Accelerants

Accelerants are substances used intentionally to speed up the spread or intensity of a fire. Commonly found in arson cases, they include liquids like gasoline, alcohol, or kerosene. When poured on combustibles, accelerants lower the material’s ignition point and help the fire ignite quickly and spread rapidly. Fire investigators examine scenes for traces of these substances to determine if the fire was deliberately set. Identifying accelerants involves specialized tests that detect their chemical residues, helping distinguish between accidental fires and intentional acts of arson.