Using Alkylate Components for Classifying Gasoline in Fire Debris Samples

The characteristic that discriminates gasoline from other ignitable liquids is that it contains high‐octane blending components. This study elaborates on the idea that the presence of gasoline in fire debris samples should be based on the detection of known high‐octane blending components. The potential of the high‐octane blending component alkylate as a characteristic feature for gasoline detection and identification in fire debris samples is explored. We have devised characteristic features for the detection of alkylate and verified the presence of alkylate in a large collection of gasoline samples from petrol stations in the Netherlands. Alkylate was detected in the vast majority of the samples. It is demonstrated that alkylate can be detected in fire debris samples that contain traces of gasoline by means of routine GC‐MS methods. Detection of alkylate, alongside other gasoline blend components, results in a more solid foundation for gasoline detection and identification in fire debris samples.     

ENFSI collaborative testing programme for ignitable liquid analysis: a review

The Fire and Explosion Investigation Working Group of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) is the organiser of a collaborative testing programme for ignitable liquid analysis. The testing programme was initiated in 1998. Initially to inventory the analytical methods used in this field of analysis, but with the ultimate goal to establish a European testing programme for fire debris analysts. As of today, five tests have been conducted. This article will provide an overview of the first five ENFSI collaborative tests for ignitable liquid analysis. The background, objectives and characteristics of the testing programme are summarised, followed by an overview of the sample composition employed, the participants' performance, the difficulties and the lessons learned in each test.     

Performance Testing of the New AMPAC Fire Debris Bag Against Three Other Commercial Fire Debris Bags(*)

Abstract: Fire debris evidence is collected and stored in a wide range of containers, including various polymer bags. Four different polymer bags have been investigated, including the NYLON, DUO, ALU, and AMPAC bags. The latter is the successor of the Kapak Fire DebrisPAK^?. Microscopy and infrared spectroscopy were used to elucidate the composition of the bags. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to investigate performance parameters such as background volatiles, leak rate, cross‐contamination, recovery, and sorption. The NYLON bag was susceptible for leakage and cross‐contamination and showed decreased recoveries. The DUO and ALU bags showed some background volatiles, sorption, and poor recoveries. The AMPAC bag performed excellent: low background, no leakage or cross‐contamination, good recoveries, and only traces of sorption. Heat sealing proved to be the best method of closure. Preliminary studies on AMPAC bags showed that polyethylene clamps are easy to use on‐site and preserve ignitable liquids adequately for a limited period of time.