Pyrotechnics and Fire Safety Experts Discuss Backyard Gasoline Fire

This case involves a 13-year-old girl who was at a friend’s home in North Dakota for a holiday party. She was instructed by her friend’s father to start a fire in a fire pit outside, using a starter log and gasoline. The child suffered significant burns all over her body in attempting to start this fire, and has incurred large medical bills. It was alleged that the friend’s father was grossly negligent in allowing a child to use a full can of gas to start a fire without adult supervision.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Please explain why you're qualified to serve as an expert reviewer of this matter. 2. Do you have any specific training or credentials in fire safety? 3. Have you ever taught, lectured or published on the subject of fire safety? 4. Have you ever served as an expert witness?

Expert Witness Response E-013337

I am a forensic specialist in matters involving fire science and dynamics. I am a licensed engineer and a certified fire and explosion investigator with a lifetime of fire-safety experience and training. My fire-safety training began as a Cub Scout, when I began preparing camp and stove fires for my family. I've used a variety of fire starting techniques including fire starter logs, wax fire starters, fuel stacking methods, and liquid accelerants like gasoline. I've conducted scientific fire testing with a variety of fuels including gasoline, and I have witnessed the vapor ignition of gasoline fumes on a number of occasions. I've also used gasoline as a fire accelerant in professional pyrotechnics settings and later taught fire investigators about the heat transfer and fluid dynamics associated with gasoline-laden fires. I'm also familiar with the recommended regulations regarding young fire starters. Much of the detail in this particular case will pertain to the use of gasoline in the log ignition. Starter logs are quite safe and do not have the explosive characteristics that gasoline fumes have. The use of gasoline is unnecessary and dangerous.