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V-Pattern Angle Myth. Devon Anderson & Will Dempster. The Myth. The faster a fire burns, the slower it will spread horizontally and the closer the angles will be vertically. On the other hand, the slower a fire burns the further the angle will tilt from vertical.
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V-Pattern Angle Myth Devon Anderson & Will Dempster
The Myth • The faster a fire burns, the slower it will spread horizontally and the closer the angles will be vertically. • On the other hand, the slower a fire burns the further the angle will tilt from vertical. “A fire which is hot and fast at the point of origin will leave a sharp V-pattern. A slow fire will produce a shallow V.” –The Army’s Field Manual
Why it’s a Myth • The nature of any wall covering and conditions of ventilation have important effects on the shape of the burn patterns. • The angle of the borders of the V-pattern do not indicate the speed of fire growth or rate of heat release of fuel alone.
How it Affects Arson Investigation • Origin of V can help locate the point of ignition -Normally along a wall (short circuit) • Concerning width of V – all factors need to be taken into account (ventilation, type of wall, etc.)