1. Devon Anderson & Will Dempster
V-Pattern Angle Myth
Devon Anderson
&
Will Dempster

2. The Myth
The faster a fire burns, the slower it will spread horizontally and the closer the angles will be vertically.
On the other hand, the slower a fire burns the further the angle will tilt from vertical.
“A fire which is hot and fast at the point of origin will leave a sharp V-pattern. A slow fire will produce a shallow V.” –The Army’s Field Manual

3. Why it’s a Myth
The nature of any wall covering and conditions of ventilation have important effects on the shape of the burn patterns.
The angle of the borders of the V-pattern do not indicate the speed of fire growth or rate of heat release of fuel alone.

4. How it Affects Arson Investigation
Origin of V can help locate the point of ignition
-Normally along a wall (short circuit)
Concerning width of V – all factors need to be taken into account (ventilation, type of wall, etc.)