Research

The ‘continuing mantra’ of the fire investigator is to maintain an open mind and not show any kind of bias. Also, not to draw any conclusions until the investigation has been completed. During an investigation, evidence of a fire, its origin cause and development may be found and could point to other crimes or offences. Whilst, it would not be the fire investigator’s role to collect this evidence, it is very important that nothing found, is contaminated or destroyed. Fire destroys some evidence but also creates evidence as it develops.

Jack Deans of Gardiner Associates is at the forefront of research into ‘lost evidence’. Jack also oversees research that other parties have assigned to GATR for the identification of evidence that many think would be destroyed in a fire. Jack, has shown, in many instances, that evidence thought to be lost, does remain and can be retrieved. For example, Jack has been involved with:

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) Test Samples that have been in a compartment subjected to fire where temperatures have reached between 200 and 950 degrees C have shown full and partial profiles.

Blood & Saliva Bottles used as petrol bombs, and milk bottles as well as various other substrates have yielded results.

Data Recovery From Mobile phones and Computer hard drives subjected to fires has proven possible.

Petrol Branding Determined that the actual brand of petrol could be established from post fire debris in some instances.

Electrical Arcing Research has been carried out to assist in the determination of a fire’s origin.

Double Wicking of Tea Lights which increases the temperature and flame height being given off by the candle and subsequent ignition of nearby articles.

Fire Suppression systems have also been the subject of research.

Crime Lights have been used to show the ability of the identification of footwear patterns post fire.

Fingerprint research Jack has shown without doubt that fingerprints can be found following fires despite the room having gone almost to flashover, his research has included items such items as beer cans, spoons, newspapers, matchboxes and various other items are all capable of retrieving ridge details. Proving that if something as small and potentially delicate as a fingerprint can be found other items may also be found. If you would like to carry out research in our purpose-built fire enclosures, which are fully electrically energised, please contact us.