The Fire Research Laboratory (FRL) is part of the
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), an investigative agency within the
United States Department of Justice
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ), also known as the Justice Department, is a United States federal executive departments, federal executive department of the United States government tasked with the enforcement of federal law and a ...
.
[{{Cite web, url=https://www.atf.gov/arson/atf-fire-research-laboratory, title=ATF Fire Research Laboratory {{! Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, website=www.atf.gov, language=en, access-date=2018-04-18] Located in
Beltsville, Maryland, the FRL is a partnership among law enforcement, fire services, public safety agencies, academia and the private sector that uses the most advanced scientific, technical, educational, and training methods in fire investigation science to serve and protect the public.
Functionality
The Fire Research Laboratory does the following:
* Conducts scientific research that validates fire scene indicators and improves fire scene reconstruction and fire evidence analysis;
* Supports
fire
Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material (the fuel) in the exothermic chemical process of combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction Product (chemistry), products.
At a certain point in the combustion reaction, called the ignition ...
and
arson investigations and the resolution of fire related crimes;
* Develops improved investigative and prosecution procedures using scientifically validated methods that integrate the assets of the
ATF
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE), commonly referred to as the ATF, is a domestic law enforcement agency within the United States Department of Justice. Its responsibilities include the investigation and preven ...
and its partners to enhance fire investigation personnel expertise;
* Maintains a central repository for fire investigative research data that will be disseminated throughout the fire investigation community;
* Develops an internationally recognized research and education center for the advancement of knowledge,
technology transfer and case support related to fire cause investigation and fire scene reconstruction.
See also
*
Arson
*
Fire investigation
*
Fire protection engineering
Fire protection engineering is the application of science and engineering principles to protect people, property, and their environments from the harmful and destructive effects of fire and smoke. It encompasses engineering which focuses on fi ...
*
Fire science
Fire investigation, sometimes referred to as origin and cause investigation, is the analysis of fire-related incidents. After firefighters extinguish a fire, an investigation is launched to determine the origin and cause of the fire or explosion ...
References
External links
Fire Research LaboratoryATF Homepage
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Fire investigation