authorized representative;
• h. Inspect at reasonable time, any building, structure,
installation or premises for dangerous or hazardous
conditions or materials as set forth in this Code,
provided that in case of single family dwelling, an
inspection must be upon the consent of the occupant or
upon lawful order from the proper court. The Chief,
BFP or his/her duly authorized representative shall order
the owner/occupant to remove hazardous materials
and/or stop hazardous operation/process in accordance
with the standards set by this Code or its implementing
rules or regulations or other pertinent laws;
•i. Where conditions exist and are deemed
hazardous to life and property, to order the
owner/occupant of any building or structure to
summarily abate such hazardous conditions;
•j. Require the building owner/occupant to submit
plans and specifications, and other pertinent
documents of said building to ensure compliance
with applicable codes and standards; and
•k. Issue a written notice to the owner and/or
contractor to stop work on portion of any work
due to absence, or in violation of approved
plans and specifications, permit and/or
clearance or certification as approved by the
Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized
representative. The notice shall state the nature
of the violation and no work shall be continued
on that portion until the violation has been
corrected.
• Section 6. Technical Staff. - The Chief, BFP shall
constitute a technical staff of highly qualified persons
who are knowledgeable on fire prevention, fire safety,
and fire suppression. They may be drawn not only from
the organic members of the BFP and other government
offices and agencies, but also from other sources. In the
latter case, they will either be appointed into the service
or hired as consultants in accordance with law. The
technical staff shall study, review and evaluate latest
developments and standards on fire technology; prepare
plans/programs on fire safety, prevention and suppression
and evaluate implementation thereof;
• develop programs on the professionalization of the
fire service; coordinate with appropriate government
and private institutions for the offering of college
courses on fire technology and fire protection
engineering; propose amendments to the Fire Code;
advise the Chief, BFP on any matter brought to his
attention; and perform such other functions as
directed on any matter brought to his attention and
perform such other functions as directed by higher
authorities.
•Section 7. Inspections, Safety
Measures, Fire Safety,
Constructions, and Protective
and/or Warning
• Systems. - As may be defined and provided in the
Rules and Regulations, owners, administrators or
occupants of buildings, structures and their premises or
facilities and other responsible persons shall be
required to comply with the following, as may be
appropriate:
• a. Inspection Requirement - A fire safety inspection
shall be conducted by the Chief, BFP or his duly
authorized representative as prerequisite to the grants
of permits and/or licenses by local governments and
other government agencies concerned, for the:
•(1) Use or occupancy of buildings, structures,
facilities or their premises including the
installation or fire protection and fire safety
equipment, and electrical system in any building
structure or facility; and
•(2) Storage, handling and/or use of explosives or
of combustible, flammable, toxic and other
hazardous materials
• b. Safety Measures for Hazardous Materials - Fire safety
measures shall be required for the manufacture, storage, handling
and/or use of hazardous materials involving:
• (1) cellulose nitrate plastic of any kind;
• (2) combustible fibers;
• (3) cellular materials such as foam, rubber, sponge rubber and
plastic foam;
• (4) flammable and combustible liquids or gases of any
classification;
• (5) flammable paints, varnishes, stains and organic coatings;
• (6) high-piled or widely spread combustible stock;
• (7) metallic magnesium in any form;
•(8) corrosive liquids, oxidizing materials,
organic peroxide, nitromethane, ammonium
nitrate, or any amount of highly toxic,
pyrophoric, hypergolic, or cryogenic
materials or poisonous gases as well as
material compounds which when exposed to
heat or flame become a fire conductor, or
generate excessive smoke or toxic gases;
•9) blasting agents, explosives and
special industrial explosive
materials, blasting caps, black
powder, liquid nitro-glycerine,
dynamite, nitro cellulose, fulminates
of any kind, and plastic explosives
containing ammonium salt or
chlorate;
• 10) fireworks materials of any kind or form;
• (11) matches in commercial quantities;
• (12) hot ashes, live coals and embers;
• (13) mineral, vegetable or animal oils and other
derivatives/by products;
• (14) combustible waste materials for recycling or
resale;
• (15) explosive dusts and vapors; and
• (16) agriculture, forest, marine or mineral products
which may undergo spontaneous combustion.
• (17) any other substance with potential to cause
harm to persons, property or the environment
because of one or more of the following:
• a) The chemical properties of the substance;
• b) The physical properties of the substance;
• c) The biological properties of the substance.
Without limiting the definition of hazardous
material, all dangerous goods, combustible liquids
and chemicals are hazardous materials.
• c. Safety Measures for Hazardous Operation/Processes - Fire
Safety measures shall be required for the following hazardous
operation/processes:
• (1) welding or soldering;
• (2) industrial baking and drying;
• (3) waste disposal;
• (4) pressurized/forced-draft burning equipment;
• (5) smelting and forging;
• (6) motion picture projection using electrical arc lamps;
• (7) refining, distillation and solvent extraction; and
• (8) such other operations or processes as may hereafter be
prescribed in the Rules and Regulations.
• d. Provision on Fire Safety Construction, Protective
and Warning System - Owners, occupants or
administrator or buildings, structures and their
premises or facilities, except such other buildings or
structures as may be exempted in the rules and
regulations to be promulgated under Section 5
hereof, shall incorporate and provide therein fire
safety construction, protective and warning system,
and shall develop and implement fire safety
programs, to wit:
•
•(1) Fire protection features such as sprinkler
systems, hose boxes, hose reels or standpipe
systems and other fire fighting equipment;
•(2) Fire Alarm systems;
•(3) Fire walls to separate adjoining
buildings, or warehouses and storage areas
from other occupancies in the same
building;
• (4) Provisions for confining the fire at its source such as fire
resistive floors and walls extending up to the next floor slab
or roof, curtain boards and other fire containing or stopping
components;
• (5) Termination of all exits in an area affording safe passage
to a public way or safe dispersal area;
• (6) Stairway, vertical shafts, horizontal exits and other means
of egress sealed from smoke and heat;
• (7) A fire exit plan for each floor of the building showing the
routes from each other room to appropriate exits, displayed
prominently on the door of such room;
•(8) Self-closing fire resistive doors leading to
corridors;
•(9) Fire dampers in centralized
airconditioning ducts;
•(10) Roof vents for use by fire fighters; and
•(11) Properly marked and lighted exits with
provision for emergency lights to adequately
illuminate exit ways in case of power failure.
SECTION 8. PROHIBITED
ACTS.
• The following are declared as prohibited act and
omission.

• (a) Obstructing or blocking the exit ways or across

to buildings clearly marked for fire safety purposes,
such as but not limited to aisles in interior rooms,
any part of stairways, hallways, corridors,
vestibules, balconies or bridges leading to a stairway
or exit of any kind, or tolerating or allowing said
violations;
• (b) Constructing gates, entrances and walkways to
buildings components and yards which obstruct the
orderly and easy passage of fire fighting vehicles
and equipment;
• (c) Prevention, interference or obstruction of any
operation of the Fire Service, or of duly organized
and authorized fire brigades;
• (d) Obstructing designated fire lanes or access to fire
hydrants;
• (e) Overcrowding or admission of persons beyond
the authorized capacity in movie houses, theaters,
coliseums, auditoriums or other public assembly
buildings, except in other assembly areas on the
ground floor with open sides or open doors
sufficient to provide safe exits;
• (f) Locking fire exits during period when people are
inside the building;
• (g) Prevention or obstruction of the automatic
closure of fire doors or smoke partitions or dampers;
•(h) Use of fire protective of fire fighting
equipment of the fire service other than for
fire fighting except in other emergencies
where their use are justified;
•(i) Giving false or malicious fire alarms;
•(j) Smoking in prohibited areas as may be
determined by fire service, or throwing of
cigars, cigarettes, burning objects in places
which may start or cause fire;
• (k) Abandoning or leaving a building or structure by the
occupant or owner without appropriate safety measures;
• (l) Removing. destroying, tampering or obliterating any
authorized mark, seal, sign or tag posted or required by
the fire service for fire safety in any building, structure
or processing equipment; and
• (m) Use of jumpers or tampering with electrical wiring
or overloading the electrical system beyond its
designated capacity or such other practices that would
tend to undermine the fire safety features of the electrical
system.
SECTION 9. VIOLATION,
PENALTIES AND
ABATEMENT OF FIRE
HAZARD
• If the assessed value of the nuisance or the amount to
be spent in abating the same is not more than One
hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00), the owner,
administrator or occupant thereof shall abate the
hazard within fifteen (15) days, or if the assessed
value is more than One hundred thousand pesos
(P100,000.00), within thirty (30) days from receipt of
the order declaring said building or structure a public
nuisance.
Revised Penal Code
195

• Article 320 Destructive Arson. The penalty of reclusion temporal in

its maximumART. period to320.
deathDESTRUCTIVE
shall be imposed upon anyARSON
person who
shall burn:
• 1. One (1) or more buildings or edifices, consequent to one single act
of burning, or as result of simultaneous burnings, or committed on
several or different occasions;
• 2. Any building of public or private ownership, devoted to the use of
the public in general, or where people usually gather or congregated
for a definite purpose such as but not limited to official governmental
function or business, private transaction, commerce, trade, worship,
meetings and conferences, or merely incidental to a definite purpose
such as but not limited to hotels, motels, transient dwellings, public
conveyance or stops or terminals, regardless of whether the offender
had knowledge that there are persons in said building or edifice at the
time it is set on fire, and regardless also of whether the building is
actually inhabited or not.

Jessie R. Abique, Rcrim, CFES, CST, RSO *

196

• 3. Any train or locomotive, ship or vessel, airship or

airplane, devoted to transportation or convenience, or
public use, entertainment or leisure.
• 4. Any building, factory, warehouse installation and
any appurtenances thereto, which are devoted to the
service of public utilities.
• 5. Any building, the burning of which is for the purpose
of concealing or destroying evidence of another
violation of law, or for the purpose of concealing
bankruptcy or defrauding creditors or to collect from
insurance.

Jessie R. Abique, Rcrim, CFES, CST, RSO *

197

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO.

1744

•AMENDING ARTICLE THREE

HUNDRED AND TWENTY OF
THE REVISED PENAL CODE
PROVISIONS ON ARSON.

Jessie R. Abique, Rcrim, CFES, CST, RSO *

198

•WHEREAS, there have been rampant and

wanton burnings of residential houses,
public buildings, markets, hotels, and other
commercial establishments;
•WHEREAS, to effectively discourage and
deter the commission of arson, and to
prevent destruction of properties and
protect the lives of innocent people, it is
necessary that the capital punishment be
imposed upon arsonists;

Jessie R. Abique, Rcrim, CFES, CST, RSO *

199

PD NO. 1613 DESTRUCTIVE ARSON,

DISTINGUISHED FROM SIMPLE
ARSONfrom
• The nature of Destructive Arson is distinguished UNDER
Simple
Arson by the degree of perversity or viciousness of the criminal
offender. The acts committed under Art. 320 of 77ie Revised Penal
Code constituting Destructive Arson are characterized as heinous
crimes "for being grievous, odious and hateful offenses and which,
by reason of their inherent or manifest wickedness, viciousness,
atrocity and perversity are repugnant and outrageous to the
common standards and norms of decency and morality in a just,
civilized and ordered society." On the other hand, acts committed
under PD 1613 constituting Simple Arson are crimes with a lesser
degree of perversity and viciousness that the law punishes with a
lesser penalty. In other words, Simple Arson contemplates crimes
with less significant social, economic, political and national security
implications than Destructive Arson.

Jessie R. Abique, Rcrim, CFES, CST, RSO *

200

ART. 321. OTHER FORMS OF ARSON

• 1. By reclusion temporal to reclusion perpetua: (a) If the
offender shall set fire to any building, farmhouse, warehouse, hut,
shelter, or vessel in port, knowing it to be occupied at the time by
one or more persons;
"(b) If the building burned is a public building and the value of
the damage caused exceeds 6,000 pesos;
"(c) If the building burned is a public building and the purpose is
to destroy evidence kept therein to be used in instituting
prosecution for the punishment of violators of the law, irrespective
of the amount of the damage;

Jessie R. Abique, Rcrim, CFES, CST, RSO *

201

• "(d) If the building burned is a public building and the

purpose is to destroy evidence kept therein to be used in any
legislative, judicial or administrative proceedings,
irrespective of the amount of the damage: Provided, however,
That if the evidence destroyed is to be used against the
defendant for the prosecution of any crime punishable under
existing laws, the penalty shall be reclusion perpetua;

"(e) If the arson shall have been committed on the intention

of collecting under an insurance policy against loss or
damage by fire.

Jessie R. Abique, Rcrim, CFES, CST, RSO *

202

• 2. By reclusion temporal:

"(a) If an inhabited house or any other building in which people are

accustomed to meet is set on fire, and the culprit did not know that such
house or building was occupied at the time, or if he shall set fire to a
moving freight train or motor vehicle, and the value of the damage caused
exceeds 6,000 pesos;

"(b) If the value of the damage caused in paragraph (b) of the preceding
subdivision does not exceed 6,000 pesos;

"(c) If a farm, sugar mill, cane mill, mill central, bamboo groves, or any
similar plantation is set on fire, and the damage caused exceeds 6,000
pesos; and

"(d) If grain fields, pasture lands, forests, or planting set on fire, and the
damage caused exceeds 6,000 pesos."

Jessie R. Abique, Rcrim, CFES, CST, RSO *

203

• 3. By prision mayor:

"(a) If the value of the damage caused in the cases

mentioned in paragraphs (a), (c) and (d) in the next
preceding subdivision does not exceed 6,000 pesos;

"(b) If a building not used as a dwelling or place of

assembly, located is a populated place, is set on fire, and
the damage caused exceeds 6,000 pesos;

Jessie R. Abique, Rcrim, CFES, CST, RSO *

204

• 4. By prision correccional in its maximum

period to prision mayor in its medium period:
"(a) If a building used as a dwelling located in
an uninhabited place is set on fire and the damage
caused exceeds 1,000 pesos;
"(b) If the value of the damage caused in the
case mentioned in paragraphs (c) and (d) of
subdivision 2 of this article does not exceed 200
pesos."

Jessie R. Abique, Rcrim, CFES, CST, RSO *

205

• "5. By prision correccional in its medium period to

prision mayor in its minimum period, when the damage
caused, is over 200 pesos but does not exceed 1,000 pesos,
and the property referred to in paragraph (a) of the next
preceding subdivision is set on fire; but when the value of
such property does not exceed 200 pesos, the penalty next
lower in degree than that prescribed in this subdivision shall
be imposed.

"6. The penalty of prision correccional in its medium and

maximum periods, if the damage caused in the case
mentioned in paragraph (b) of subdivision 3 of this article
does not exceed 6,000 pesos but is over 200;

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206

• "7. The penalty of prision correccional in its

minimum and medium periods, if the damage
caused in the case mentioned in paragraph (b) of
subdivision 3 of this article does not exceed 200
pesos.
"8. The penalty of arresto mayor and a fine
ranging from fifty to one hundred per centum of
the damage caused shall be imposed, when the
property burned consist of grain fields, pasture
lands, forests, or plantations when the value of
such property does not exceed 200 pesos."

Jessie R. Abique, Rcrim, CFES, CST, RSO *

207

ART. 324. CRIMES INVOLVING

• Elements of crimes involving destruction:
DESTRUCTION
• 1. The offender causes destruction.
• 2. Destruction is caused by any of the following
means:
• a. explosion
• b. discharge of electric current
• c. inundation, sinking or stranding of a vessel, or
intentional damaging of the engine of said vessel
• d. taking up the rails from a railway track
• e. maliciously changing railway signals for the safety
of moving trains

Jessie R. Abique, Rcrim, CFES, CST, RSO *

208

•f. destroying telegraph wires and

telegraph posts, or those of any
other system
•g. using any other agency or means
of destruction as effective as those
above enumerated

Jessie R. Abique, Rcrim, CFES, CST, RSO *

WHAT CONSTITUTES ARSON?
1. Burning
2. Willfulness – means intentional and implies that the act was done
purposely and intentionally.
3. Malice – denotes hatred or ill will or a desire for revenge.
Deliberate intention of doing unjustified harm for the satisfaction
of doing it.
4. Motive – is the moving cause which induces the commission of a
crime. Something that leads or influences a person to do
something.
5. Intent – is the purpose or design with which the act is done and
involves the will. An essential element of crime, motive is not.
WHY IS ARSON VERY HARD TO
INVESTIGATE?
Arson is one of the most difficult offenses to investigate because
the arsonists is able to set a fire and can escape undetected. The fire
can consume the scene and destroy much physical evidence of the
offense. Harder forms of evidence are often buried in debris and
grossly altered in appearance.

What Constitutes Burning?

▪ The mere fact that a building is scorched or discolored by heat is not
sufficient nor will bare intention or even an attempt to burn a house
amount to arson, if no part of it is burned.
▪ Yet, if there is actual ignition of any part of the building, arson is
committed, although there be no flame or the fire immediately goes
out of itself.
▪ To burn means to consume by fire and in the case of arson, if the wood
is blackened but no fibers are wasted, there is no burning, yet the wood
need not be in flame or blaze, and the burning of any part, however,
small is sufficient to constitute arson, and if the house is charred in a
single place so as to destroy the fibers of the wood, it is sufficient to
constitute arson.

What is Attempted Arson?

▪ In attempted arson, it is not necessary that there be a fire before the
crime is committed. No hard and fast rule is laid down by the law as to
the requirements for attempted arson. The peculiar facts and
circumstances of a particular case should carry more weight in the
decision of the case. Thus, a person intending to burn a wooden
structure, collects some rags, soaks them in gasoline and places them
beside the wooden wall of the building. When he is about to light a
match to set fire to the rags, he is discovered by another who chases
him away.
WHAT IS CONSUMMATED ARSON?
▪ The offender did in fact set fire to the roof of the house and said house was
partially burned. The crime was consummated arson, notwithstanding the
fact that the fire afterwards extinguished for once it has been started, the
consummation of the crime of arson does not depend upon the extent of the
damage caused.
▪ Setting fire to the contents of a building constitutes the consummated crime
of setting fire to a building even if no part of the building was burned.

Basis of Liability in Arson:

1. Kind and character of the building, whether of public or private
ownership.
2. Its location, whether in an uninhabited place or in a populated place.
3. Extent of damage caused; and
4. The fact of its being inhabited or not.
Some of the Arson Evidence that the Investigator should seek
at the Fire scene are the following: 213

1. Unusually rapid spread of the fire.

2. Where it originates?
3. Separate fires – when two or more separate fires break-out
within a building, the fire is certainly suspicious.
4. Unusual odors – the odor of gasoline, alcohol, kerosene
and other inflammable liquids are indicated by their
characteristics and oftentimes, arsonists are trapped
because of this tell tale signs.
5. Objects that appear to be foreign to the scene such as cans,
candles, matches, explosives, electrical appliances such as
irons, heating elements, clocks, radios, flammables,
trailers, etc.
6. Charring pattern may indicate fire characteristics. The fact that the fire feeds
on combustible while propagating itself, indicates that the char will
generally be deepest from where the fire originates. When a fire is
extinguished quickly, the charring is only slightly below the surface. Fire
burning for a longer period of time will indicate a char that is deep and
pronounced. These facts are most apparent in the charring of wood as a fire
burns.

The charring from fire on woods looks like the hide of a black alligator.
Fire extinguished quickly on wood will show a large alligatoring pattern that
has not penetrate the wood to any extent.

Fire burning for a long period of time on wood will show small alligatoring
pattern but the char will go deep into the wood.

The direction of fire can also be taken into consideration with charring. The
exposed side of combustible will have a deeper char than the unexposed
side.
7. Evidence of forcible entry or lack of same may be important
depending on the circumstances at the time of the fire.

If the investigator determines there was no forcible entry and

finds that the building was secured prior to discovery of the
fire, he can reasonably suspect there is possibility that the
person who sets the fire entered the building with a key.

Doors and windows showing signs of forced entry may point

to arson preceded by burglary or arson by someone without a
key to the premises.
MOTIVES OF ARSON
Motive
▪ Motive is the moving cause which induces a person to commit a
crime.

Is Motive Necessary to be Proven in Criminal Proceedings?

▪ No. motive is not necessary to be proven in criminal proceedings but
once motive is shown, then intent can easily established.
▪ In the crime of arson, the distinction between motive and intent is
clearly defined. INTENT is a material element of arson while motive
is not. INTENT is the purpose of design with which the act is done
and involves the will while MOTIVE is what induces the criminal.
MOTIVE CAN BE ESTABLISHED
1. Economic Gain
BY:
A. Insurance fraud with the assured directly benefiting:
1. Desire to move – the premises may no longer be desirable because of
the condition of the building, the fact that the quarters are outgrown or
because of the locality.
2. Disposing of Merchandise – the stocks on hand may have lost value
by reason of the seasonal nature of the business, obsolesce, scarcity of
materials necessary to complete the contracts, overstock in the absence
of expected order or a changing market.
3. Property Transaction – the business itself may no longer be desirable
because of impending liquidation, settlement of an estate of which it is a
part, the need for cash, prospective failure, the comparatively greater
value of the land, or the comparatively greater value of the insurance
benefits.
B. Profit by the Perpetrator other than the assured:
1. Insurance agents wishing business
2. Insurance adjusters desiring to adjust a loss by securing a contract
3. Business competitors
4. Persons seeking jobs as protection personnel
5. Salvagers
6. Contractors wishing to rebuild or wreck

2. Concealment of Crime:
• the arsonists may set fire to a building in order to conceal a
projected or past crime. He may wish to divert attention in
order to loot the burning premises or steal in other places.
The burning may be for the purpose of destroying evidences.
3. Punitive Measure:
• An arsonists may use fire as a means of punishing another person
for reason of jealousy, hatred or revenge.

4. Intimidation or Economic Disabling:

• The fire may be used as a weapon of the saboteurs, the strikers or
the racketeers to intimidate or to disable economically as a step
toward forcing submission to certain demands.

5. Pyromania – is the uncontrollable impulse of a person to burn

anything without motivation. Pyromaniacs usually do not run away
from the scene of the crime, usually alone and feel satisfied
watching the flame.
TYPES OF PYROMANIACS:
1. Abnormal Youth – Epileptics, imbeciles and morons may set fire
without knowing the seriousness of the act.
2. The Hero Type – a person may set fire on a building,
subsequently pretends to discover it and turn in the alarm so that
he will appear a hero to the public. A person may burn a building
and endeavor to achieve spectacular rescue in order to attract the
attention of spectators.
3. Alcoholics and Drug Addicts – persons who subject themselves
to intense artificial stimulants such as narcotics sometimes develop
a strong urge toward incendiaries.
4. Sexual Deviates – some sex perverts derive sexual stimulation
from setting a fire and watching the flame. Frequently, he is
chronic masturbator who stimulates and enhances his sexual
gratification by means of arson.
6. Public Disturbance: an offender may resort to arson as a means
of a public disturbance because a fire attracts people and
destruction causes confusion that gives rise to attendant problems
that divert police attention.

7. Vandalism – is a general term denoting intentional burning to

destroy properties.

In determining motive, a fire investigator concentrates on three

major factors:
1. Points of origin of the fire
2. Modus operandi of the arsonist
3. Identify of persons who might benefits from the fire.
INCENDIARY MATERIALS
Incendiary materials are materials used to start a fire. They are
combustible; fuels.

1. Arson Chemicals (liquids) – are incendiary materials often used by

arsonists as accelerants. Possess excellent properties. Examples:
alcohol, benzene, petroleum ether, gasoline, kerosene, naptha,
turpentine.

2. Gases as acetylene, butane, CO, ethylene, hydrogen, natural gas,

propane, these are common gases resulting in fires from explosion.
These when mix with air possess excellent in ignition properties and
when present in an enclosed area can lead to explosion.
3. Solids as chlorates, perchlorates,
chromates, bichromates, nitrates,
permanganates – are typical families of
oxidizing agents which give off oxygen on
decomposition thus aiding in combustion.
224

PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE

OF ARSON
• If the fire started simultaneously in more than one
part of the building or establishment.

• If substantial amount of flammable substances or

materials are stored within the building not
necessary in the business of the offender nor for
household use.
225

• If gasoline, kerosene, petroleum or other flammable or

combustible substances or materials soaked therewith or
containers, thereof, or any mechanical electrical, chemical or
electronic contrivance designed to start a fire, or ashes or traces
of any foregoing are found in the ruins or premises of the
burned building or property.
• If the building or property is insured for substantially more than
its actual value at the time of the issuance of policy.
• If a demand for money or other valuable consideration was
made before the fire in exchange for the distance of the
offender or for the safety of the person or property of the
victim.
226

•If during the lifetime of the corresponding fire

insurance policy more than two fire have
occurred in the same or other premises owned or
under the control of the offender and/or insured.
•If shortly before the fire a substantial of the
effects and stored in building or property had
been withdrawn from the premises except in the
ordinary course of business.
I. RECORDING
a. Photograph
1. Crowd
2. Vehicles
- make and color
- speedometer reading
- key position
- plate number
3. Color of Flames and Smoke
b. Audio, Video Utilization
c. Sketch Preparation
1. Rough Sketch
2. Progression Sketch
II. INFORMATION GATHERING

a. Noting Characteristics of the Fire:

1. Rapidity of the spread of flame.
2. Color of the Smoke and Flames.
3. Identifiable Odors
4. Area of origin
II. INFORMATION GATHERING
b. Taking Notes on the Following:

1. Unnatural state of the premises.

2. Obstacle on entry point.
3. Door and window locked.
4. Fire alarm or other fire protection
equipments disconnected/sabotage.
5. Artificial drafts by making opening.
6. Block entrance.
7. Contents of the building.
II. INFORMATION GATHERING
c. Interview and Elicitation
1. Witnesses - Discoverer of fire
2. Fire Victims
3. Responding Firefighter as to
area of origin.
4. Neighbors
- Outside the Involved Building
- Inside the Involved Building
III. FINDING THE AREA OF ORIGIN
1. Useful Technique
Observation of the direction of
spread of the flames. The fire then
can be traced backward to its
starting point and other observable
fire pattern.
a. Locate the lines or area of
demarcation. The boarding
defining the differences in
certain heat and smoke effects of
the fire upon various materials.
III. FINDING THE AREA OF ORIGIN
1. Useful Technique
b. Surface effects - depth of
charring, pattern of allegation:
spalling and clean burn.
c. Penetration of Horizontal
Surfaces (patterns such as V, U,
inverted V & U and saddle burn).
d. Loss of Materials -
consumption of combustible
materials/melting.
III. FINDING THE AREA OF ORIGIN
2. Interview first responding firefighters
fire victims, witnesses and neighbors
who can attest to some previous
information.
I. Preparation
A. Team Briefing
1. Materials requirement
of involved members
2. Discussed search
pattern use:
strip
double strip
wheel
spiral
zone
I. Preparation
A. Team Briefing
3. Assignment / role of
individual team
members.

4. Set up command post

5. Organize communication
with services auxiliary.
6. Coordination with other
agencies.
II. Secure and Protect the
Scene
a. Determine the extent to
which the scene has been
protected.

b. Check the adequate scene

security.

c. Take extensive notes, do

not rely on memory.
II. Secure and Protect the
Scene
d. Keep a record of
persons/ individual
who enters & leave.

e. Established frame of
minutes to take control
of scene regardless of
circumstances
observed on arrival
III. Initiates Preliminary
Survey
a. Accomplished a
cautious walk through
the scene.

b. Acquire preliminary
photograph.

c. Delineate extent of the

search area.
III. Initiates Preliminary
Survey

d. Determine personnel
and equipment needs.

e. Identify and protect

transient physical
evidence.

f. Develop general theory

of the crime.
III. Initiates Preliminary
Survey
g. Record vehicles
identification number,
key position and
odometer reading.

h. Concentrate on most
transient evidence and
work to the least
transient form of
physical evidence.
III. Initiates Preliminary
Survey
i. Focus first on the easily
accessible areas in open
view and progress
eventually to possible
outer view locations, look
for a purposively hidden
items.
j. Consider whether the
evidence appears to have
been moved inadvertently.
III. Initiates Preliminary
Survey
k. Evaluate whether or not the
scene and evidence appears
unintentionally contrived.
l. Two basic search approaches:
1. "Cautious" search of visible areas,
taking steps to avoid evidence loss or
contamination.
2. After the "cautious“ search, a
vigorous search for hidden concealed
areas.
IV. Depict Scene
Photographically

a. Begin photography as
soon as possible.
b. Document the
photographic effort with a
photographic logbook.

c. Insure that a progression

of overall, medium and
close-up view of the
scene is establish.
IV. Depict Scene
Photographically

d. Use recognize scale device

for size determination when
applicable.
e. When scale device is used
first take photograph with
out the inclusion of the
device.
f. Photograph evidence in
place before its collection
and packaging.
IV. Depict Scene
Photographically

g. Be observant on
photographs areas
adjacent to the crime
scene – points of entry,
exits, windows.
h. Photograph items,
places, etc to collaborate
the statement of
witnesses, victims, and
suspects.
IV. Depict Scene
Photographically
i. Prepares photographic sketch and photo logbook.
j. Do not hesitate to photograph something which
has no apparent significant at that time, it may
later prove to be a key element in the
investigation.
V. Prepare Sketch of the Scene

The diagram
establishes permanent
record of items condition
and distance/ size
relationship - diagram
photographs.
V. Prepare Sketch of the Scene

a. Typical Materials on rough

sketch (not drawn to
scale)
❑ Case Identifier
❑ Location
❑ Date/Time
❑ Scale or Scale Disclaims
❑ Compass Orientation
❑ Measurements
❑ Key of Legends
❑ Sketch Preparer
V. Prepare Sketch of the Scene
b. General Progression of
Sketches
❑ Layout basic perimeter
❑ Set forth fixed objects,
furniture, etc.
❑ Insert evidence as it is
recovered
❑ Record appropriate
measurements
❑ Set forth key/ Legends
compass orientation
❑ Others
V. Prepare Sketch of the Scene
c. Number designation on
sketch should be
coordinated with same
number designation on
evidence log.

d. Insure that enough room

is allowed to include all
pertinent information and
measurement.
VI. Collect and Preserve
Evidence

a. Collect evidence in
accordance with standard
practice.

b. Use specialized search

patterns (strip, double
strip, zone, wheel)
VI. Collect and Preserve
Evidence

c. Photograph all items

before collection and
enter notation in
photographic logbook.

d. Mark evidence location

in diagram sketch.
VI. Collect and Preserve
Evidence
e. Have at least 2 persons:
❑ See evidence in place
before collection;
❑ Observe it being collected;
❑ Tag zeal evidence;
❑ Place identifying marks on
evidence container and
document the proceeding
by photograph.

f. Do not handle evidence

excessively after recovery.
VI. Collect and Preserve
Evidence
g. If feasible, have one
person as an evidence
custodian to prepare
evidence chain of custody,
and evidence log.

h. Seal all evidence

containers at the crime
scene.
VI. Collect and Preserve
Evidence
i. The best container for
physical evidence such
as debris with possible
flammable accelerants
is clean can, or jar and
thus, evidence plastic
container can do.
VI. Collect and Preserve
Evidence

j. Do not forget entrance/

exit areas at the scene
to obtain appropriate
and substantial known
standards.

k. Do not over
documented the
physical evidence.
COLLECTION OF LIQUID
SAMPLES FOR ACCELERANT
TESTING
• Liquid accelerants may
be collected with
a. New syringe
b. Siphoning device
c. Evidence container itself
d. Sterilize cotton balls or
gauge pads may also be
used to absorbed the
liquid
WHERE LIQUID ACCELERANTS
ARE BELIEVED TO HAVE
BECOME TRAPPED IN POROUS
MATERIALS SUCH AS
CONCRETE FLOOR
a. Lime
b. Diatomaceous earth
c. flour
COLLECTION OF LIQUID
EVIDENCE ABSORBED BY
SOLID MATERIALS
INCLUDING SOILS AND
SAND
a. Scooping
b. Sawing
c. Scraping
d. Core drilling
COLLECTING OF SOLID
SAMPLES FOR
ACCELERANT TESTING
• Solid accelerant may be common
household materials and compounds
or dangerous chemicals. When
collecting solid accelerants:
a. The fire investigator must ensure that
the solid accelerant is maintained in
physical state in which is found
b. Some incendiary materials remain
Corrosive and Reactive
c. Ensure the corrosive nature of these
residue does not attack the packaging
container
COLLECTION OF GASEOUS
SAMPLES.
• Method of Collection:
a. Use of commercially available
mechanical sampling device
b. Utilization evacuated air sampling cans.
These cans are specifically designed for
taking gaseous samples
c. Use of clean glass bottled filled with
distilled water. Distilled water use as it
has had most of the impurities removed
from it. This method simply require the
investigator poured the distilled water
out of its bottle in the atmosphere to be
sampled. As distilled water leaves the
bottle it is replaced by the gaseous
sample
VII. Conduct Final Survey
a. This survey is a critical
review of all aspects of the
search.
b. Double check
documentation to detect
inadvertent errors.
c. Insure that photographs are
taken of scene showing
final condition after
completion of search.
VII. Conduct Final Survey
d. Check to insure all
evidence is accounted far
before departing scene.
e. Release of the fire scene
is accomplished only
after completion of the
final survey.
f. Secure affidavit that no
looting/ lost cause by
responding firefighters.
MEANING OF COLOR OF SMOKE
AND FIRE
1. Black smoke with deep and flame- petroleum
products, tar, rubber, plastic, etc.
2. Heavy brown with bright and flame- nitrogen
products
3. White smoke with bright flame- magnesium
products
4. Black smoke with red and blue green flame-
asphalt
5. Purple violet flame- potassium products
6. Greenish- yellow flame- chlorine or
manganese products
7. Bright reddish yellow flame- calcium products
8. White smoke with yellow flame- humid
materials
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I WARN YOU
YOU WILL PASS