ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

Which of the following materials is NOT typically considered an accelerant?

1. Gasoline

2. Kerosene

3. Water

4. Propane

The correct answer is: Water

Water is the correct answer because it does not promote combustion; rather, it is commonly used to extinguish fires. In the context of fire investigations, accelerants are substances that significantly increase the speed of combustion or fire spread. Gasoline, kerosene, and propane are all flammable materials that can contribute to the ignition and intensification of a fire, making them typical examples of accelerants. In contrast, water serves a very different purpose in fire scenarios; it cools down flames and removes heat from the fire, thereby inhibiting combustion. This fundamental difference in behavior during fire incidents sets water apart from the other options listed. Understanding the roles of these materials is crucial in fire investigations to determine the causes and conditions surrounding a fire.