The Pocket Guide to Accelerant Evidence Collection Appendix I:
Glossary of Terms for the Fire/Arson Part A. Definitions: - A
substance used to initiate or promote the spread of fire. The
most commonly encountered arson accelerants are ignitable
(flammable or combustible) liquids. Ignitable liquids, such as
gasoline and kerosene, generate heavier than air, ignitable
vapors at ordinary temperatures, are immiscible (don't mix with
water), and float and sheen (rainbow coloration) on surface
water. Other ignitable liquids, such as ethyl alcohol or
isopropyl alcohol, are miscible (mix well) and do not float or
leave a sheen on water. Common structural materials and
assemblies and natural or man made substances often readily
absorb ignitable liquids. - Hydrocarbons are grouped according
to their molecular structure. The two major families of
hydrocarbons are aliphatic and aromatic. Aliphatic hydrocarbons
can be either straight chain molecules or branched chain
molecules. Hydrocarbons can be further classified as alk