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  • Textbook
  • © 2019

Forensic Analysis of Fire Debris and Explosives

  • Features a practical, hands-on approach suitable for classroom use and professional training by forensic agencies
  • Covers complications introduced by environmental factors such as microbial degradation of ignitable liquids and background interferences
  • Discusses evidence that does not fall neatly into one category or another, such as road flares or mixtures of ammonium nitrate/fuel oil (ANFO)
  • Includes end-of-chapter questions based on real-world data to prepare readers for a forensics laboratory career

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Table of contents (11 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-viii
  2. Introduction to Fire Debris Analysis

    • Jamie Baerncopf, Sherrie Thomas
    Pages 45-74
  3. Background Interference in Fire Debris Analysis

    • P. Mark L. Sandercock
    Pages 75-104
  4. Variation Within Ignitable Liquid Classes

    • Mary R. Williams, Susan Seebode Hetzel
    Pages 135-174
  5. Microbial Degradation of Ignitable Liquids

    • Katherine Hutches
    Pages 175-192
  6. Introduction to the Forensic Analysis of Intact Explosives

    • H. E. Hutson, E. McGee
    Pages 193-225
  7. Explosive Analysis: Introduction to Post-Blast Analysis

    • B. M. Crane Calhoun, R. F. Mothershead II
    Pages 227-255
  8. Explosive Device Componentry and Evaluation

    • Kirk Yeager, John Jermain
    Pages 257-283
  9. Bridging Explosives and Fire Debris Analyses

    • Michelle Evans
    Pages 285-304
  10. Interacting with Other Disciplines

    • Carl E. Chasteen
    Pages 305-336
  11. Back Matter

    Pages 337-356

About this book

This text provides training on the fundamental tools and methodologies used in active forensic laboratories for the complicated analysis of fire debris and explosives evidence. It is intended to serve as a gateway for students and transitioning forensic science or chemistry professionals. The book is divided  between the two disciplines of fire debris and explosives, with a final pair of chapters devoted to the  interplay between the two disciplines and with other disciplines, such as DNA and fingerprint analysis. It brings together a multi-national group of technical experts, ranging from academic researchers to active practitioners, including members of some of the premier forensic agencies of the world. Readers will gain  knowledge of practical methods of analysis and will develop a strong foundation for laboratory work in forensic chemistry.  End-of-chapter questions based on relevant topics  and real-world data provide a realistic arena for learners to test newly-acquired techniques.


Editors and Affiliations

  • University of Tampa, Tampa, USA

    Kenyon Evans-Nguyen

  • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Walnut Creek, USA

    Katherine Hutches

About the editors

Kenyon Evans-Nguyen is Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University of Tampa. He specializes in the development of new methods for detection of controlled substances in toxicology analyses and is interested in the application of mass spectrometry and analytical chemistry to forensic science. 

Katherine Hutches is a Forensic Chemist at the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. She specializes in analytical chemistry and has published a number of articles involving the use of analytical chemistry in forensics.

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 49.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 64.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 99.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access