How should evidence from a fire scene be preserved and packaged?
Evidence from fire scenes should be packaged so that the sample is protected from both evaporation of volatile residues or contamination of the residues after they are collected. This is best accomplished by placing the sample in an air-tight container. The most common are clean unused paint cans with a friction lid which is tightly sealed. Glass jars with tight fitting screw-on lids (using a Teflon type liner) may also be used. If glass jars are used, take care that they will not break during transport or shipment. Some brands of nylon “arson” plastic evidence bags are on the market. Some studies show them to be very useful so long as they are sealed properly. BFFEA strongly suggests limiting their use to items with odd shapes or bulk that will not fit into a gallon paint can. If the debris placed inside them has sharp points or edges, the plastic bag could be punctured. Plastic bags must be completely heat sealed. Regardless of the type of container used, place the debris in it witho
