Kirk's Fire Investigation (4th Edition) (Hardcover)

by John D. Dehaan (Author), Paul Leland Kirk (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Now updated and expanded, this widely used text is written in closer accordance to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 921 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigation, which is used at the National Fire Academy. This revision will help enhance the accuracy and reliability of your investigation.

From the Back Cover

Since the first edition of Kirk's Fire Investigation was published in 1969, it has become one of the most widely read and accepted textbooks in the field of fire investigation. Since this book was first written, fire investigation has changed, as has the knowledge essential for investigators to know. There is improved technology to aid both the field investigator and the laboratory scientist, which makes the application of the scientific method and use of the most current information critical to the process. Written by a forensic scientist with extensive experience in all phases of fire and explosion investigation, this book details all the "need-to-know" skills. Topics are presented in a logical order from simple chemistry and physics to scene analysis to complex case analysis. Special topics such as lab analysis, fire deaths, and explosions are also included.

Features Include:

• Updated information and most recent literature references throughout.
• Expanded coverage of chemistry topics to include plastics, pyrolsis and combustion products, and the new generation of petroleum products.
• Expanded discussion of post-flashover patterns of damage, misconceptions and misuse of post-fire indicators, and documentation.
• New legal citations.
• New information about destruction of bodies in fire and the detection of blood splatter.
• Full-color insert of arson photos.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 496 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 4th edition (April 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0835950565
• ISBN-13: 978-0835950565
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,239,896 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you want to understand fire behavior, this is the book!, October 15, 1999

By A Customer

I first came in contact with this book while attending theIllinois Fire Service Institute fire investigation modules. I haveread many other books concerning fire behavior and fire investigation, but I feel that this book is the most comprehensive over all. It not only gives you the basics in fire investigation but also the hard scientific knowledge to understand what happens when fires occur. I have used this book for several years as an investigator and find myself returning to it time and time again. This book is also a must for preparing cases for court. The author is a reknowned leader in the field of forensic fire investigation and is widely respected for his approach in regards to this subject. If you have any questions you can contact me at my e-mail address. Thank you, Jeffrey A. Miller CFI/CAI Mt.Vernon Fire Department

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must-read for anyone seeking to understand fire behavior!, January 12, 2002

By A Customer

Written in an understandable, practical manner, this book makes a difficult subject comprehensible by even the unscientifically minded.
The author writes clearly and the book is very readable. The text is accompanied by great photographs & illustrations.
What a relief to find this book after attempting to plow through some of the other texts on this subject. Highly recommended!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kirk's Fire Investigation, July 18, 2001

By A Customer

The chief god of fire investigation has spoken. DeHaan wrote a complete and through text about fire investigation. If you are serious about fire investigation, this is a must book in your library. It is a tough book in read. So, buy it and review it again and again.