Causes Of The Fire In Josh Powell Arson Or Homicide Case

The fire in the Josh Powell arson/ homicide case began in the living room, where the bodies of Josh Powell, and his children Charles Powell and Braden Powell. That would be the incipient stage. Next to the three bodies, two empty ten gallon gasoline cans were found. It is believed that Josh Powell had spread the gasoline around the residence before the children got to the house for the visit. The emergent smoldering happened all around the house where the gas was spread. This is believed to be throughout the whole house. The house rapidly went into a free burn. Fueled by the gasoline spread throughout the house, the flames quickly took off to engulf the entire area. After most of the home was in flames, oxygen regulated smoldering began. This will spread a poisonous gas called carbon monoxide throughout the area. This was the official cause of death for Josh, Charles, and Braden. The children were wounded with an ax before the fire was ignited however. Josh Powell’s death was ruled a suicide, while Charles and Braden’s deaths were both ruled homicides.

They can be natural, accidental, incendiary, or undetermined. Natural fires can begin because of nitrogen levels in soil, lightning strikes, or dry conditions. Accidental fires are caused by situations such as gas leaks or candles being left burning. Incendiary fires are set on purpose with the intention to cause damage or death. Many times these are fueled by flammable liquids such as gasoline. The fire in this case was incendiary, or intentional. We know this because of the traces of gasoline in the remains of the home, the trail of the fire, and the gas cans left empty in the living room of the home. Investigators can rule out that the fire was any of the other three because of the evidence found in the home, along with the circumstantial evidence involving the