Mitsubishi Expo LRV: Case Study
Origin, Propagation and Summary

Origin and Propagation: The fire was predominantly high in the right rear of the engine compartment. There was no propagation to the interior; polymeric grommets remained intact. A yellow-white powder was present throughout the area of burn damage indicative of the likelihood that the fire was extinguished. The right front fender was heat damaged in a location disconnected from other heat damage; there was undisturbed combustible material between the two areas.

The incident was a non-collision fire involving a car that was reported stolen. Little information about the fire and recovery was available. While gasoline could not be eliminated as an initiating fuel source, there was otherwise no cause to suspect it. Given the reported theft, arson was also evaluated. Remnants of a nylon cloth-like material were found on top of the engine on the right side. It was possible this material was soaked with accelerant and ignited. The burn damage to the right front fender could have been caused by accelerant spilled and ignited and would be consistent with arson as well. Although less likely, the heat damage to the right-front fender could also have been from heat reflected from an externally burning object.