Ncfs Ignitable Liquid Database

The NCFS Ignitable Liquid Database is a specialized resource managed by the National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS) at the University of Central Florida. Designed to support fire debris investigations, this unique reference collection contains comprehensive chemical data and chromatograms of hundreds of commercial ignitable liquid products. It serves arson investigators, forensic analysts, and legal professionals by providing a robust tool for identifying potential accelerants in fire scenes.

Origins and Purpose

The database project began in the late 1990s, driven by a recognized need for a centralized repository of ignitable liquids to aid forensic analysis. In 1999, the Technical Working Group on Fire and Explosion Investigations (TWGFEX) launched the Ignitable Liquids Reference Collection (ILRC) and developed a corresponding database to fulfill this need. The goal was to compile a standardized, extensive, and accessible resource to aid in the identification and comparison of ignitable liquid residues.

Establishing Standards

To ensure scientific rigor, the ILRC committee set guidelines requiring at least 300 liquid samples, later expanding to over 600 entries. Each entry had to include full analytical data total ion chromatograms and extracted ion profiles collected under standardized conditions approved by ASTM methods.

Database Structure and Contents

The NCFS ignitable liquid database includes:

• Ignitable Liquid Reference Collection: Over 600 commercial liquid products, each analyzed for molecular composition.
• Substrate Burn Residue Library: Controlled burn experiments of materials (e.g., wood, fabric) provide baseline data for comparison with suspicious fire debris.
• Chromatographic Data: Total ion chromatograms and extracted ion profiles assist in identifying components in fire debris samples.

Enhanced Functionality

In December 2024, the DOJ’s Office of Justice Programs reported that the NCFS updated the database platform to integrate ignitable liquid and substrate information into a single web interface. Enhancements include in-silico fire debris datasets 60,000 computational samples designed to support machine learning applications in forensic investigations.

How the Database Supports Investigations

When debris is collected from a fire scene, analysts extract volatile residues and analyze them using GC-MS. The resulting chromatogram is compared against the NCFS database to identify potential matches. The searchable system evaluates similarity using total ion spectrum metrics, helping investigators determine the presence of accelerants.

This comparison assists with:

• Detecting accelerants (e.g., gasoline, kerosene)
• Differentiating ignitable liquids from pyrolysis products
• Matching debris traces to known commercial products
• Supporting conclusions in arson and fire-related court cases

Database Use and Access

Primarily aimed at forensic analysts and crime laboratories, the NCFS database is hosted atilrc.ucf.edu. Registered users including public and private forensic labs can search the database, request reference samples, and download analytical data.

Ordering Reference Samples

Users can order physical samples of ignitable liquids for validation or testing. This ensures laboratories can replicate or confirm database findings using certified reference standards.

Ongoing Improvements and Future Trends

The NCFS continues to develop the database with updates in sample diversity, software enhancements, and scientific advancements.

Expanding Sample Library

Since its start, the database grew from the required 300 initial products to over 600, covering a broader range of accelerants and solvent types and ensuring it reflects market availability.

Supporting Machine Learning

The 2024 redevelopment included large in-silico datasets, offering tens of thousands of simulated fire debris profiles. These are essential for developing AI-driven forensic tools, such as predictive models that can suggest likely ignitable liquids or classify burn patterns quickly.

Unified Interface and Data Security

Combining the ignitable liquid and substrate libraries into one database enhances user accessibility. New security measures ensure data protection without compromising forensic utility.

Impact on Arson Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The NCFS database underpins scientifically grounded fire analysis and helps strengthen legal arguments in arson cases. Its comprehensive, standardized data supports analytical consistency, facilitating:

• Reliable identification of accelerants in fire debris
• Enhanced expert testimony and forensic reports
• Stronger correlations between field evidence and laboratory findings

Supporting Scientific Rigor

Using ASTM-approved methods and maintaining quality control ensures that database data holds up under peer review and courtroom cross-examination.

The NCFS Ignitable Liquid Database stands as a critical forensic resource, combining a comprehensive reference collection with advanced analytical capabilities. It empowers investigators to identify arson accelerants with scientific confidence and supports innovation with its machine learning-ready datasets. As forensic science evolves, this database remains a fundamental tool, enhancing accuracy and credibility in fire debris analysis and empowering practitioners worldwide.