Simultaneous Multiple Points of Origin: Incendiary of Electrical?

Journal Article Title: Simultaneous Multiple Points of Origin: Incendiary of Electrical?
Article Author(s): DIXON, HARRY S., PH.D., P.E.
Volume: 1
Volume #: 2
Month: December
Year: 1984

Abstract:

Speaking simply the question raised by the title is, "Was this fire set by an arsonist, or was it caused by an electrical malfunction or failure?" A restriction is that this fire has simultaneous multiple points of origin. The simultaneity and the multiplicity of points of origin can be illustrated by postulating a fire in a room. If at each electrical outlet on a common circuit there is much burning with longer duration of char than at other and if each of the outlets have an indicated equal duration by char measurements, then we have an indicated situation of simultaneous and multiple points of origin. Such a situation might give rise to a tort case where arson was given as a defense.