Priority Action Report

Fire Debris and Explosives 

Subcommittee

Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis SAC

Vincent J. Desiderio

February 23, 2016
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Fire Debris and Explosives

The OSAC Subcommittee 

on Fire Debris and 

Explosives will focus on 

standards, guidelines, and 

resources related to the 

scientific examination and 

analysis of materials 

associated with fire and 

explosion investigations.

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Fire Debris and Explosives

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Subcommittee Leadership

Position Name Organization Term Email

Chair Vincent Desiderio US Postal 

Inspection Service 

3 Years vjdesiderio@uspis.gov

Vice Chair Susan Hetzel SEA Limited 4 Years shetzel@sealimited.com

Executive 

Secretary

Brenda Christy Virginia 

Department of 

Forensic Science 

2 Years brenda.christy@dfs.virginia.gov

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Subcommittee Members

# Name Organization Term Email

1 Phillip Antoci New York City Police Department 4 Years philip.antoci@nypd.org

2 Dr. Andrew T. Armstrong Armstrong Forensic Laboratory 3 Years andrew@aflab.com

3 Marcela Brown National Institute of Standards and Technology 4 Years marcela.najarro@nist.gov

4 Inge Corbin Defense Forensic Science Center 3 Years inge.corbin.civ@mail.mil

5 Michelle Evans Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives 3 Years michelle.r.evans@usdoj.gov

6 Dr. Adam Hall Northeastern University 4 Years a.hall@neu.edu

7 Dennis C. Hilliard Rhode Island State Crime Laboratory 2 Years dch@uri.edu

8 Judith L. Hoffman Montana State Crime Laboratory 2 Years jhoffman@mt.gov

9 Dr. Katherine Hutches Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives 3 Years katherine.d.hutches@usdoj.gov

10 Douglas Klapec Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives 4 Years doug.j.klapec@usdoj.gov

11 Wayne Moorehead Pennsylvania State University 4 Years criminalistics@hotmail.com

12 Robert F. Mothershead II Federal Bureau of Investigation 2 Years robert.mothershead@ic.fbi.gov

13 Reta Newman Pinellas County Crime Laboratory 2 Years rtnewman@co.pinellas.fl.us

14 Dr. Jimmie C. Oxley University of Rhode Island 2 Years joxley@chm.uri.edu 

15 William A. Randle Missouri State Highwau Patrol 3 Years will.randle@mshp.dps.mo.gov

16 Dr. Michael Sigman University of Central Florida 3 Years michael.sigman@ucf.edu

17 Lisa Windsor Tucson Police Department Crime Lab 6 3 Years lisa.windsor@tucsonaz.gov
Task Group Chairs

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Task Group Name

Document Development 

and Evaluation

Michelle Evans

Reports, Terminology, 

and Testimony

Dr. Katherine Hutches

QA/QC Robert Mothershead

Research and Training Dr. Adam Hall
Subcommittee Liaisons

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Position Name

QIC Liaison Reta Newman

HFC Liaison Dr. Katherine Hutches

LRC Liaison Phillip Antoci

KAVI Liaison Dr. Adam Hall
Summary of Standards/Guidelines 

Priority Actions

Priority Working Title of Document

HIGH (SDO-11) E1618-14: Standard Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts from 

Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

HIGH (RA-1) ASTM E2881-13e-Standard Test Method for Extraction and Derivatization of 

Vegetable Oils and Fats from Fire Debris and Liquid Samples with Analysis by Gas 

Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry 

HIGH (RA-2) ASTM E2451-13: Standard Practice for Preserving Ignitable Liquids and Ignitable 

Liquid Residue Extracts from Fire Debris Samples

HIGH (RA-3) ASTM E1386-15: Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues 

from Fire Debris Samples by Solvent Extraction

MEDIUM (SDO-10) ASTM E1388-12: Standard Practice for Sampling of Headspace Vapors from 

Fire Debris Samples

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Summary of Standards/Guidelines 

Priority Actions

Priority Working Title of Document

MEDIUM (SDO-7) E1412-12: Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues 

from Fire Debris Samples by Passive Headspace Concentration With Activated 

Charcoal

LOW (SDO-12) E1413-13: Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues 

from Fire Debris Samples by Dynamic Headspace Concentration

HIGH (SDO-8) General Fire Debris Analysis Guide (New Document)

MEDIUM (SDO-9) General Intact Explosives Analysis Guide (new Document)

HIGH (SDO-4) Fire Debris Terminology (New Document)

HIGH (SDO-3) Explosives Terminology (New Document)

MEDIUM (SDO-6) Fire Debris QA/QC (New Document)

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Summary of Standards/Guidelines 

Priority Actions

Priority Working Title of Document

MEDIUM (SDO-13) Semi-Dynamic Headspace Sampling for Fire Debris (New Document)

MEDIUM (SDO-2) Fire Debris Report Writing Guide (New Document)

MEDIUM (SDO-1) Explosives Report Writing Guide (New Document)

MEDIUM (SDO-5) Case file review (New Document)

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Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 1 Document

Document Title: 

(SDO-11) E1618-14: Standard Test Method for Ignitable Liquid 

Residues in Extracts from Fire Debris Samples by Gas 

Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Scope: 

This test method covers the identification of residues of ignitable 

liquids in extracts from fire debris samples using gas 

chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Objective/rationale: 

The objective is to provide a standard method for the analysis and 

classification of ignitable liquids and their residues for analysis by 

GC-MS.

Task Group Name: Ad Hoc E1618 Evaluation Task Group

Task Group Chair Name: Reta Newman

Date of Last Task Group Meeting: TBD

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Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 1 Document

Key Components of Standard: 

(SDO-11) E1618-14: Standard Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in 

Extracts from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry)

•Guidance provided for gas chromatograph and mass 

spectrometer instrument parameters.

•A comprehensive classification system for ignitable 

liquids/residues.

•Report guidance. 

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Task Group/Subcommittee Action Plan

Planned Actions

OSAC Process 

Stage (e.g., 

SDO 100) 

Assignee Estimated

Completion Date

Ad hoc task group evaluation

of document for suitability as 

a definitive standard.

SDO-100 R. Newman June 30, 2016

Subcommittee evaluation of 

ad hoc task group report.

SDO-100 S. Hetzel July 29, 2016

Subcommittee discussion and 

vote on path forward.

SDO-100 V. Desiderio August, 5, 2016

Priority 1: (SDO-11) ASTM E1618-14: Standard Test Method for Ignitable Liquid 

Residues in Extracts from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass 

Spectrometry

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Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 2 Document

Document Title: 

(RA-1) E2881-13e-Standard Test Method for Extraction and Derivatization 

of Vegetable Oils and Fats from Fire Debris and Liquid Samples with 

Analysis by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Scope: 

This test method covers the extraction, derivatization, and 

identification of fatty acids indicative of vegetable oils and fats in 

fire debris and liquid samples. This procedure will also extract 

animal oils and fats, as these are similar in chemical composition to 

vegetable oils and fats.

Objective/rationale: 

The objective is to provide a standard method for the extraction, 

derivatization, and analysis of vegetable oils and fats.

Task Group Name: Document Development and Evaluation

Task Group Chair Name: Michelle Evans

Date of Last Task Group Meeting: January 27-29, 2016

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Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 2 Document

Key Components of Standard:

(RA-1) ASTM E2881-13e-Standard Test Method for Extraction and Derivatization of Vegetable 

Oils and Fats from Fire Debris and Liquid Samples with Analysis by Gas ChromatographyMass Spectrometry 

•Guidance for the derivatization of oils and fats that may be 

encountered in fire debris in preparation for chromatographic 

analysis.

•Suggested instrumental parameters.

•Suggested sample handling procedures.

•Guidance on interpretation and reporting.

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Task Group/Subcommittee Action Plan

Planned Actions

OSAC Process 

Stage (e.g., 

SDO 100) 

Assignee Estimated

Completion Date

Subcommittee review of 

referenced documents for 

general technical merit.

RA-700 B. Christy February 26, 2016

Resubmit to QIC for second 

review.

RA-800 V. Desiderio March 11, 2016

Priority 2: (RA-1) E2881-13e-Standard Test Method for Extraction and 

Derivatization of Vegetable Oils and Fats from Fire Debris and Liquid Samples 

with Analysis by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry 

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Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 3 Document

Document Title: 

(RA-2) E2451-13: Standard Practice for Preserving Ignitable Liquids and 

Ignitable Liquid Residue Extracts from Fire Debris Samples

Scope: 

This practice describes procedures for preserving residues of 

ignitable liquids in extracts obtained from fire debris samples 

and questioned ignitable liquid samples. 

Objective/rationale: 

To provide guidance for the practice of preserving fire debris 

extracts for subsequent analysis.

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Task Group Name: Document Development and Evaluation

Task Group Chair Name: Michelle Evans

Date of Last Task Group Meeting: January 27-29, 2016
Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 3 Document

Key Components of Standard: 

(RA-2) E2451-13: Standard Practice for Preserving Ignitable Liquids and Ignitable 

Liquid Residue Extracts from Fire Debris Samples

•Best practices guidance for saving sample extracts for possible 

later analysis.

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Task Group/Subcommittee Action 

Plan

Planned Actions

OSAC Process 

Stage (e.g., 

SDO 100) 

Assignee Estimated

Completion Date

Re-evaluate document for resubmission as a standard and 

review referenced documents 

for technical merit.

RA-375 S. Hetzel April 29, 2016

Priority 3: (RA-2) E2451-13: Standard Practice for Preserving Ignitable Liquids 

and Ignitable Liquid Residue Extracts from Fire Debris Samples

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Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 4 Document

Document Title:

(RA-3) ASTM E1386-15: Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable 

Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Solvent Extraction

Scope:

This practice covers the procedure for removing small 

quantities of ignitable liquid residue from samples of fire 

debris using solvent to extract the residue.

Objective/rationale:

To provide guidance for performing solvent extractions of fire 

debris in preparation for analysis.

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Task Group Name: Document Development and Evaluation

Task Group Chair Name: Michelle Evans

Date of Last Task Group Meeting: January 27-29, 2016
Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 4 Document

Key Components of Standard: 

(RA-3) ASTM E1386-15: Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid 

Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Solvent Extraction

•Guided procedures for selecting solvents and performing 

extractions.

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Task Group/Subcommittee Action 

Plan

Planned Actions

OSAC Process 

Stage (e.g., 

SDO 100) 

Assignee Estimated

Completion Date

Review referenced 

documents for general 

technical merit.

RA-100 S. Hetzel April 29, 2016

Assemble and submit Registry 

Request packet and submit to 

SAC.

RA-100 S. Hetzel/

V. Desiderio

May 13, 2016

Priority 4: (RA-3) ASTM E1386-15: Standard Practice for Separation of 

Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Solvent Extraction

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Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 5 Documents

Document Title:

(SDO-3) Explosives Terminology (New Document)

(SDO-4) Fire Debris Terminology (New Document)

Scope: 

These are compilations of terms and corresponding definitions that are 

used in fire debris and explosives analysis. Legal or scientific 

terms that are generally understood or defined adequately in other 

readily available sources may not be included.

Objective/rationale:

To define commonly used terms so that they may be used and 

interpreted in a consistent fashion.

Task Group Name: Reports, Terminology, and Testimony

Task Group Chair Name: Dr. Katherine Hutches

Date of Last Task Group Meeting: January 27-29, 2016

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Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 5 Documents

Key Components of Standards: 

(SDO-3) Explosives Terminology (New Document)

(SDO-4) Fire Debris Terminology (New Document)

• Lists of terms related to fire debris and explosives analysis with 

standard definitions.

• References to sources from which the definitions were obtained.

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Task Group/Subcommittee Action 

Plan

Planned Actions

OSAC Process 

Stage (e.g., 

SDO 100) 

Assignee Estimated

Completion Date

Identify which SDO these 

documents will be submitted 

to.

SDO-200 V. Desiderio March 4, 2016

Complete the SDO Process 

Request form and submit 

documents to the SAC.

SDO-300 K. Hutches March 18, 2016

Priority 5: 

(SDO-3) Explosives Terminology (New Document)

(SDO-4) Fire Debris Terminology (New Document)

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Summary of Standards/Guidelines 

Priority Actions

Priority Working Title of Document

HIGH (SDO-11) E1618-14: Standard Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts from 

Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

HIGH (RA-1) ASTM E2881-13e-Standard Test Method for Extraction and Derivatization of 

Vegetable Oils and Fats from Fire Debris and Liquid Samples with Analysis by Gas 

Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry 

HIGH (RA-2) ASTM E2451-13: Standard Practice for Preserving Ignitable Liquids and Ignitable 

Liquid Residue Extracts from Fire Debris Samples

HIGH (RA-3) ASTM E1386-15: Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues 

from Fire Debris Samples by Solvent Extraction

MEDIUM (SDO-10) ASTM E1388-12: Standard Practice for Sampling of Headspace Vapors from 

Fire Debris Samples

27
Summary of Standards/Guidelines 

Priority Actions

Priority Working Title of Document

MEDIUM (SDO-7) E1412-12: Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues 

from Fire Debris Samples by Passive Headspace Concentration With Activated 

Charcoal

LOW (SDO-12) E1413-13: Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues 

from Fire Debris Samples by Dynamic Headspace Concentration

HIGH (SDO-8) General Fire Debris Analysis Guide (New Document)

MEDIUM (SDO-9) General Intact Explosives Analysis Guide (new Document)

HIGH (SDO-4) Fire Debris Terminology (New Document)

HIGH (SDO-3) Explosives Terminology (New Document)

MEDIUM (SDO-6) Fire Debris QA/QC (New Document)

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Summary of Standards/Guidelines 

Priority Actions

Priority Working Title of Document

MEDIUM (SDO-7) E1412-12: Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues 

from Fire Debris Samples by Passive Headspace Concentration With Activated 

Charcoal

LOW (SDO-12) E1413-13: Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues 

from Fire Debris Samples by Dynamic Headspace Concentration

HIGH (SDO-8) General Fire Debris Analysis Guide (New Document)

MEDIUM (SDO-9) General Explosives Analysis Guide (new Document)

HIGH (SDO-4) Fire Debris Terminology (New Document)

HIGH (SDO-3) Explosives Terminology (New Document)

MEDIUM (SDO-6) Fire Debris QA/QC (New Document)

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Summary of Standards/Guidelines 

Priority Actions

Priority Working Title of Document

MEDIUM (SDO-13) Semi-Dynamic Headspace Sampling for Fire Debris (New Document)

MEDIUM (SDO-2) Fire Debris Report Writing Guide (New Document)

MEDIUM (SDO-1) Explosives Report Writing Guide (New Document)

MEDIUM (SDO-5) Case file review (New Document)

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Summary of Standards/Guidelines 

Priority Actions

Priority Working Title of Document

MEDIUM (SDO-13) Semi-Dynamic Headspace Sampling for Fire Debris (New Document)

MEDIUM (SDO-2) Fire Debris Report Writing Guide (New Document)

MEDIUM (SDO-1) Explosives Report Writing Guide (New Document)

MEDIUM (SDO-5) Case file review (New Document)

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Standards/Guidelines Reviewed For 

Technical Merit

Title Developing 

Organization Status*

OSAC Process 

Stage (e.g., RA 

100)

(SDO-10) ASTM E1388-12: Standard Practice 

for Sampling of Headspace Vapors from Fire 

Debris Samples

ASTM 

International

In SDO 

Revision

SDO-700

(SDO-7) ASTM E1412-12: Standard Practice 

for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues 

from Fire Debris Samples by Passive 

Headspace Concentration With Activated 

Charcoal

ASTM 

International

In SDO 

Revision

SDO-700

(SDO-12) ASTM E1413-13: Standard Practice 

for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues 

from Fire Debris Samples by Dynamic 

Headspace Concentration

ASTM 

International

Still Evaluating SDO-100

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Research Gaps Identified

• Fire Debris:

• The need to continue to research novel extraction methods that may be faster 

and more efficient than those already in use.

• The need to develop research to determine thresholds for when a sample 

should be considered positive due to the identification of an ignitable liquid 

residue.

• Continual work towards methods of improving ignitable liquid source attribution.

• Funding to support the development and validation of new fire debris standards.

• Explosives:

• Continual work toward methods of improving explosives source attribution.

• Funding to support the development of new explosives standards.

• Funding to support the validation of new explosives standards.

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Note- Numerous additional needs have been discussed and will be released over time as the 

concepts are further developed.
Additional Items of Interest

• Reports, Terminology, and Testimony Task Group currently 

developing Daubert resources for Fire Debris and Explosives 

analysis.

• Research and Training Task Group currently developing training 

resources for Fire Debris and Explosives analysis.

• Provision of training will be scheduled for HFC on basic 

principles of fire debris analysis (HFC Liaison- Dr. Katherine 

Hutches).

• Many of our processes have received tremendous assistance 

and input from international Affiliates: 

• Dr. Mark Sandercock (RCMP)

• Eamonn McGee (Centre of Forensic Science)

• Jeanet Hendrikse (Netherlands Forensic Institute).

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Priority Action Report

Fire Debris and Explosives 

Subcommittee

Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis SAC

Vincent J. Desiderio

February 23, 2016