Camera Techniques at Fire Scene, Part 2 - Conclusion

• NCJ Number: 94532
• Journal: Fire and Arson Investigator Volume: 34 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1984) Pages: 12-16
• Author(s): J Lewko
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Twenty-three techniques for photographing the scene of a fire are briefly outlined.

Abstract

The exterior and interior of the building should be photographed first, before the contents inside the building are moved. The debris and the arson tool should be photographed. If caught at night at a fire scene with a very slow speed film, the photographer should use all the available lights from the fire apparatus. Nighttime time-exposures are useful only if movement-illustration photographs are desired. They require use of a heavy-duty tripod and a long extension cord for the timer device. The arson investigator must photograph the fire fatality -- the position of the victim (taken from all angles) and closeup photographs of the head, face, hands, feet, and any markings on the victim. If using the new electronic exposure flash, the photographer must first test the equipment to get the best results. The flash unit should be directed to the darker areas, with less concern about the lighter areas.