Development of human remains investigations at fatal fire scenes: Bridging anthropology and fire sciences in the United States

Abstract

Anthropological assessment of a scene for fatal fire victims can prove crucial in the search, recovery and identification of human remains from fire‐related death investigations. On scene contributions of the anthropologist include, but are not limited to, searching for remains in burnt structures, vehicles, roadside dumps, campfire accidents, and other fire investigations, as well as the proper documentation and collection of remains. While patterning and sequencing for all fire events is not standardized, thermal alteration can be classified and consistent terminology can be used to reflect commonalities and evaluation of thermally altered remains. Further, the anthropologist has the ability to evaluate damage to the remains in terms of possible associated trauma (e.g., antemortem, postmortem). However, scene investigators do not regularly call upon anthropologists to assist at the scene and often do not know the contributions and benefits of having an anthropologist on scene. This perspective article focuses on the development of fatal fire investigations within the United States, key terminology, and core concepts within anthropological sciences and provides recommendations for how fire investigators and anthropologists can collaborate–bridging the gap between the two fields. Uniting literature from fire science, anthropology, and fire investigations, this overview underscores the importance of anthropology and fire investigator collaboration.This article is categorized under: Forensic Anthropology > Taphonomic Changes and the Environment Forensic Anthropology > Trauma Analysis Forensic Anthropology > Anthropology in Mass Disaster & War Crime Contexts