NCJ Number
85731
Date Published
1982
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Because vehicle fires account for 10 percent of all fire losses in the United States, representing approximately $682,000,000 in damages, all vehicle fires should be investigated.
Abstract
It is noted that 90 percent of all vehicles involved in fires are financed, yet fleet vehicles and uninsured vehicles seldom burn. In addition, although women account for 30 percent of all miles driven annually in the United States, they are involved in less than 1 percent of all vehicle fires. Vehicle fires can provide a source of money for persons who owe car payments, have mechanical problems, or cannot afford to pay repair bills. Investigation of all vehicle fires can reverse this pattern. The trained investigator should note the fire location, weather conditions, time of day, traffic, and availability of fire protection. At the scene, such facts as color of smoke, area of involvement, position of doors, and condition of tires should be recorded. The most common excuse for vehicle fire is the electrical aspect, so the electrical system must be thoroughly evaluated. The investigator should complete the task by determining whether the vehicle is stolen, whether there have been recent changes in the insurance policy carried on the vehicle, and whether the status of financial arrangements for the vehicle is questionable. The most powerful deterrent to vehicle fire is an investigation which results in prosecution and conviction of the offender. Four footnotes and a five-entry bibliography are provided.