The “point of origin” refers to the location where a fire first ignites in a fire investigation. This could be a specific location or a broad region. The site of origin must nearly always be accurately located in order to ascertain the fire’s cause. The correct identification, analysis, and detection of fire patterns are one of the most crucial components of any fire investigation. In the past, people would frequently use “cause and origin”; however, the proper terminology is “origins and causes” (Saferstein & Roy).
At or close to the place of origin, fire will typically burn longer, causing more damage overall. The fire cause is generally discovered at or very close to the fire’s site of origin, and tangible evidence of the fire cause, whether it was accidental or incendiary, is frequently uncovered. Finding the fire’s head must be the primary goal of any search at the scene because it will yield the best results for any investigation for an accelerant or ignition source.
Testing for Explosives
Explosives chemistry analysis enables a wide range of projections based on recognized chemical and experimental methods that are well-acknowledged in the scientific establishment. Explosion forensic investigation includes identifying the explosion’s source, the explosive substance used, and the charge mass. This information is desired in the event of planned explosions in order to determine the sources of illegal materials and, ultimately, the offender (Saferstein & Roy).
Chromatographic methods, thin-layer chromatography, gas chromatography, and, more recently, high-pressure liquid chromatography is the methods that are most frequently employed for the examination of explosives. To chemically identify explosives or substances related to explosives, chemists investigate unidentified powders, liquids, and other objects. Crime scene debris and fragments from post-blast incidents are also checked for signs of corrosion products and unpreserved explosives.
Reference
Saferstein, R., & Roy, T. (2020). Criminalistics: An introduction to forensic science (13th ed.). Pearson Education (US).