1. Accident or Arson?

2. Accidental fires can be caused by… Children Children Pets Pets Faulty electrical, heating, or gas equipment Faulty electrical, heating, or gas equipment Lightning Lightning Smoking Smoking Candles Candles Cooking Cooking

3. Accidental fires… Usually have a single point of origin Usually have a single point of origin Involve no accelerants Involve no accelerants Involve no signs of forced entry Involve no signs of forced entry

4. Possible reasons for arson… To conceal another crime (destroy evidence) To conceal another crime (destroy evidence) Monetary gain (collect insurance money) Monetary gain (collect insurance money) Revenge Revenge Malicious vandalism (mostly by juveniles) Malicious vandalism (mostly by juveniles) Being mentally disturbed Being mentally disturbed

5. Signs of arson… Multiple points of origin (several small fires in different places) Multiple points of origin (several small fires in different places) Evidence of accelerants used (charred floors, odors) Evidence of accelerants used (charred floors, odors) Personal items removed beforehand Personal items removed beforehand Signs of forced entry, either staged or real Signs of forced entry, either staged or real Recent changes to any insurance policies Recent changes to any insurance policies