West Fertilizer Company Explosion Analysis

Columbia Southern University West Fertilizer Company Explosion Analysis

Analysis – Investigation Techniques

To complete this assignment, read the report on the West Fertilizer Company explosion. Using what you have learned about fire investigation, fire behavior, classification, cause and origin, and techniques of investigation, write a two-page summary outlining the investigative techniques that were used to determine the cause and origin of the fire and explosion at the West Fertilizer Company in Texas.

Read the following sections of the report:

• Executive Summary,
• Contributing Factors,
• Key Recommendations,
• Investigation, and
• Recommendation sections.

Once you have read the case study, write a two-page paper outlining the investigative techniques that were utilized to determine the cause of the incendiary fire, devices identified that could have caused the fire, and/or explosives found that may have contributed to the cause of the fire.

Based on that examination of the investigation, your analysis should include the capabilities of your local fire department to conduct a similar investigation. In your summary paper, consider the following questions:

• Is your local department equipped to conduct the investigation?
• If so, describe, in detail, how your department is equipped.
• Is there room for improvement, or are there other factors to consider?
• If not, whom would you contact in your local area to help with the investigation?