Marsh, Thomas. The Coroner's Report: An Important Tool For the Fire Investigator. Fire Chief. August, 1982. p. 78.

Abstract: This article explains how an autopsy can provide fire investigators with important information. The medical examiner's report can help answer some of the investigator's questions. The cause of death can be determined for the most damaged bodies. The cause of death will indicate whether the victim was alive during the fire and the autopsy can even reveal whether the person was asleep or unconscious when death occurred. This type of information can tell investigators what victims were doing when the fire occurred. The article lists different indicators of a slow burning fire and a flash fire that will appear in a victim's body. A fire investigator can also learn the temperature of the flames by condition of the burned skin. This information can support evidence gathered from the fire scene.

For more information, contact:
Fire Chief
35 E. Wacker Drive, Ste. 700
Chicago, IL 60601-2198
Phone: (312) 726-7277