Analysis of Fire Debris for Arson Investigation

CASSEN offers specialized testing fire debris in support of arson investigation. Highly sensitive fire debris analysis by GC/MS is used to detect the presence of accelerants with fingerprint data and mass-spectral verification. Accelerants typically contain petroleum-based hydrocarbons and only a thin layer above the liquid surface becomes ignited. Liquid accelerants can be easily absorbed by wood and furnishing materials and remain after the fire, which can be detected by analysis using GC/MS.