Kirk's Fire Investigation (5th Edition)

Since the first edition of Kirk's Fire Investigation was published in 1969, it has become one of the most widely read and accepted textbooks in the field of fire investigation. Since this book was first written, fire investigation has changed, as has the knowledge essential for investigators to know. There is improved technology to aid both the field investigator and the laboratory scientist, which makes the application of the scientific method and use of the most current information critical to the process. Written by a forensic scientist with extensive experience in all phases of fire and explosion investigation, this book details all the need-to-know skills. Topics are presented in a logical order from simple chemistry and physics to scene analysis to complex case analysis. Special topics such as lab analysis, fire deaths, and explosions are also included. Features Include: *Updated information and most recent literature references throughout. *Expanded coverage of chemistry topics to include plastics, pyrolsis and combustion products, and the new generation of petroleum products.* Expanded discussion of post-flashover patterns of damage, misconceptions and misuse of post-fire indicators, and documentation. *New legal citations. *New information about destruction of bodies in fire and the detection of blood splatter. *Full-color insert of arson photos.