Abstract
In a UK context, forensic archaeology has remained focused on the search for and excavation of clandestine burials. There are, however, other areas of integration between archaeology and criminalistics that have yet to be exploited. One such area is the forensic fire scene. This chapter aims to provide a brief discussion of the interrelationships between archaeological practice, the scientific understanding of the nature of structural fire dynamics, and the current practice of UK fire investigators. By drawing these disciplines together, it seeks to suggest means by which archaeology might be adapted to suit the needs of the forensic fire scene.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsReferences
Archaeologists.net. (2016). Forensic archaeology special interest group | the institute for archaeologists. N.p. Web. 5 Jan 2016.
Cooke, R., & Ide, R. (1985). Principles of fire investigation. Leicester: Institution of Fire Engineers.
DeHaan, J. (1997). Kirk’s fire investigation (4th ed.). London: Prentice Hall.
Drysdale, D. (1998). An introduction to fire dynamics. Chichester: Wiley.
Forensic Anthropology. (2016). Forensic anthropology. Therai.org.uk. N.p. Web. 5 Jan 2016.
Gould, R. (2007). Disaster archaeology. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press.
Hall, R., & Brakhage, C. (1997). Introduction to fire origin and cause (2nd ed.). Stillwater, OK: Fire Protection Publications, Oklahoma State University.
Harrison, K. (2012). The application of forensic fire investigation techniques in the archaeological record. Journal of Archaeological Science, 40(2), 955–959.
Harrison, K., & Simmons, T. (2016). Forensic archaeology & anthropology. In P. White & J. Millington (Eds.), Crime scene to court. London: RSC.
Harrison, K., Martin, V., & Webster, B. (2013). Structural fires. In I. Hodder (Ed.), Substantive technologies at Çatalhöyük: Reports from the 2000–2008 seasons (Vol. 9). Los Angeles: Cotsen.
Harrison, R., & Schofield, J. (2009). Archaeo-ethnography, auto-archaeology: Introducing archaeologies of the contemporary past. Archaeologies, 5(2), 185–209.
Hester, T. R., Shafer, H. J., & Feder, K. L. (1997). Field methods in archaeology. London: Mayfield.
Hinckley, P., & Williams, A. (1986). Ignition and growth of fire in a room. BRE information paper 4/86. Watford: Buildings Research Establishment.
Hunter, J., & Cox, M. (2005). Forensic archaeology. London: Routledge.
Hunter, J., Simpson, B., & Sturdy Colls, C. (2013). Forensic approaches to buried remains. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.
Ide, R. (1998). Fire investigation. In P. White (Ed.), Crime scene to court. London: RSC.
Redsicker, D., & O’Connor, J. (1997). Practical fire and arson investigation. Boca Raton: CRC.
Renfrew, C., & Bahn, P. (2008). Archaeology: Theories, methods and practice. London: Thames & Hudson.
Schiffer, M. (1987). Formation processes of the archaeological record. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press.
Schmidt, C. W., & Symes, S. (2015). The analysis of burned human remains. Cambridge, MA: Academic Press.
Shields, T., & Silcock, G. (1987). Buildings and fire. London: Longman.
Thomas, P. H. (1986). Fire research station, 1951–1986: Selected papers. Garston: BRE.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2019 Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Harrison, K. (2019). The Application of Archaeological Techniques to Forensic Fire Scenes. In: Moran, K.S., Gold, C.L. (eds) Forensic Archaeology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-03291-3_10
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-03291-3_10
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-03289-0
Online ISBN: 978-3-030-03291-3
eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)