Fire fighters and mass spectrometry: from the world of combustion to the molecular ion

Abstract

The background and current studies in the area of fire investigation at the Turin Fire Department’s Forensic Laboratory. It is uncommon to find an investigation facility, and even less often within fire brigade headquarters, that uses GC-MS and GC-TOF extensively to look for accelerants. During 16 years of intense effort, the Turin Fire Department in Italy accomplished various research projects on the identification of flame accelerants and more in fire residues. This collaborative effort between academics and firefighters is unique. It is based on the perspectives of individuals who often fight fires before going on to investigation. The article will outline the study that was done, explain how advances in instrumentation have produced ever-better outcomes and the next steps in the foreseeable future.