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<strong>Court</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Inquiry</strong><br />

Exhibits to the Testimony <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>John</strong> J. <strong>Lentini</strong>, CFEI, D-ABC<br />

Scientific Fire Analysis<br />

Big Pine Key, FL<br />

1


Inform<strong>at</strong>ion available to the St<strong>at</strong>e <strong>of</strong> Texas on<br />

February 13, 2004<br />

2


Gerald Hurst Affidavit<br />

Inform<strong>at</strong>ion available on 2/13/04: Hurst analysis<br />

3


―Most <strong>of</strong> the conclusions reached by the Fire<br />

Marshal would be considered invalid in light<br />

<strong>of</strong> current knowledge.‖<br />

Inform<strong>at</strong>ion available on 2/13/04: Hurst analysis<br />

5


Trailers, pour p<strong>at</strong>terns and puddle<br />

configur<strong>at</strong>ions<br />

Cannot be identified as accelerant burns in a<br />

fully involved compartment on the basis <strong>of</strong><br />

visual appearance alone.<br />

Inform<strong>at</strong>ion available on 2/13/04: Hurst analysis<br />

6


Free Burning Stage<br />

Figure 3.5.3.2 (a) Early compartment fire development.<br />

7


Hot Gas Layer Forms<br />

development in compartment fire.<br />

8


Radi<strong>at</strong>ion Sends He<strong>at</strong> DOWN<br />

Figure 3.5.3.2 (c) Pre-flashover conditions in compartment fire.<br />

9


Flashover Occurs, Igniting Everything<br />

10


Full Room Involvement<br />

11


Full Room Involvement<br />

Note the fire burning under the furniture<br />

12


Multiple Origins<br />

Can only be identified when the areas <strong>of</strong> fire<br />

damage are isol<strong>at</strong>ed from on another. All <strong>of</strong><br />

the damage in this fire was contiguous. There<br />

is no credible evidence to conclude th<strong>at</strong> there<br />

was more than one origin.<br />

Inform<strong>at</strong>ion available on 2/13/04: Hurst analysis<br />

22


Multiple Origins<br />

The finding <strong>of</strong> multiple origins was<br />

inappropri<strong>at</strong>e even in the context <strong>of</strong> the st<strong>at</strong>e<br />

<strong>of</strong> the art in 1991.<br />

Inform<strong>at</strong>ion available on 2/13/04: Hurst analysis<br />

23


V-P<strong>at</strong>terns<br />

While there is sometimes a V-p<strong>at</strong>tern <strong>at</strong> the<br />

point <strong>of</strong> origin (usually when the origin is next<br />

to a wall), the finding <strong>of</strong> a V-p<strong>at</strong>tern does not<br />

necessarily indic<strong>at</strong>e the point <strong>of</strong> origin.<br />

Inform<strong>at</strong>ion available on 2/13/04: Hurst analysis<br />

24


V-P<strong>at</strong>terns<br />

As with irregular p<strong>at</strong>terns on the floor, once<br />

flashover occurs, the meaning <strong>of</strong> V-p<strong>at</strong>terns<br />

becomes obscured by new p<strong>at</strong>terns caused by<br />

the ignition <strong>of</strong> new fuel packages.<br />

Inform<strong>at</strong>ion available on 2/13/04: Hurst analysis<br />

25


Burned wood under the aluminum threshold<br />

This cannot be caused by accelerants, because<br />

the threshold would ―smother‖ any fire on<br />

burning accelerant, much like a lid on a skillet<br />

will smother a grease fire.<br />

Inform<strong>at</strong>ion available on 2/13/04: Hurst analysis<br />

26


Tiles burned by accelerant burning<br />

underne<strong>at</strong>h<br />

This is no more likely than wood burning<br />

under the aluminum threshold.<br />

Inform<strong>at</strong>ion available on 2/13/04: Hurst analysis<br />

28


Crazed glass<br />

This is an old wives‘ tale. Crazed glass does<br />

not indic<strong>at</strong>e rapid he<strong>at</strong>ing—it can only be<br />

caused by rapid cooling.<br />

Inform<strong>at</strong>ion available on 2/13/04: Hurst analysis<br />

30


Brown rings on the cement porch<br />

These do not establish the presence <strong>of</strong><br />

accelerant, and <strong>at</strong>tempting to use the brown<br />

rings for th<strong>at</strong> purpose amounts to baseless<br />

specul<strong>at</strong>ion.<br />

Inform<strong>at</strong>ion available on 2/13/04: Hurst analysis<br />

32


The positive sample<br />

The chemical composition <strong>of</strong> the ―accelerant‖<br />

is consistent with the charcoal lighter fluid<br />

container found nearby.<br />

Inform<strong>at</strong>ion available on 2/13/04: Hurst analysis<br />

33


The positive sample<br />

None <strong>of</strong> the samples collected from the alleged<br />

―pour p<strong>at</strong>terns‖ inside the house tested<br />

positive.<br />

Inform<strong>at</strong>ion available on 2/13/04: Hurst analysis<br />

35


Ed Cheever 2004 quote in Chicago Tribune<br />

―At the time <strong>of</strong> the Corsicana fire, we were<br />

still testifying to things th<strong>at</strong> aren‘t accur<strong>at</strong>e<br />

today,‖ Cheever told Mills. ―They were true<br />

then, but they aren‘t now.‖ Cheever added<br />

th<strong>at</strong> ―Hurst was pretty much right on … We<br />

now know not to make those same<br />

assumptions.‖<br />

36


Timing is Everything<br />

Had Governor Perry asked Mr. Cheever<br />

about Dr. Hurst‘s analysis in February<br />

2004, it is likely th<strong>at</strong> Mr. Cheever would<br />

have provided the same answer th<strong>at</strong> he<br />

provided to Chicago Tribune reporter Steve<br />

Mills in December 2004.<br />

37


Arson Review Committee<br />

<strong>John</strong> J. <strong>Lentini</strong>, CFEI, D-ABC, Chairman<br />

Scientific Fire Analysis, Big Pine Key, FL<br />

Douglas J. Carpenter, P. E.<br />

Combustion Science and Engineering,<br />

Columbia, MD<br />

Daniel L. Churchward, CFEI<br />

Kodiak Consulting, Ft. Wayne, IN<br />

David M. Smith, CFI<br />

Associ<strong>at</strong>ed Fire Consultants, Bisbee, AZ<br />

Michael A. McKenzie, JD<br />

Cozen O‘Connor, Atlanta, GA<br />

39


M<strong>at</strong>erials Reviewed<br />

Expert testimony from the trial<br />

Photographs <strong>of</strong> the scene<br />

52-minute video<br />

Underlying reports<br />

Labor<strong>at</strong>ory results<br />

40


Testimony from the Willingham Trial<br />

―The first incendiary indic<strong>at</strong>or is<br />

the auto ventil<strong>at</strong>ion. The<br />

inconsistency <strong>of</strong> the fire going out<br />

<strong>of</strong> this window and the fire going<br />

out <strong>of</strong> the door and this window<br />

where th<strong>at</strong>‘s inconsistent with fire<br />

behavior. Th<strong>at</strong>‘s an indic<strong>at</strong>or it‘s a<br />

possible incendiary fire.‖<br />

-Manuel Vasquez, page 255<br />

ARC Report, page 12<br />

41


Actually,<br />

Window breakage is a common<br />

example <strong>of</strong> ―auto-ventil<strong>at</strong>ion‖ and is<br />

consistent with un-acceler<strong>at</strong>ed<br />

compartment fires. A classic example <strong>of</strong><br />

window breakage in an un-acceler<strong>at</strong>ed<br />

compartment fire is shown in the NFPA<br />

video Fire Power, which was produced<br />

in 1985.<br />

ARC Report, page 12<br />

42


And really,<br />

Mr. Willingham st<strong>at</strong>ed th<strong>at</strong> he broke out<br />

the two front windows on the front porch<br />

using a pool cue. This inform<strong>at</strong>ion was<br />

apparently disregarded in Mr. Vasquez‘s<br />

analysis <strong>of</strong> this fire, but had significant<br />

implic<strong>at</strong>ions with respect to any<br />

determin<strong>at</strong>ion th<strong>at</strong> ―auto-venting‖ was<br />

the ―first incendiary indic<strong>at</strong>or‖.<br />

ARC Report, page 13<br />

43


Testimony from the Willingham Trial<br />

―All fire goes up. All w<strong>at</strong>er goes<br />

down. Or any liquid goes down<br />

unless man changes the course.‖<br />

-Manuel Vasquez, page 232<br />

ARC Report, page 7<br />

45


In a confined fire, like any fire<br />

inside a structure, the fire only<br />

goes up until it is obstructed by<br />

the ceiling. Then it begins to<br />

behave in a manner th<strong>at</strong> is<br />

beyond the experience <strong>of</strong> most<br />

people.<br />

Actually,<br />

46


Testimony from the Willingham Trial<br />

Q: And how many fires have you<br />

investig<strong>at</strong>ed since becoming a Certified<br />

Fire/Arson Investig<strong>at</strong>or?<br />

A: Perhaps in the range <strong>of</strong> 1,200 to 1,500<br />

fires.<br />

Q: Of these 1,200 to 1,500 fires, how many<br />

turned out to be arson in your opinion?<br />

A: With the exception <strong>of</strong> a few, most all <strong>of</strong><br />

them. -Manuel Vasquez , page 228<br />

ARC Report, page 7<br />

47


TX SFMO Investig<strong>at</strong>ions, 1990-2004<br />

ARC Report, page 6<br />

48


Testimony from the Willingham Trial<br />

―The fire tells the story. I am just<br />

the interpreter. I am looking <strong>at</strong> the<br />

fire, and I am interpreting the fire.<br />

Th<strong>at</strong> is wh<strong>at</strong> I know. Th<strong>at</strong> is wh<strong>at</strong> I<br />

do best. And the fire does not lie. It<br />

tells me the truth. -Manuel Vasquez , page 244<br />

ARC Report, page 10<br />

49


Testimony from the Willingham Trial<br />

―I‘m taking the picture looking inside, and this<br />

time I‘m looking <strong>at</strong> the aluminum threshold.<br />

And aluminum melts <strong>at</strong> 1,200º normal. Wood<br />

fire does not exceed 800º. So to me, when<br />

aluminum melts, it shows me th<strong>at</strong> it has a lot <strong>of</strong><br />

intense he<strong>at</strong>. It reacts to it. Th<strong>at</strong> means its<br />

temper<strong>at</strong>ure is hot. The temper<strong>at</strong>ure cannot<br />

react. Therefore the only thing th<strong>at</strong> can cause<br />

th<strong>at</strong> to react is an accelerant. You know it makes<br />

the fire hotter. It‘s not normal fire.‖<br />

-Manuel Vasquez , page 249<br />

ARC Report, page 11 50


Actually,<br />

1. The coolest part <strong>of</strong> any flame is<br />

approxim<strong>at</strong>ely 500 o C (932 o F).<br />

2. Acceler<strong>at</strong>ed fires burn faster than non-<br />

acceler<strong>at</strong>ed fires, but they do not burn<br />

hotter. The temper<strong>at</strong>ure <strong>of</strong> a well-<br />

ventil<strong>at</strong>ed wood fire is the same as the<br />

temper<strong>at</strong>ure <strong>of</strong> a well-ventil<strong>at</strong>ed gasoline<br />

fire.<br />

51


Testimony from the Willingham Trial<br />

Okay. Puddle configur<strong>at</strong>ions, pour p<strong>at</strong>terns, low<br />

char burning, charred floor, the underne<strong>at</strong>h<br />

burning <strong>of</strong> the baseboard, the brown stains on<br />

the concrete, the underne<strong>at</strong>h <strong>of</strong> the bed, because<br />

<strong>of</strong> the fire right underne<strong>at</strong>h the bed, puddle<br />

configur<strong>at</strong>ions in th<strong>at</strong> area, and the total<br />

s<strong>at</strong>ur<strong>at</strong>ion <strong>of</strong> this floor is indic<strong>at</strong>ed with pour<br />

p<strong>at</strong>terns, because th<strong>at</strong>‘s all I‘m doing is looking<br />

<strong>at</strong> the facts, <strong>at</strong> the evidence. Th<strong>at</strong>‘s all I‘m<br />

using.‖ -Manuel Vasquez , page 255<br />

ARC Report, page 12<br />

52


Testimony from the Willingham Trial<br />

Mr. Vasquez <strong>at</strong>tacks Mr. Willingham‘s<br />

truthfulness using circular logic.<br />

53


Testimony from the Willingham Trial<br />

Mr. Vasquez <strong>at</strong>tacks Mr. Willingham‘s<br />

truthfulness using circular logic.<br />

The absence <strong>of</strong> burning on Mr. Willingham‘s<br />

bare feet means there was no fire on the floor<br />

when he exited the house.<br />

54


Testimony from the Willingham Trial<br />

Mr. Vasquez <strong>at</strong>tacks Mr. Willingham‘s<br />

truthfulness using circular logic.<br />

The absence <strong>of</strong> burning on Mr. Willingham‘s<br />

bare feet means there was no fire on the floor<br />

when he exited the house.<br />

This is consistent with the neighbors‘<br />

observ<strong>at</strong>ions.<br />

55


Testimony from the Willingham Trial<br />

Instead <strong>of</strong> considering the possibility th<strong>at</strong> there<br />

was not fire on the floor early on, Mr. Vasquez<br />

concludes th<strong>at</strong> Mr. Willingham was lying, and<br />

incidentally discards the d<strong>at</strong>a provided by the<br />

eyewitnesses.<br />

56


Testimony from the Willingham Trial<br />

―The inconsistent thing th<strong>at</strong> he said right away<br />

was th<strong>at</strong> he had kicked the door to exit from the<br />

hallway with his bare foot…wh<strong>at</strong> he said he had<br />

done is inconsistent with the burn p<strong>at</strong>terns in<br />

the house….The fire was set in three different<br />

places. So the fire did not set – it did not start by<br />

itself, and when he said th<strong>at</strong> he had done this,<br />

and th<strong>at</strong> it‘s, it‘s impossible for him to do wh<strong>at</strong><br />

he did.‖<br />

--Manuel Vasquez Testimony, page 260-261<br />

57


Testimony from the Willingham Trial<br />

Q.: Would you, in your opinion -- would he have had<br />

injuries on other parts <strong>of</strong> his body?<br />

A.: On his feet. There was fire on the floor.<br />

Q.: He told you he kicked the doors; is th<strong>at</strong> right?<br />

Q.:Yes, sir. He had no injuries on his feet.<br />

Q: Based on inform<strong>at</strong>ion th<strong>at</strong> he was simply wearing blue<br />

jeans, no shirt, no shoes, would you have suspected there<br />

to be more injuries?<br />

A.:Yes, sir. If he was inside a hot, very hot<br />

house he would certainly receive some injuries.<br />

--Manuel Vasquez Testimony, page 267<br />

58


Testimony from the Willingham Trial<br />

On the one hand, Mr. Vasquez st<strong>at</strong>es this was a<br />

―spur <strong>of</strong> the moment‖ fire.<br />

59


Testimony from the Willingham Trial<br />

On the one hand, Mr. Vasquez st<strong>at</strong>es this was a<br />

―spur <strong>of</strong> the moment‖ fire.<br />

―The fire, itself, tells me th<strong>at</strong> it‘s a very<br />

aggressive fire; and, therefore, the fire<br />

was not a planned fire. It was a spur-<strong>of</strong>-<br />

the-moment fire.‖<br />

--Manuel Vasquez Testimony, page 72<br />

60


Testimony from the Willingham Trial<br />

On the other hand, Mr. Vasquez st<strong>at</strong>es th<strong>at</strong> the fire<br />

setter gave the combustible (not flammable) liquid<br />

<strong>at</strong> least five minutes to soak in.<br />

61


Testimony from the Willingham Trial<br />

On the other hand, Mr. Vasquez st<strong>at</strong>es th<strong>at</strong> the fire<br />

setter gave the combustible (not flammable) liquid<br />

<strong>at</strong> least five minutes to soak in.<br />

Q.: Could you explain how the puddle<br />

configur<strong>at</strong>ions were cre<strong>at</strong>ed in your opinion?<br />

A.:Yes, sir. The liquid, this one here, when the<br />

liquid was poured in this room, it was not<br />

ignited immedi<strong>at</strong>ely.<br />

--Manuel Vasquez Testimony, page 256-257<br />

62


Testimony from the Willingham Trial<br />

Q.: How do you know th<strong>at</strong>?<br />

A.: Because it went -- it soaked through<br />

floor to the hardwood floor. It had time<br />

to soak. It took <strong>at</strong> least five minutes or<br />

more for th<strong>at</strong> liquid to soak.<br />

--Manuel Vasquez Testimony, -257<br />

63


Testimony from the Willingham Trial<br />

Q.: Based upon your investig<strong>at</strong>ion and<br />

your examin<strong>at</strong>ion <strong>of</strong> the scene and your<br />

conclusions, can you tell wh<strong>at</strong> the<br />

arsonist intended to do by setting this<br />

fire?<br />

A.: Yes.<br />

Q.: Wh<strong>at</strong> is th<strong>at</strong>?<br />

A.: The intent was to kill the little girls.<br />

64


Excerpt from FM Vasquez‘s Report<br />

―The pieces <strong>of</strong> broken window glass on<br />

the ledge <strong>of</strong> the north windows to the<br />

northeast bedroom disclosed a crazed<br />

‗spider webbing‘ condition. This<br />

condition is an indic<strong>at</strong>ion th<strong>at</strong> the fire<br />

burned fast and hot.‖<br />

-Manuel Vasquez report , page 4<br />

ARC Report, page 18<br />

65


Actually,<br />

Crazing <strong>of</strong> glass is induced by rapid<br />

cooling. It cannot be induced by rapid<br />

he<strong>at</strong>ing.<br />

66


Dr. Craig Beyler‘s Report<br />

68


Floor P<strong>at</strong>terns<br />

Floor p<strong>at</strong>terns cannot reliably be used as an<br />

arson indic<strong>at</strong>or in fully developed fires.<br />

Burning foam rubber and melting plastics can<br />

cre<strong>at</strong>e p<strong>at</strong>terns th<strong>at</strong> look like liquid spills.<br />

Labor<strong>at</strong>ory analysis is necessary to determine<br />

if there is an accelerant present.<br />

Beyler Report<br />

70


Floor P<strong>at</strong>terns<br />

The floor p<strong>at</strong>terns observed throughout the<br />

children‘s bedroom, in the hallway, and on the<br />

porch ―need not be associ<strong>at</strong>ed with the cause <strong>of</strong><br />

the fire <strong>at</strong> all.‖ Instead, the bedroom and<br />

hallway ―had simply been fully involved in<br />

flame,‖ such th<strong>at</strong> the associ<strong>at</strong>ed damage would<br />

be expected.<br />

Beyler Report<br />

71


Multiple Origins<br />

The theory <strong>of</strong> multiple origins in the<br />

bedroom, hallway, and porch is<br />

inconsistent with early eyewitness<br />

testimony th<strong>at</strong> no flames were visible on<br />

the porch when Mr. Willingham was<br />

already outside and th<strong>at</strong> smoke flow from<br />

the hallway was modest initially. Beyler Report<br />

72


V P<strong>at</strong>terns<br />

A V p<strong>at</strong>tern ―simply indic<strong>at</strong>es burning <strong>at</strong><br />

the base <strong>of</strong> the V <strong>at</strong> some time during the<br />

fire.‖<br />

Beyler Report<br />

73


Melted Aluminum Threshold<br />

Far from being an indic<strong>at</strong>or <strong>of</strong><br />

accelerant or arson, flame temper<strong>at</strong>ures<br />

from ordinary combustibles like wood<br />

produce temper<strong>at</strong>ures sufficient to melt<br />

aluminum.<br />

Beyler Report<br />

74


Vinyl tile edge curling can occur in<br />

the absence <strong>of</strong> accelerants due to<br />

radiant he<strong>at</strong>.<br />

Tiles Burned from<br />

Accelerant Underne<strong>at</strong>h<br />

Beyler Report<br />

75


Fire Marshal Vasquez‘s theory <strong>of</strong><br />

auto-ventil<strong>at</strong>ion as an indic<strong>at</strong>or <strong>of</strong><br />

arson is ―inconsistent with modern<br />

fire science. Instead, n<strong>at</strong>ural fires<br />

are known to, and do, break out<br />

windows.‖<br />

Auto-Ventil<strong>at</strong>ion<br />

Beyler Report<br />

76


Crazed glass likely results from the<br />

applic<strong>at</strong>ion <strong>of</strong> w<strong>at</strong>er to hot glass<br />

during firefighting.<br />

Crazed Glass<br />

For th<strong>at</strong> reason, NFPA 921 does<br />

not accept crazed glass as an<br />

indic<strong>at</strong>or <strong>of</strong> the use <strong>of</strong> accelerant.<br />

Beyler Report<br />

77


Brown Rings on Cement Porch<br />

Although the fire investig<strong>at</strong>ors considered<br />

brown rings to be a sign <strong>of</strong> an accelerant<br />

th<strong>at</strong> was ignited to start the fire, no samples<br />

<strong>of</strong> the concrete were taken for analysis, and<br />

altern<strong>at</strong>ive causes, such as the damaged<br />

container <strong>of</strong> charcoal lighter fluid found <strong>at</strong><br />

the scene, were not considered.<br />

Interpreting the brown stain as an accelerant<br />

p<strong>at</strong>tern is simply ―without merit.‖<br />

Beyler Report<br />

78


Neither NFPA 921 nor the fire<br />

science liter<strong>at</strong>ure accept low burn<br />

on walls as a good indic<strong>at</strong>or <strong>of</strong><br />

ignitable liquids.<br />

Low Burn<br />

Beyler Report<br />

79


Predisposition to Find Arson<br />

FM Vasquez is unique among the<br />

investig<strong>at</strong>ors <strong>of</strong> both fires in his<br />

<strong>at</strong>titudes toward arson and fire scene<br />

examin<strong>at</strong>ion. His st<strong>at</strong>istics <strong>of</strong> the<br />

fraction <strong>of</strong> fires which are in fact arson<br />

are remarkable and far exceed any<br />

r<strong>at</strong>ional estim<strong>at</strong>e. It reflects his<br />

predisposition to find arson in his cases.<br />

This directly viol<strong>at</strong>es NFPA 921 and<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>essional norms in general.<br />

Beyler Report<br />

80


Methodology Assessment<br />

His quot<strong>at</strong>ions th<strong>at</strong> ―The fire tells a<br />

story, I am just the interpreter,‖ and<br />

―the fire does not lie, it tells me the<br />

truth,‖ are hardly consistent with a<br />

scientific mindset and is more<br />

characteristic <strong>of</strong> mystics or psychics.<br />

Beyler Report<br />

81


Methodology Assessment<br />

The quotes separ<strong>at</strong>e the findings from<br />

his own judgment and seek to make him<br />

not responsible for his own<br />

interpret<strong>at</strong>ion. It seems to deny the role<br />

<strong>of</strong> r<strong>at</strong>ional reasoning. It is an<br />

expression <strong>of</strong> fire investig<strong>at</strong>ion as a<br />

mystical art r<strong>at</strong>her than an applic<strong>at</strong>ion<br />

<strong>of</strong> science and reason.<br />

Beyler Report<br />

82


Expert Reviews<br />

D<strong>at</strong>e Expert Venue<br />

Feb 13, 2004 Dr. Gerald Hurst Affidavit to TX <strong>of</strong>ficials<br />

Dec 9, 2004 Dr. <strong>John</strong> DeHaan Chicago Tribune<br />

May 2, 2006 Arson Review<br />

Committee<br />

<strong>John</strong> <strong>Lentini</strong> Chicago Tribune<br />

Report to TX FSC<br />

Aug 17, 2009 Dr. Craig Beyler Report to TX FSC<br />

Aug 20, 2010 Mark Goodson Letter to TX FSC<br />

83


Fire Marshal Maldonado‘s<br />

letter <strong>of</strong> 8/20/10<br />

84


―The St<strong>at</strong>e Fire Marshal's Office<br />

has spent a gre<strong>at</strong> deal <strong>of</strong> time and<br />

energy to ensure as thorough a<br />

response as possible. In reviewing<br />

documents and standards in place<br />

then and now, we stand by the<br />

original investig<strong>at</strong>or's report and<br />

conclusions.‖<br />

Maldonado 8/20/10<br />

85


Duty to<br />

Correct:<br />

IP Letter 10/20/10<br />

Bohan letter 10/22/10<br />

Gianelli letter 10/15/10<br />

86


Duty to<br />

Correct:<br />

If there is no error, the duty to correct<br />

goes away.<br />

87


But there WAS error<br />

―At the time <strong>of</strong> the Corsicana fire, we<br />

were still testifying to things th<strong>at</strong> aren‘t<br />

accur<strong>at</strong>e today,‖ Cheever told Mills.<br />

―They were true then, but they aren‘t<br />

now.‖ Cheever added th<strong>at</strong> ―Hurst was<br />

pretty much right on … we now know<br />

not to make those same assumptions.‖<br />

88


―Further, should the Commission<br />

make a finding <strong>of</strong> "flawed science"<br />

based on a comparison <strong>of</strong> wh<strong>at</strong> the<br />

investig<strong>at</strong>or used <strong>at</strong> the time as the<br />

accepted standard and the standard<br />

as it exists today, we respectfully<br />

ask th<strong>at</strong> it be articul<strong>at</strong>ed.‖<br />

Maldonado 8/20/10<br />

89


The ―standards‖ <strong>of</strong> 1991-92, such<br />

as they were, were seriously flawed,<br />

but even by the measure <strong>of</strong> the st<strong>at</strong>e<br />

<strong>of</strong> the art <strong>of</strong> 1991, some <strong>of</strong> the most<br />

important <strong>of</strong> Fire Marshal<br />

Vasquez‘s findings and conclusions<br />

fell well outside contemporary<br />

knowledge <strong>of</strong> fire behavior.<br />

90


―The SFMO agrees th<strong>at</strong> NFPA 921 was<br />

not an <strong>of</strong>ficial standard <strong>at</strong> the time <strong>of</strong><br />

the investig<strong>at</strong>ion and testimony. Note,<br />

however, th<strong>at</strong> many <strong>of</strong> the principals<br />

and practices utilized by SFMO and<br />

other arson investig<strong>at</strong>ors were the basis<br />

for wh<strong>at</strong> ultim<strong>at</strong>ely appeared in NFPA<br />

921.<br />

Maldonado 8/20/10<br />

91


―The Commission should compare the<br />

principals [sic] and procedures (and<br />

science) documented by the fire<br />

investig<strong>at</strong>ors in 1991 and their<br />

testimony <strong>at</strong> trial in 1992, with NFPA<br />

921 as it first appeared in 1992, 1995 or<br />

NFPA 921 as it exists today. The SFMO<br />

investig<strong>at</strong>or for the Willingham case<br />

used principals th<strong>at</strong> can be linked to<br />

NFPA 921 standards subsequently put<br />

in place.‖<br />

Maldonado 8/20/10<br />

92


USDOJ, 1977<br />

93


Three years l<strong>at</strong>er…<br />

US Dept <strong>of</strong> Commerce,<br />

N<strong>at</strong>ional Bureau <strong>of</strong><br />

Standards<br />

94


Three years l<strong>at</strong>er…<br />

With significant input<br />

from the N<strong>at</strong>ional Fire<br />

Academy<br />

95


4) Glass objects.<br />

including window glass,<br />

<strong>of</strong>ten will give clues<br />

as to a fire's loc<strong>at</strong>ion,<br />

as well as its intensity<br />

and r<strong>at</strong>e <strong>of</strong> buildup.<br />

96


Glass further from the<br />

fire will have heavier<br />

soot and smoke<br />

deposits than glass<br />

which is closer.<br />

97


Crazed or irregular<br />

pieces with light smoke<br />

deposits indic<strong>at</strong>e a<br />

rapid buildup <strong>of</strong> he<strong>at</strong>.<br />

98


5) Floors seldom receive<br />

damage similar to th<strong>at</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />

ceilings, even in the case<br />

<strong>of</strong> total burnout, as the<br />

he<strong>at</strong> <strong>of</strong> the fire will be<br />

concentr<strong>at</strong>ed <strong>at</strong> the<br />

ceiling.<br />

99


In addition, as ceiling<br />

m<strong>at</strong>erials are damaged and<br />

fall, these m<strong>at</strong>erials protect<br />

the floor below. If, on the<br />

other hand, a large area <strong>of</strong><br />

the floor is extensively<br />

damaged, the use <strong>of</strong><br />

accelerants may be<br />

Indic<strong>at</strong>ed.<br />

100


8) In determining<br />

whether the fire was a<br />

slowly developing one<br />

or a rapidly developing<br />

one, the following<br />

indic<strong>at</strong>ors may be used:<br />

101


a) Allig<strong>at</strong>oring <strong>of</strong> wood -<br />

slow fires produce<br />

rel<strong>at</strong>ively fl<strong>at</strong> allig<strong>at</strong>oring.<br />

Fast fires produce hump-<br />

backed, shiny<br />

allig<strong>at</strong>oring.<br />

102


) Spalling <strong>of</strong> concrete -<br />

indic<strong>at</strong>es an intense, high<br />

he<strong>at</strong> fire. The spalling is<br />

caused by rapid boiling <strong>of</strong><br />

the moisture trapped in<br />

the concrete.<br />

103


104


c) Fire p<strong>at</strong>terns - a wide<br />

angle, or diffuse "V" p<strong>at</strong>tern<br />

generally indic<strong>at</strong>es a slowly-<br />

developing fire. A narrow<br />

sharply defined "V" p<strong>at</strong>tern<br />

generally indic<strong>at</strong>es a fast-<br />

developing, hot fire.<br />

105


NFPA 921 addressed many <strong>of</strong> the<br />

established indic<strong>at</strong>ors and debunked<br />

them in 1992<br />

4-5.5 Misconceptions about Char.<br />

4-6.1 Misconceptions about Spalling.<br />

4-17.1.1 Misconceptions about ―V‖<br />

P<strong>at</strong>terns.<br />

4-17.2.1 Misconceptions about Inverted<br />

Cone P<strong>at</strong>terns.<br />

106


NFPA 921 addressed many <strong>of</strong> the<br />

established indic<strong>at</strong>ors and debunked<br />

them in 1992<br />

4-8.1 Temper<strong>at</strong>ure Determin<strong>at</strong>ion.<br />

Wood and gasoline burn <strong>at</strong> essentially<br />

the same flame temper<strong>at</strong>ure. The flame<br />

temper<strong>at</strong>ures achieved by all<br />

hydrocarbon fuels (plastics and<br />

ignitible liquids) and cellulosic fuels are<br />

approxim<strong>at</strong>ely the same, although the<br />

fuels release he<strong>at</strong> <strong>at</strong> different r<strong>at</strong>es. 107


NFPA 921 addressed many <strong>of</strong> the<br />

established indic<strong>at</strong>ors and debunked<br />

them in 1992<br />

4-10 Smoke and Soot.<br />

Because deposits <strong>of</strong> pyrolysis products<br />

tend to be widely distributed, they do not<br />

help loc<strong>at</strong>e the exact point <strong>of</strong> origin.<br />

108


―The investig<strong>at</strong>ion report st<strong>at</strong>ed:<br />

The examin<strong>at</strong>ion <strong>of</strong> the hallway<br />

floor on the north end from the<br />

base <strong>of</strong> the north door and to the<br />

northwest door <strong>of</strong> the northeast<br />

bedroom disclosed a burn<br />

trailer, pour p<strong>at</strong>tern, and puddle<br />

configur<strong>at</strong>ion.”<br />

Maldonado 8/20/10<br />

109


NFPA 921 provides more<br />

warnings against this kind <strong>of</strong><br />

―interpret<strong>at</strong>ion‖ than about any<br />

other fire artifact. This is<br />

because misidentific<strong>at</strong>ions <strong>of</strong><br />

―trailers, pour p<strong>at</strong>terns and<br />

puddle configur<strong>at</strong>ions‖ have<br />

been legion. Here are the<br />

warnings:<br />

110


4.17.7.2 Irregular P<strong>at</strong>terns.<br />

Irregular, curved, or ―pool-shaped‖<br />

p<strong>at</strong>terns on floors and floor coverings<br />

should not be identified as resulting<br />

from ignitable liquids on the basis <strong>of</strong><br />

observ<strong>at</strong>ion <strong>of</strong> the shape alone. In cases<br />

<strong>of</strong> full room involvement, p<strong>at</strong>terns<br />

similar in appearance to ignitable liquid<br />

burn p<strong>at</strong>terns can be produced when no<br />

ignitable liquid is present.<br />

111


The lines <strong>of</strong> demarc<strong>at</strong>ion between the<br />

damaged and undamaged areas <strong>of</strong><br />

irregular p<strong>at</strong>terns range from sharp<br />

edges to smooth grad<strong>at</strong>ions depending<br />

on the properties <strong>of</strong> the m<strong>at</strong>erial and the<br />

intensity <strong>of</strong> he<strong>at</strong> exposure. Denser<br />

m<strong>at</strong>erials like oak flooring will<br />

generally show sharper lines <strong>of</strong><br />

demarc<strong>at</strong>ion than thermoplastic (e.g.,<br />

nylon) carpet. The absence <strong>of</strong> a carpet<br />

pad <strong>of</strong>ten leads to sharper lines.<br />

112


These p<strong>at</strong>terns are common in situ<strong>at</strong>ions <strong>of</strong><br />

post flashover conditions, long extinguishing<br />

times, or building collapse. These p<strong>at</strong>terns<br />

may result from the effects <strong>of</strong> hot gases,<br />

flaming and smoldering debris, melted<br />

plastics, or ignitable liquids. If the presence<br />

<strong>of</strong> ignitable liquids is suspected, supporting<br />

evidence such as the use <strong>of</strong> a combustible<br />

gas indic<strong>at</strong>or, chemical analysis <strong>of</strong> debris for<br />

residues, or the presence <strong>of</strong> liquid containers<br />

should be sought.<br />

113


In any situ<strong>at</strong>ion where the<br />

presence <strong>of</strong> ignitable liquids is<br />

suggested, the effects <strong>of</strong><br />

flashover, airflow, hot gases,<br />

melted plastic, and building<br />

collapse should be considered.<br />

114


Even though some findings,<br />

based on ―flawed science‖ can<br />

be <strong>at</strong>tributed to the wretched<br />

st<strong>at</strong>e <strong>of</strong> the art in 1991-92, other<br />

parts <strong>of</strong> Mr. Vasquez‘s testimony<br />

was far outside the bounds <strong>of</strong><br />

wh<strong>at</strong> was accepted <strong>at</strong> th<strong>at</strong> time.<br />

115


Flawed science, i.e., WRONG,<br />

but par for the course in 1991:<br />

116


Flawed science, i.e., WRONG,<br />

but par for the course in 1991:<br />

Crazed glass<br />

Low burns<br />

Irregular fire p<strong>at</strong>terns on floors<br />

High temper<strong>at</strong>ures<br />

117


Just plain WRONG, and far<br />

outside the bounds <strong>of</strong> acceptable<br />

practice, even in 1991:<br />

118


Just plain WRONG, and far<br />

outside the bounds <strong>of</strong> acceptable<br />

practice, even in 1991:<br />

Auto-ventil<strong>at</strong>ion<br />

800 o F fire temper<strong>at</strong>ure<br />

Multiple origins in fully involved<br />

rooms<br />

Discarding eyewitnesses<br />

119


Specifically, Mr. Vasquez‘s<br />

testimony th<strong>at</strong> a wood fire<br />

burns <strong>at</strong> 800 o F has no basis<br />

in any liter<strong>at</strong>ure or science.<br />

It is not written anywhere,<br />

because it is p<strong>at</strong>ently false.<br />

120


More importantly, his<br />

testimony about multiple<br />

origins is unsupportable, in<br />

conflict with the eyewitness<br />

observ<strong>at</strong>ions <strong>of</strong> Diane Barbe,<br />

and his interpret<strong>at</strong>ion is<br />

specifically warned against in<br />

the texts <strong>of</strong> the day.<br />

121


1980<br />

122


6) Look for evidence <strong>of</strong> multiple fire<br />

origins. If the fires appear to be<br />

unrel<strong>at</strong>ed or discontinuous, the<br />

fires may have been deliber<strong>at</strong>ely<br />

set. However, multiple fires in a<br />

room, all origin<strong>at</strong>ing from one fire<br />

are not uncommon. High-he<strong>at</strong>-<br />

producing fuels, such as plastics<br />

and interior finishes, can cause a<br />

degree <strong>of</strong> fire damage sufficient to<br />

mislead the investig<strong>at</strong>or.<br />

123


Also, when ceiling temper<strong>at</strong>ures<br />

reach 932 F to 1112 F (500 to<br />

600 C), flashover may occur when<br />

literally the entire contents <strong>of</strong> the<br />

room burst into flames<br />

simultaneously. The results <strong>of</strong><br />

flashover may cause the<br />

investig<strong>at</strong>or to conclude there were<br />

multiple fires when such was not<br />

the case.<br />

124


The questions to be answered on<br />

apparent multiple fires are: Were<br />

these fires the result <strong>of</strong> normal fire<br />

spread from fuel load to fuel load,<br />

either by flashover, burning<br />

m<strong>at</strong>erials being carried around the<br />

room by the effects <strong>of</strong> the fire, or<br />

other mechanisms? Or were the<br />

fires independent <strong>of</strong> each other<br />

and, therefore, <strong>of</strong> suspicious<br />

origin?<br />

125


1975<br />

126


B<strong>at</strong>tle & Weston 1975<br />

―…separ<strong>at</strong>e fires were either observed<br />

burning in separ<strong>at</strong>e loc<strong>at</strong>ions as<br />

observed by early arriving firefighters,<br />

or th<strong>at</strong> they were clearly in separ<strong>at</strong>e<br />

remote areas‖ (pp. 8, 15l, 152 & 163).<br />

127


1977<br />

128


B<strong>at</strong>es, Elements <strong>of</strong> Fire and Arson<br />

Investig<strong>at</strong>ion, 1977<br />

―Multiple separ<strong>at</strong>e fires burning in<br />

different loc<strong>at</strong>ions <strong>at</strong> the same time,<br />

without any possible way th<strong>at</strong> the fires<br />

could have communic<strong>at</strong>ed from one<br />

place to another, is generally a good<br />

indic<strong>at</strong>ion th<strong>at</strong> the fire is <strong>of</strong> incendiary<br />

origin‖ (p. 76).<br />

129


1976<br />

130


Huron, Elements Of Arson, 1976<br />

―Separ<strong>at</strong>e and distinct fires with no<br />

connection on the walls <strong>of</strong> one room or<br />

in other parts <strong>of</strong> the premises are an<br />

indic<strong>at</strong>ion th<strong>at</strong> the fire is <strong>of</strong> incendiary<br />

origin‖ (p.37).<br />

131


1979<br />

132


―The presence <strong>of</strong> multiple<br />

origins is a strong indic<strong>at</strong>or <strong>of</strong><br />

an arson fire.‖ He warns, ―In<br />

order to verify multiple origins,<br />

carefully measure the char<br />

depths‖ (p. 132).<br />

133


1979<br />

134


―…..evidence <strong>of</strong> incendiary origin<br />

<strong>of</strong> a fire, as earlier indic<strong>at</strong>ed, the<br />

signs may include separ<strong>at</strong>e and<br />

distinct points <strong>of</strong> origin which, in<br />

turn, may be manifested in<br />

separ<strong>at</strong>e and distinct burn p<strong>at</strong>terns<br />

either unconnected or origin<strong>at</strong>ing<br />

in separ<strong>at</strong>e spaces‖ (p. 90).<br />

135


1987<br />

136


―If the investig<strong>at</strong>or loc<strong>at</strong>es several distinct<br />

(unconnected) points <strong>of</strong> origin, each must<br />

be carefully examined. The crime scene<br />

photographs, sketches, and notes should<br />

clearly indic<strong>at</strong>e th<strong>at</strong> the multiple points <strong>of</strong><br />

origin were not the result <strong>of</strong> normal fire<br />

travel, flashover, or burning m<strong>at</strong>erial<br />

having been moved during suppression,<br />

overhaul, or salvage oper<strong>at</strong>ions‖ (p. 87).<br />

137


1985<br />

138


―If there is more than one fire<br />

and they are separ<strong>at</strong>ed, or not<br />

interrel<strong>at</strong>ed and were not<br />

caused by one another, this is<br />

acceptable evidence <strong>of</strong><br />

incendiary origin.‖<br />

139


1985<br />

140


―Because <strong>of</strong> the uneven way in which<br />

most fires burn, there may be more<br />

than one area <strong>of</strong> burning in a<br />

building which appears to be a se<strong>at</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />

fire (point <strong>of</strong> origin). As one <strong>of</strong> the<br />

criteria for determining arson is more<br />

than one independent and<br />

contemporaneous se<strong>at</strong> <strong>of</strong> fire, it is<br />

very important th<strong>at</strong> those elements<br />

can be proved.‖<br />

141


Jailhouse Snitch Testimony:<br />

Q.: Did Todd Willingham tell you he<br />

poured lighter fluid on the children‘s<br />

floor <strong>of</strong> the children‘s room in an X<br />

p<strong>at</strong>tern?<br />

A.: Yes, he did.<br />

--Testimony <strong>of</strong> <strong>John</strong>ny Webb, p. 46<br />

142


Jailhouse Snitch Testimony<br />

(rephrased in closing argument):<br />

They want you to believe th<strong>at</strong> this<br />

little two-year-old girl somehow out<br />

out <strong>of</strong> her room, over the child g<strong>at</strong>e,<br />

rambled around through the house,<br />

found" lamp, went back over the<br />

child‘s g<strong>at</strong>e, into the babies room,<br />

sprinkled it on the floor in this<br />

distinctive cross-type p<strong>at</strong>tern,<br />

143


Prosecutor Jackson’s Cross P<strong>at</strong>tern<br />

144


Judge Jackson’s Pentagram<br />

145


Pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> Monstrosity!<br />

146


Scientific.Fire@yahoo.com<br />

www.firescientist.com<br />

151

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