Explosion Site

• As the investigation begins, the area in which the explosion started can be out of view to the scientists for several reasons. The first reason is that the structure has a basement or similar space. All debris from the area falls into it after the explosion and fire cause a structural collapse. Another reason can be the debris from the structure's roof covers a section. Either situation requires careful removal as well as examination of debris to gather any information.
  
  

Lost Evidence

• Evidence might be lost at the scene of an explosion. Examples of this include firefighters unintentionally destroying possible clues when extinguishing the fire. Many times the water or chemical foam in use contributes to this. The chain of custody during is broken if any evidence is lost during the gathering process. Pieces of structure or the automobile could be distributed over a wide area, which makes it harder to collect all components for reconstruction. Fire also burns at a temperature that may destroy the majority of the crime scene, if not the entire area. If other explosives did not go off, the fire could detonate them.
  
  

Contamination of Evidence

• Contamination of evidence compromises the entire crime scene. This may come from unauthorized people going to the scene such as media. All investigators should observe certain methods to gather the evidence. For instance, personnel need protective clothing that can be disposed of after each the investigation of each scene is over. Storage of evidence in proper containers is necessary to preserve clues. Household chemicals such as cleaners must be cleared as possible starters or just accelerants. Their appearance on the scene could contribute to confusion about the actual cause of the fire.
  
  

Accelerants

• Accelerants may remain on the premises after an explosion and fire. If there is an explosion that involves the use of gasoline, investigators can find small amounts later in the investigation. Petroleum-based accelerants may differ in evaporation rates but not as much in chemical makeup. Investigators must keep in mind that any accelerants will require extra analysis to identify their specific properties.