The scheme mainly uses passive adsorption into Tenax TA followed by thermal desorption. The study reviewed records of all suspected arson cases submitted for analysis during a 12-month period and tabulated results. Information included location of fire incident, type and frequency of sample exhibit items, results of analysis, and the interrelationships between each of these factors. A total of 1,040 items were examined from 437 cases. Fires within residential premises and motor vehicles accounted for the largest group of exhibits submitted. Flammable or combustible liquid residues were detected in 47.4 percent of items, with gasoline the most common ignitable liquid. As a group, fabric items, carpets, and plastics exhibited the highest incidence of flammable or combustible liquid residues, and ashen debris and soil the lowest. The overall analytical scheme permits examination of a comprehensive range of flammable or combustible liquid residues including water-soluble components such as alcohols, ketones, and esters to medium and high boiling hydrocarbon fractions such as kerosene, diesel fuel and oils. Tables, references