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Training Guidelines for the Fire Debris Analyst 

Lesson Plan (Module) 8 

Date: November 2006 Instructor: Qualified Instructor 

Subject: Evidence Collection, Documentation and Packaging, Preservation and Chain 

of Custody 

Total Time: 8 hours 

Learning Objectives 

3⁄4 Demonstrate an understanding of evidence collection. 

3⁄4 Demonstrate knowledge of correct documentation and packaging of evidence. 

3⁄4 Demonstrate correct evidence preservation techniques. 

3⁄4 Demonstrate correct procedures to establish valid chain of custody. 

Suggested Reading 

1. Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science, Saferstein, Richard, Ed.; 

Chapters 2, 3 and 11. Pearson Prentice Hall; 8th ed., 2004. 

2. NFPA 921, Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigation. Quincy, MA. 2004, 

chapter 9. 

3. Forensic Science Handbook Volume I, 2nd edition, Editor R. Saferstein, 

Prentice-Hall, Inc., 2002, chapter 9. 

4. Kirk’s Fire Investigation, 5th Edition, J. D. DeHaan, Brady/Prentice Hall, 

Upper Saddle River, NJ, 2002. 

5. Handbook of Forensic Services Revised 2003 at www.fbi.gov: 

http://www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/handbook/intro2.htm 

6. Evidence Contaminated by Polyester Bags, Dietz, W.R., Mann, D., Scientific 

Sleuthing Newsletter, Vol. 12 (3), summer 1988, pages 5-6. 

7. Arson Evidence Container Evaluation: II. “New Generation” Kapak Bags, 

Kinard, W.D. and Midkiff, C.R., Jr., Journal of Forensic Sciences, Vol. 36 (6), 

Nov. 1991, pages 1714-1721. 

8. Evaluation of Polyethylene Containers Used to Collect Evidence for 

Accelerant Detection, Tontarski, R.E., Jr., Journal of Forensic Sciences, Vol. 

28 (2), April 1983, pages 440-445. 

9. ASTM E 1492-92 (1999), Standard Practice for Receiving, Documenting, 

Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory. 

10. In Search of the Perfect Container for Fire Debris Evidence, Mann, D.C., Fire 

and Arson Investigator, April 2000, pp. 21-25. 
 

11. Alternative Sampling Methods To Collect Ignitable Liquid Residues From 

Non-porous Areas Such As Concrete, Mann, D.C. and Putaansuu, N.D., Fire 

and Arson Investigator, July 2006, pp. 43-46. 

12. Physical Evidence of Arson: Its Recognition, Collection, and Packaging, 

Dietz, W.R., Fire and Arson Investigator, 41(4), 1991, pp. 33-39. 

13. Evidence Collection, Preservation & Disposal, Herrera, F., Fire and Arson 

Investigator, 49(4), 1999, pp.31-32. 

14. A Study of Contamination in Fire Debris Containers, Lang, T., Canadian 

Society of Forensic Science Journal, 32(2&3), 1999, pp. 75-84. 

15. Individual laboratory protocol manuals. 

Introduction 

The student will learn the importance of proper evidence collection. Correct procedures 

will be taught concerning how to seal physical evidence as well as how to properly 

document and preserve any recovered evidence. Additionally, the student will learn the 

importance of a proper chain of custody. 

Outline 

1. Documentation of Evidence 

a. Scene 

i. Date/time of evidence collection 

ii. Scene conditions 

iii. Photography 

iv. Sketches 

v. Notes 

b. Laboratory 

i. Date/time of examination 

ii. Description of Evidence Packaging 

iii. Preliminary Description of Evidence 

1. odor 

2. general evaluation of contents 

iv. Post-Analysis Description of Evidence 

2. Collection of Evidence 

a. Tools 

b. Gloves 

c. Cross sections 

d. Absorbents 

e. Adsorbents 

f. Quantities 

3. Packaging of Evidence 
 

 

 

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a. Containers 

i. Metal cans (unlined and lined) 

ii. Vapor-tight bags (nylon, Fire DebrisPAK, others) 

iii. Glass jars 

iv. Vials 

v. Unacceptable containers 

b. Labeling Information 

i. Description of material 

ii. Location information 

iii. Agency information 

iv. Date and time 

c. Sealing 

i. ASCLD/LAB requirements for a seal 

ii. Tape, heat sealers 

iii. Unacceptable seals 

4. Preservation of Evidence 

a. Refrigeration 

b. Freezing 

i. Microbial degradation 

c. Protection 

i. Sunlight 

ii. Heat 

iii. Breakage (glass containers) 

d. Time 

i. Shelf life 

ii. Visual inspection 

5. Chain of Custody 

a. Intact 

b. Legible 

c. Complete 

d. Documented transfers 

Teaching Aids 

 Visual aids 

 Sample containers 

Chain of Custody forms 

Handouts 

 PowerPoint presentation 

Summary 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upon completion of this training, the student will have learned the basics of proper 

evidence documentation, collection and preservation of fire debris evidence. The student 

will be able to correctly select the appropriate materials and containers used to gather this 

type of evidence. Additionally, the student will be able to properly label and seal 

recovered fire debris evidence and complete accurate chain of custody forms. 

Test Questions 

1. Microbial degradation is reduced by: 

a. Room temperature storage 

b. Heating 

c. Freezing 

d. Anti-bacterial reagents 

2. Which of the following is not an appropriate container for storage of fire debris 

suspected of containing an ignitable liquid? 

a. Polyethylene bags

 b. Nylon bags 

c. Fire DebrisPAK bags 

d. Glass jars 

3. A complete chain of custody should include documentation of: 

a. name of individuals transferring the evidence 

b. date of transfer 

c. location 

d. all of the above 

4. How full should jars or cans be filled for laboratory analysis? 

a. 90-100% 

b. 40-70% 

c. 1-10% 

d. Any of the above 

5. Which of the following should not be used as an absorbent for suspected ignitable 

liquids? 

a. self-rising flour

 b. unscented cat litter 

c. tampons 

d. first aid gauze 

e. diatomaceous earth