Fire Investigation - Case Study Example

Fire Investigation Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation Introduction In the United States, cigarettes have been determined as the major causes of fire deaths, accounting for approximately 30% of all deaths associated with fire. In every year, 1000 people in the US perish, as well as billions of dollars spent in health care, fire emergency services and property damages as a result of fires caused by the cigarettes. Recent research indicates that the United States is one of the leading nations in the world with highest fire death rates as compared to any other industrialised nation. While cigarettes fires remains an unsolved mystery in the world with nearly 10% of world wide fire deaths attributed to smoking (Williamson 2010). Although that has been the case, the widespread prevalence of smoking as well as the general opinion as to its propensity to cause fires in various situations has resulted in it being noted as the probable fire cause in situations where it is totally inappropriate. This paper will be based on a case study of Hartford circus fire which was believed to be cigarette induced, but this turned to be wrong as it was later discovered that it was arson. Further, the paper will discuss some of the causes of fire disaster in the US; prevention of cigarette induced fires, as well as give some recommendations to reduce to minimize the hazards caused by these fires. Hartford circus fire The fire started as a small flame following the performance of a group by the name Lions, on the southwest area of the tent, whilst the Great Wallendas stepped onto the stage. Merle Evans who was the band leader of the Circus was the first person to notice the flames, and with an immediate effect signalled to his team to play “The Stars and Stripes Forever”, the musical melody that traditionally signified grief to all members of the circus team. However, the ringmaster urge begged the audience to keep calm but due to the power failure, the audience could not hear him clearly. The ringleader tried, as well as the ushers tried to maintain some order as horrified audience attempted to run away from the scene. However, various sources, as well as the fire investigators differed on how many lives were lost during the incident and the number of fire casualties. However, the mystery behind the cause of the fire took the time to be revealed. Investigators at the time strongly thought that the fire was cigarette induced while others believed it was caused by an arsonist. Nonetheless, many years later, Robert Dale confessed he was the one who started the fire while he was being investigated for other arson cases. This proved the allegations of other fire investors wrong who thought the fire was induced by carelessly flipped cigarette. Since the tent was roof was fixed with paraffin wax to make it waterproof, the fire flames spread swiftly. Many people sustained injury due to the molten paraffin, which trickled down from tent roof. According to the eyewitnesses and survivors, the flaming tent collapsed within eight minutes after the fire started. Based on an official tally, 185 people lost their lives while 700 sustained serious injuries (Prager & Rosteck 2006). However, reports from other sources show that the number of deaths was even higher than estimated, because of badly kept records of inhabitants in rural towns coupled with the fact that some people burned beyond recognition, and they were never recognized or claimed. It was also supposed that severe heat from the fire accelerated by the paraffin, as well as the gasoline, mighty have incinerated some people completely analogous to cremation, leaving behind no considerable tangible evidence. While most people were consumed to death by the fire, several others lost their lives due to the commotion (Proctor 2012). Even though several spectators were able to escape the wrath of the fire, many casualties were caught up in the panic. Reports from the eyewitnesses indicated that some consumed inside the tent in a desperate attempt to save their loved ones. Investigation On 7th of July, five officials, as well as employees of Ringling Bros were charged on spontaneous homicide. However, after few days when the case was filed, the circus agreed full financial liability as demanded by the Hartford officials and they agreed to pay for damaged caused. Even though, the circus agreed to pay for the damages, they denied being held accountable for the disaster. However, in 1994 the five men were tried and four of them were convicted. In 1950, Robert Dale, 14 years old boy from Circleville, Ohio confessed he was responsible for starting the fire. This was contrary to the earlier investigations that the fire was cigarette induced (Doweiko 2012). However, cigarette induced fires have been so prevalent in the United States. Although, the tobacco industry in the US has been aware of the deaths that resulting from cigarette smoking for quite a long time, the industry has denied claims that most of the fire deaths are a result of cigarette smoking. Further, the industry has publicly disregarded research from fire investigators indicating the relationship between property damage and deaths originating from smoking materials as just a “public perspicacity” of the connection between deadly fires and cigarettes. Additionally the industry has enthusiastically opposed any attempt to pass fire safe legislation (Rothman 2007). The industry has been reluctant for several years to introduce fire safe cigarettes meant to reduce fire incidences. According to distinct studies conducted by the fire investors in the US, most fires induced by cigarettes occur when mattresses are ignited by the cigarettes or furniture as individuals are intoxicated or asleep. Further, the research indicates that fire safe cigarettes has lower tendency of ignition on substances or will extinguish by themselves if left unpuffed for a longer period of time. Research to come up with a fire safe cigarette commenced in the 1970s due to amplified public awareness, as well as extensive media coverage on the hazards that results from cigarettes induced fires (Liu & Woodcock 2002). Several copyrights were issued for fire safe cigarettes by independent companies. In 1979, the US Congressman Moakley initiated a bill to grant the Consumer Product Safety Commission the power to restrict cigarettes as a fire peril. However, in 1984 a concession bill was passed that to assess the procedural and economic viability regarding to the fire safe cigarettes. A technical team of 15 members was selected which included the federal government representatives, public health medical practitioners, tobacco industry and the fire safety groups. The team agreed that it was economical viable to introduce a cigarette with drastically reduced tendency for ignition. The team also recommended that numerous cigarette design aspects were significant in minimizing the propensity of ignition. Further, the team specified other features that were to be incorporated in the cigarette including the introduction of expanded, lessening of citrate as additive, low paper permeability, as well as reducing the circumference of the cigarette (National Commission on Fire Prevention and Control 1973). Causes of Fire Problems in the US A major reason as to why there are rampant fire cases in the United States is that many individuals, as well as the organizations are less concerned with the fire safety standards that need to be implemented to prevent fire occurrence. Similarly, matters related with fire protection are not emphasized as opposed to other issues especially that touch on the economic growth where huge investments are made. Similarly, people lack a basic understanding of hazards that might be caused by the fire thus accounting for less concern given to the fire protection (World Health Organization, & Who Study Group on Tobacco Product Regulation 2008). Nonetheless, only those who have sustained or survived fire injuries are concerned on the dangers that fire can cause. The rest of the population has the mentality that fire is a rare occurrence which validate the indifference those who have suffered and those who have not experienced the fire tragedy. For instance, some of the workers in the fire department are not aware of up to date technological advancements in fire prevention which will in reducing the cases of fire incidents in the United States. Similarly, some of the administrators in the fire department pay little attention to state-of-the-art technology in fire prevention. On the other hand, buildings designers usually give little attention to safety measures in their duties of designing the buildings. They only aim to meet minimal safety requirements as stipulated by the local building code. Similarly, their clients are not keen enough as they do not wish to incur extra costs in equipping their building with sophisticated fire equipments. Also, the building owners, as well as the tenants consider fire as something that can never occur to them, disregarding that risks associated with fire occurrences are immense and costly. Product designers, also give little attention to probable toxic or fire- exacerbating effects in the event that their products get involved in the fire. For instance, the tobacco industry has been reluctant in producing fire safe cigarettes that do not have high infinity for ignition if tossed away carelessly. Correspondingly, the Federal Government has been unresponsive to fire disasters which cost many lives among the US citizens (Williamson 2010). Further, the government has not imposed stringent measures on buildings designers, as well as their clients who fail to observe safety measures in designing residential houses. Prevention of Cigarette Induced Fires Patient Education One of the methods that can be applied to reduce fire occurrences as a result of cigarette smoking is to enlighten smokers on dangers of smoking in bed and to educate them on better ways of disposing cigarette butts. However, having control of the ignited cigarette may not be realistic as many cigarette induced fires are caused by the smoker who falls asleep with a lit cigarette. Similarly, most the cigarette induced fire casualties are usually intoxicated and generally they may not be in their right minds to handle lit cigarette carefully. Therefore, the fire department, as well as humanitarian groups should strive to educate smokers on dangers of handling lit cigarettes and possible harm it may cause if mishandled (Rothman 2007). Ecological Change Another ideal method that has been proposed is control by the tobacco industry to make the environment more resistant to cigarette induced fire. It is suggested that beds and sofas may be prevented by easily catching fire through chemical additives that do not catch fire easily. Similarly, the furniture may be constructed from materials that are not easily flammable in case a smouldering cigarette accidentally falling on them. Definitely, some methods have already been applied in controlling this kind of fire, but much is yet to be done by the tobacco industry to reduce the damage caused by these fires. However, the situation may take some time to be controlled since much cannot be done on furniture, as well as beddings that will instantly make them fire resistant. Additionally, the burden of cost for producing such furniture may be shifted to the consumer. It has been approximated that more than $2 billion would be used in designing fire-resistant furniture as an additional cost in producing the furniture. Although, these objectives may be achieved within few decades and fire-resistant furniture substitute the normal furniture in the market, other concerns may surface, especially related to carcinogenic and mutagenic substances resulting from new chemicals introduced into the environment (Prager & Rosteck 2006). Finally, it beats logic to propose a more resistant fire induced environment rather than striving to produce fire safe cigarettes. Cigarette Manufacturing Change Another method that can be can be used to minimize cases of cigarettes fires in homes is to transform the source of fire, that is the cigarette. However, the tobacco industry still holds that this is not possible. However, the industry should be concerned with the well being of the society rather than in making supernormal profits. Under normal circumstance, a smouldering cigarette will take more than 30 minutes without being puffed and burns at 700 degrees Celsius. According to experts from the US fire department, this is a reasonable time to ignite a sofa where a burning cigarette may unintentionally fall (Proctor 2012). Conclusion In conclusion, cigarette induced fires has led to many deaths in the United States, including those of innocent citizens. Therefore, there is a need for all stakeholders who includes fire investigators, smokers, government, as well as the tobacco industry to cooperate in order to prevent cigarette induced fires. On the other hand, fire department should carry out thorough investigations in fire scenes to determine the actual cause of the fire. Although, most of the fires are believed to be cigarette induced in the United States, not all fires are caused by the burning cigarettes. References Doweiko, H. E. 2012. Concepts of chemical dependency. Belmont, CA, Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning. Liu, C. & Woodcock, D. 2002. Observing the Peripheral Burning of Cigarettes by an Infrared Technique. British American Tobacco, R&D Centre, Regents Park Road, Millbrook, Southampton SO15 8TL, United Kingdom National Commission on Fire Prevention and Control. 1973. America Burning. 1730 K. Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006 (202) 382-7825 Prager, F. H., & Rosteck, H. 2006. Polyurethane and Fire Fire Performance Testing under Real Conditions. Weinheim, Wiley-VCH. Proctor, R. N. 2012. Golden Holocaust Origins of the Cigarette Catastrophe and the Case for Abolition. Berkeley, University of California Press. Rothman, H. 2007. Blazing heritage a history of wildland fire in the national parks. Oxford, Oxford University Press. Williamson, T. 2010. Escape from smoking look younger, feel younger, make money & love your life! Milton, Qld., Australia, Wrightbooks. World Health Organization, & Who Study Group on Tobacco Product Regulation. 2008. The scientific basis of tobacco product regulation: second report of a WHO study group. Geneva, World Health Organization. Read More

It was also supposed that severe heat from the fire accelerated by the paraffin, as well as the gasoline, mighty have incinerated some people completely analogous to cremation, leaving behind no considerable tangible evidence. While most people were consumed to death by the fire, several others lost their lives due to the commotion (Proctor 2012). Even though several spectators were able to escape the wrath of the fire, many casualties were caught up in the panic. Reports from the eyewitnesses indicated that some consumed inside the tent in a desperate attempt to save their loved ones.

Investigation On 7th of July, five officials, as well as employees of Ringling Bros were charged on spontaneous homicide. However, after few days when the case was filed, the circus agreed full financial liability as demanded by the Hartford officials and they agreed to pay for damaged caused. Even though, the circus agreed to pay for the damages, they denied being held accountable for the disaster. However, in 1994 the five men were tried and four of them were convicted. In 1950, Robert Dale, 14 years old boy from Circleville, Ohio confessed he was responsible for starting the fire.

This was contrary to the earlier investigations that the fire was cigarette induced (Doweiko 2012). However, cigarette induced fires have been so prevalent in the United States. Although, the tobacco industry in the US has been aware of the deaths that resulting from cigarette smoking for quite a long time, the industry has denied claims that most of the fire deaths are a result of cigarette smoking. Further, the industry has publicly disregarded research from fire investigators indicating the relationship between property damage and deaths originating from smoking materials as just a “public perspicacity” of the connection between deadly fires and cigarettes.

Additionally the industry has enthusiastically opposed any attempt to pass fire safe legislation (Rothman 2007). The industry has been reluctant for several years to introduce fire safe cigarettes meant to reduce fire incidences. According to distinct studies conducted by the fire investors in the US, most fires induced by cigarettes occur when mattresses are ignited by the cigarettes or furniture as individuals are intoxicated or asleep. Further, the research indicates that fire safe cigarettes has lower tendency of ignition on substances or will extinguish by themselves if left unpuffed for a longer period of time.

Research to come up with a fire safe cigarette commenced in the 1970s due to amplified public awareness, as well as extensive media coverage on the hazards that results from cigarettes induced fires (Liu & Woodcock 2002). Several copyrights were issued for fire safe cigarettes by independent companies. In 1979, the US Congressman Moakley initiated a bill to grant the Consumer Product Safety Commission the power to restrict cigarettes as a fire peril. However, in 1984 a concession bill was passed that to assess the procedural and economic viability regarding to the fire safe cigarettes.

A technical team of 15 members was selected which included the federal government representatives, public health medical practitioners, tobacco industry and the fire safety groups. The team agreed that it was economical viable to introduce a cigarette with drastically reduced tendency for ignition. The team also recommended that numerous cigarette design aspects were significant in minimizing the propensity of ignition. Further, the team specified other features that were to be incorporated in the cigarette including the introduction of expanded, lessening of citrate as additive, low paper permeability, as well as reducing the circumference of the cigarette (National Commission on Fire Prevention and Control 1973).

Causes of Fire Problems in the US A major reason as to why there are rampant fire cases in the United States is that many individuals, as well as the organizations are less concerned with the fire safety standards that need to be implemented to prevent fire occurrence.

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