The author surveys principles of electricity and electrical power systems and their role in fires. Guidelines for narrowing the cause of a fire are presented. Proper procedures for disassembling fire-damaged equipment are detailed, as well as critical clues that can be found in almost any electrical appliance or piece of equipment involved in a fire. Another chapter discusses electrical components common to many types of equipment and analyzes their roles in fires. The few appliances with special characteristics that influence the way in which a fire spreads or provide unique information on how a fire started are examined. Additional topics addressed include fire initiation and spread, fire characteristics, arson, photographic and investigation equipment, reports, depositions, and trials. Violations of the National Electrical Code which contribute to fires are discussed, notably failure to provide adequate grounds. Index.