What are some of the most commonly used ignition and timing devices employed in the commission of arsons?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

1. Matches: Frequently, a match is struck by the arsonist, but only juvenile arsonists and pyromaniacs seem to favor this method. Other firesetters want some delay, so they adapt the ordinary match to some timing mechanism. Several matches may be affixed to a lighted cigarette with a rubber band or Scotch tape, with the heads of the matches about halfway down the cigarette from its glowing end. In some cases, the matches are just laid alongside the cigarette. Books of paper matches have also been a popular mechanism for arsonists. Since cigarettes will continue to burn when laid on their sides, they are effective ignition devices; the slow-burning cigarette allows the firesetter a few minutes to get away from the scene before the fire makes any headway. Matches are also used in conjunction with numerous mechanical devices.
2. Candles: As a timed ignition device, candles have been in use by arsonists for over a century. A candle will burn at various rates, depending upon its composition and size.
3. Chemicals: Various chemical combustions have been used to set fires. Saboteurs have used such means for years. Units that provide for an acid to be released upon some combination of chemicals are a favorite device, with acid releasing itself by eating its way through the cork or even the metal of its containers.
4. Gas: Although not commonly encountered, the combination of gas and the pilot light on the kitchen stoves of many residences is always a possibility. Illuminating gas rises to the ceiling, being lighter than air, and then slowly moves down to the floor level as it continues to escape. When it reaches a combustion buildup, it is close to the pilot light level, and an explosion, usually followed by fire, takes place. A candle placed in a room adjoining the kitchen has also been utilized as a means of ignition.
5. Electrical systems: Any wiring system, including doorbell and telephone circuits, can be used as a fire-setting tool. Ignition devices hooked up to the wiring systems of buildings have been used throughout the country as arson tools. The time of ignition can be established by a study of the habits of the persons using the premises in which the fire is to be set. A watchman may switch on the light every hour as he inspects the various portions of the building on his rounds of inspections, or employees may turn on light switches at the time of opening. While a doorbell system can be used in the same manner to trigger an ignition device, the possibility of flaws in the timing obviates any widespread use. The bell may be rung by some chance visitor and upset the carefully laid plans of the firesetter. Telephone timing devices have some fault. A "wrong number" or an unexpected call can cause the fire to be underway, possibly days ahead of schedule.
6. Mechanical: Alarm clocks were once a favored weapon of arsonists. A simple alarm clock, some wire, and a small battery allowed a firesetter to be "in business." But after a search of the fire debris disclosed the remains of an alarm clock, the arsonist was in trouble and usually on his way to prison.
7. Plants: These are the materials placed about an ignition device to feed the initial flame. Newspapers, wood shavings, excelsior, rags, clothing, curtains, blankets, and cotton waste are some of the materials used for plants. Newspapers and excelsior seem to be the most frequently used material, with cotton waste being used extensively in factory or industrial fires.
8. Trailers: Trailers are used to spread the fire. A trailer is ignited by the blaze kindled in the primary plant by an ignition device, and it carries the fire to other parts of a room or building. Sometimes the trailer will simply carry the fire to these other locations while the arsonist depends on the flames from the trailer to spread the fire, but usually a trailer will end at a secondary plant, i.e., another pile of papers or excelsior sprinkled with gasoline, kerosene, or some other booster.