Determination of the Causes of Fires and Explosions by the Analysis of Biological Materials

This article discusses the fire deaths which occurred in London from 1979 to 1987. The author describes the role of the coroner, the procedures involved in an inquest, investigations into fires which may have been set deliberately, & the toxicological tests performed. The most common medical results, causes of the fires, & age & sex of victims are discussed. Alcohol & drgus were a factor in only a minority of cases, & most were started by careless disposal of smoking materials. (VM)