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  • NFPA 921 : 2017

    View superseded by
    Superseded A superseded Standard is one, which is fully replaced by another Standard, which is a new edition of the same Standard.
    View superseded by

    GUIDE FOR FIRE AND EXPLOSION INVESTIGATIONS

    Available format(s):  Hardcopy

    Superseded date:  14-08-2021

    Language(s):  English

    Published date:  01-01-2017

    Publisher:  National Fire Protection Association

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    Table of Contents - (Show below) - (Hide below)

    Chapter 1 - Administration
    Chapter 2 - Referenced Publications
    Chapter 3 - Definitions
    Chapter 4 - Basic Methodology
    Chapter 5 - Basic Fire Science
    Chapter 6 - Fire Patterns
    Chapter 7 - Building Systems
    Chapter 8 - Active Fire Protection Systems
    Chapter 9 - Electricity and Fire
    Chapter 10 - Building Fuel Gas Systems
    Chapter 11 - Fire-Related Human Behavior
    Chapter 12 - Legal Considerations
    Chapter 13 - Safety
    Chapter 14 - Sources of Information
    Chapter 15 - Planning the Investigation
    Chapter 16 - Documentation of the Investigation
    Chapter 17 - Physical Evidence
    Chapter 18 - Origin Determination
    Chapter 19 - Fire Cause Determination
    Chapter 20 - Classification of Fire Cause
    Chapter 21 - Analyzing the Incident for Cause and
                 Responsibility
    Chapter 22 - Failure Analysis and Analytical Tools
    Chapter 23 - Explosions
    Chapter 24 - Incendiary Fires
    Chapter 25 - Fire and Explosion Deaths and Injuries
    Chapter 26 - Appliances
    Chapter 27 - Motor Vehicle Fires
    Chapter 28 - Wildfire Investigations
    Chapter 29 - Management of Complex Investigations
    Chapter 30 - Marine Fire Investigations
    Annex A - Explanatory Material
    Annex B - Bibliography
    Annex C - Informational References
    Annex D - Photograph Credits
    Index

    Abstract - (Show below) - (Hide below)

    Defines guidelines and recommendations for the safe and systematic investigation or analysis of fire and explosion incidents.

    General Product Information - (Show below) - (Hide below)

    Development Note Also available as a SET with NFPA 1033. (03/2011) 2011 Edition is also available in Spanish Language, See NFPA 921 SPANISH. (01/2013)
    Document Type Standard
    Publisher National Fire Protection Association
    Status Superseded
    Superseded By
    Supersedes

    Standards Referenced By This Book - (Show below) - (Hide below)

    NFPA 901 : 2016 CLASSIFICATIONS FOR INCIDENT REPORTING AND FIRE PROTECTION DATA
    ASTM E 2292 : 2014 : REDLINE Standard Guide for Field Investigation of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Incidents
    18/30369304 DC : DRAFT APR 2018 BS EN 1473 - INSTALLATION AND EQUIPMENT FOR LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS - DESIGN OF ONSHORE INSTALLATIONS
    ASTM E 860 : 2007 : R2013 : EDT 1 Standard Practice for Examining And Preparing Items That Are Or May Become Involved In Criminal or Civil Litigation
    NFPA 914 : 2015 FIRE PROTECTION OF HISTORIC STRUCTURES
    NFPA 556 : 2016 GUIDE ON METHODS FOR EVALUATING FIRE HAZARD TO OCCUPANTS OF PASSENGER ROAD VEHICLES
    NFPA 10 : 2018 PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
    NFPA 35 : 2016 MANUFACTURE OF ORGANIC COATINGS
    NFPA 130 : 2017 FIXED GUIDEWAY TRANSIT AND PASSENGER RAIL SYSTEMS
    NFPA 556 : 2020 GUIDE ON METHODS FOR EVALUATING FIRE HAZARD TO OCCUPANTS OF PASSENGER ROAD VEHICLES
    NFPA 76 : 2016 FIRE PROTECTION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
    NFPA 5000 : 2018 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND SAFETY CODE
    DIN EN 1473:2016-10 Installation and equipment for liquefied natural gas - Design of onshore installations
    IEC 60335-2-40:2018 RLV Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-40: Particular requirements for electrical heat pumps, air-conditioners and dehumidifiers
    NFPA 329 : 2015 HANDLING RELEASES OF FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS AND GASES
    IEC 60335-2-40:2018 Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-40: Particular requirements for electrical heat pumps, air-conditioners and dehumidifiers
    NFPA 1033 : 2014 PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR FIRE INVESTIGATOR
    NFPA 1037 : 2016 FIRE MARSHAL PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
    IEC 60335-2-40 REDLINE : 6.0 HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES - SAFETY - PART 2-40: PARTICULAR REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL HEAT PUMPS, AIR-CONDITIONERS AND DEHUMIDIFIERS
    NFPA 2 : 2016 HYDROGEN TECHNOLOGIES CODE
    NFPA 909 : 2017 PROTECTION OF CULTURAL RESOURCE PROPERTIES - MUSEUMS, LIBRARIES, AND PLACES OF WORSHIP
    BS EN 1473:2016 Installation and equipment for liquefied natural gas. Design of onshore installations
    N293-12 (R2017) Fire protection for nuclear power plants
    DIN EN 1473:1997-11 INSTALLATION AND EQUIPMENT FOR LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS - DESIGN OF ONSHORE INSTALLATIONS
    NASA-STD-8719.11B:2020 STANDARD FOR FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY
    NFPA 1 : 2021 FIRE CODE
    I.S. EN 1473:2016 INSTALLATION AND EQUIPMENT FOR LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS - DESIGN OF ONSHORE INSTALLATIONS
    NFPA 326 : 2015 SAFEGUARDING OF TANKS AND CONTAINERS FOR ENTRY, CLEANING, OR REPAIR
    PREN 1473 : DRAFT 2018 INSTALLATION AND EQUIPMENT FOR LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS - DESIGN OF ONSHORE INSTALLATIONS
    EN 1473:2016 Installation and equipment for liquefied natural gas - Design of onshore installations
    IEC TR 63054:2017 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Fire risk analysis and risk reduction measures
    05/30128234 DC : DRAFT FEB 2005 EN 1473 - INSTALLATION AND EQUIPMENT FOR LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS - DESIGN OF ONSHORE INSTALLATIONS
    ASTM E 860 : 2007 : R2013 : EDT 2 Standard Practice for Examining And Preparing Items That Are Or May Become Involved In Criminal or Civil Litigation
    NFPA 1451 : 2018 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICE VEHICLE OPERATIONS TRAINING PROGRAM
    NFPA 53 : 2016 MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND SYSTEMS USED IN OXYGEN-ENRICHED ATMOSPHERES
    NFPA 1500 : 2018 FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY, HEALTH, AND WELLNESS PROGRAM
    S851-12 Post-blast safety evaluation of buildings
    ASTM G 145 : 2008 : R2016 Standard Guide for Studying Fire Incidents in Oxygen Systems
    NFPA 101 : 2018 LIFE SAFETY CODE
    CSA N293 : 2012 : INC : UPD 1 : 2017 : R201700 FIRE PROTECTION FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
    CSA N293 : 2012(R2018) FIRE PROTECTION FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
    CSA N293 : 2012 FIRE PROTECTION FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
    NASA STD 8719.11 : 2008 SAFETY STANDARD FOR FIRE PROTECTION
    ASTM E 860 : 2007 Standard Practice for Examining And Preparing Items That Are Or May Become Involved In Criminal or Civil Litigation
    NFPA 1035 : 2015 PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY EDUCATOR, PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, YOUTH FIRESETTER INTERVENTION SPECIALIST, AND YOUTH FIRESETTER PROGRAM MANAGER
    IEEE C37.10-2011 REDLINE IEEE Guide for Investigation, Analysis, and Reporting of Power Circuit Breaker Failures
    ASTM G 145 : 20081 Standard Guide for Studying Fire Incidents in Oxygen Systems
    PD IEC/TR 63054:2017 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear. Fire risk analysis and risk reduction measures
    NFPA 654 : 2017 PREVENTION OF FIRE AND DUST EXPLOSIONS FROM THE MANUFACTURING, PROCESSING, AND HANDLING OF COMBUSTIBLE PARTICULATE SOLIDS
    NFPA 115 : 2016 LASER FIRE PROTECTION
    ASTM E 860 : 2007 : R2013 Standard Practice for Examining And Preparing Items That Are Or May Become Involved In Criminal or Civil Litigation
    14/30297213 DC : 0 BS EN 1473 - INSTALLATION AND EQUIPMENT FOR LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS - DESIGN OF ONSHORE INSTALLATIONS
    NFPA 484 : 2015 COMBUSTIBLE METALS
    API 585 : 2014 PRESSURE EQUIPMENT INTEGRITY INCIDENT INVESTIGATION
    NFPA 655 : 2017 PREVENTION OF SULFUR FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS
    ASTM E 2345 : 2004 Standard Practice for Investigating Electrical Incidents (Withdrawn 2004)
    NFPA 1 : 2018 FIRE CODE

    Standards Referencing This Book - (Show below) - (Hide below)

    ASTM E 603 : 2017 : REDLINE Standard Guide for Room Fire Experiments
    NFPA 1194 : 2018 RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARKS AND CAMPGROUNDS
    ASTM E 800 : 2014 : REDLINE Standard Guide for Measurement of Gases Present or Generated During Fires
    CFR 33(PTS125-199) : JUL 2017 NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS
    NFPA 22 : 2013 WATER TANKS FOR PRIVATE FIRE PROTECTION
    CFR 21(PTS1300-END) : 0 FOOD AND DRUGS
    NFPA 2001 : 2015 CLEAN AGENT FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
    NFPA 750 : 2015 WATER MIST FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
    CFR 49(PTS400-571) : OCT 2017 TRANSPORTATION
    NFPA 906 : 1998 GUIDE FOR FIRE INCIDENT FIELD NOTES
    ASTM E 1491 : 2006 Standard Test Method for Minimum Autoignition Temperature of Dust Clouds
    NFPA 25 : 2017 INSPECTION, TESTING, AND MAINTENANCE OF WATER-BASED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
    ASTM D 1929 : 2016 : REDLINE Standard Test Method for Determining Ignition Temperature of Plastics
    NFPA 556 : 2016 GUIDE ON METHODS FOR EVALUATING FIRE HAZARD TO OCCUPANTS OF PASSENGER ROAD VEHICLES
    ANSI Z400.1 : 2004 HAZARDOUS INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS - MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS - PREPARATION
    NFPA 58 : 2017 LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS CODE
    NFPA 780 : 2017 INSTALLATION OF LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEMS
    CFR 29(PTS1900-1910) : 0 LABOR - OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
    NFPA 654 : 2017 PREVENTION OF FIRE AND DUST EXPLOSIONS FROM THE MANUFACTURING, PROCESSING, AND HANDLING OF COMBUSTIBLE PARTICULATE SOLIDS
    NFPA 1033 : 2014 PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR FIRE INVESTIGATOR
    NFPA 1403 : 2018 LIVE FIRE TRAINING EVOLUTIONS
    NFPA 101 : 2018 LIFE SAFETY CODE
    NFPA 1977 : 2016 PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT FOR WILDLAND FIRE FIGHTING
    NFPA 400 : 2016 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS CODE
    NFPA 170 : 2018 FIRE SAFETY AND EMERGENCY SYMBOLS
    NFPA 302 : 2010 PLEASURE AND COMMERCIAL MOTOR CRAFT
    NFPA 17A : 2017 WET CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
    NFPA 501 : 2017 MANUFACTURED HOUSING
    NFPA 53 : 2016 MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND SYSTEMS USED IN OXYGEN-ENRICHED ATMOSPHERES
    NFPA 17 : 2017 DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
    NFPA 69 : 2014 EXPLOSION PREVENTION SYSTEMS
    CFR 16(PTS1000-END) : 0 COMMERCIAL PRACTICES - FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION - CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
    UL 1500:3ED 1997-09 Standard for Ignition-Protection Test for Marine Products
    NFPA 13R : 2016 INSTALLATION OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS IN LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES
    API 2003 : 2015 PROTECTION AGAINST IGNITIONS ARISING OUT OF STATIC, LIGHTNING, AND STRAY CURRENTS
    ICC 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE : 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE
    NFPA 3 : 2018 COMMISSIONING OF FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
    ASTM E 108 : 2017 : REDLINE Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings
    NFPA 12B : 1990 HALON 1211 FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
    CFR 49(PTS100-177) : OCT 2017 TRANSPORTATION
    ANSI Z129.1 : 2006 HAZARDOUS INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS - PRECAUTIONARY LABELING
    ASTM D 86 : 2017-06 TEST METHOD FOR DISTILLATION OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND LIQUID FUELS AT ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE
    NFPA 33 : 2016 SPRAY APPLICATION USING FLAMMABLE OR COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS
    IEEE/ASTM SI_10-2010 American National Standard for Metric Practice
    ASTM E 1618 : 2014 : REDLINE Standard Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
    NFPA 385 : 2017 TANK VEHICLES FOR FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS
    ASTM E 2067 : 2015 : REDLINE Standard Practice for Full-Scale Oxygen Consumption Calorimetry Fire Tests
    NFPA 24 : 2016 INSTALLATION OF PRIVATE FIRE SERVICE MAINS AND THEIR APPURTENANCES
    NFPA 15 : 2017 WATER SPRAY FIXED SYSTEMS FOR FIRE PROTECTION
    NFPA 550 : 2017 FIRE SAFETY CONCEPTS TREE
    ASTM D 1310 : 2014 : REDLINE Standard Test Method for Flash Point and Fire Point of Liquids by Tag Open-Cup Apparatus
    NFPA 68 : 2013 EXPLOSION PROTECTION BY DEFLAGRATION VENTING
    NFPA 14 : 2016 INSTALLATION OF STANDPIPE AND HOSE SYSTEMS
    ASTM E 2021 : 2015 : REDLINE Standard Test Method for Hot-Surface Ignition Temperature of Dust Layers
    NFPA 220 : 2018 TYPES OF BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
    NFPA 1192 : 2018 RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
    NFPA 260 : 2013 STANDARD METHODS OF TESTS AND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR CIGARETTE IGNITION RESISTANCE OF COMPONENTS OF UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE
    NFPA 11 : 2016 LOW-, MEDIUM-, AND HIGH-EXPANSION FOAM
    NFPA 45 : 2015 FIRE PROTECTION FOR LABORATORIES USING CHEMICALS
    NFPA 70 : 2017 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE
    NFPA 12 : 2015 CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
    ASTM D 93 : 2016-07 TEST METHODS FOR FLASH POINT BY PENSKY-MARTENS CLOSED CUP TESTER
    SAE J 2578 : 2014 RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR GENERAL FUEL CELL VEHICLE SAFETY
    NFPA 303 : 2016 FIRE PROTECTION STANDARD FOR MARINAS AND BOATYARDS
    NFPA FIRE ALARM SIGNALING SYSTEMS : 2010 FIRE ALARM SIGNALING SYSTEMS
    NFPA FIRE PROT GUIDE ON HAZARDOUS MAT : 2010 FIRE PROTECTION GUIDE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
    NFPA 197 : 2018 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting
    NFPA 261 : 2013 TEST FOR DETERMINING RESISTANCE OF MOCK-UP UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE MATERIAL ASSEMBLIES TO IGNITION BY SMOLDERING CIGARETTES
    NFPA 72 : 2016 NATIONAL FIRE ALARM AND SIGNALING CODE
    NFPA 13 : 2016 INSTALLATION OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
    CFR 21(PTS600-799) : 0 FOOD AND DRUGS - FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, CHAPTER 1 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - PARTS 600-799
    ASTM E 906/E906M : 2017 : REDLINE Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using a Thermopile Method
    NFPA 1404 : 2013 FIRE SERVICE RESPIRATORY PROTECTION TRAINING
    NFPA 555 : 2017 METHODS FOR EVALUATING POTENTIAL FOR ROOM FLASHOVER
    ASTM E 1459 : 2013 : R2018 Standard Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related Documentation
    NFPA 30 : 2018 FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS CODE
    NFPA 77 : 2014 STATIC ELECTRICITY
    NFPA 1852 : 2013 SELECTION, CARE, AND MAINTENANCE OF OPEN-CIRCUIT SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS (SCBA)
    API 2013 : 1991 CLEANING MOBILE TANKS IN FLAMMABLE OR COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID SERVICE
    CFR 49(PTS178-199) : OCT 2017 TRANSPORTATION
    MIL-STD-202 Revision H:2015 ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENT PARTS
    NFPA 54 : 2018 NATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE
    CFR 46(PTS1-40) : OCT 2017 SHIPPING - COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    NFPA 318 : 2018 PROTECTION OF SEMICONDUCTOR FABRICATION FACILITIES
    UL 263:14ED 2011-06 Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
    NFPA 16 : 2015 INSTALLATION OF FOAM-WATER SPRINKLER AND FOAM-WATER SPRAY SYSTEMS
    ASTM E 659 : 2015 : REDLINE Standard Test Method for Autoignition Temperature of Chemicals
    ASME PV CODE SET : 2017 BOILER AND PRESSURE VESSEL CODE - COMPLETE SET
    API RP 1004:2003 BOTTOM LOADING AND VAPOR RECOVERY FOR MC-306 & DOT-406 TANK MOTOR VEHICLES
    NFPA 1500 : 2018 FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY, HEALTH, AND WELLNESS PROGRAM
    NFPA 120 : 2015 FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL IN COAL MINES
    NFPA AUTO SPRINKLER & STANDPIPE TXTBK : 4ED 2006 AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER AND STANDPIPE SYSTEMS
    NFPA 12A : 2015 HALON 1301 FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
    NFPA 13D : 2016 INSTALLATION OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS IN ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS AND MANUFACTURED HOMES
    NFPA 1144 : 2018 REDUCING STRUCTURE IGNITION HAZARDS FROM WILDLAND FIRE
    NFPA 20 : 2016 INSTALLATION OF STATIONARY PUMPS FOR FIRE PROTECTION
    ASTM D 1230 : 2017 : REDLINE Standard Test Method for Flammability of Apparel Textiles
    NFPA 1981 : 2013 OPEN-CIRCUIT SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS (SCBA) FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES
    NFPA 253 : 2015 STANDARD METHOD OF TEST FOR CRITICAL RADIANT FLUX OF FLOOR COVERING SYSTEMS USING A RADIANT HEAT ENERGY SOURCE
    ASTM E 1354 : 2017 : REDLINE Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter
    NFPA 11A : 1999 MEDIUM- AND HIGH-EXPANSION FOAM SYSTEMS
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