HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- Marshall University has received a $198,000 federal grant for the study of flammable liquids in relation to suspicious fires.

The National Institute of Justice awarded the grant for the two-year study being conducted by J. Graham Rankin, an associate professor of forensic science.

Rankin plans to build a database of kerosene and petroleum distillates commonly sold as charcoal lighters, paint thinners and industrial solvents. These are the second most common accelerants used in arson cases behind gasoline.

Rankin says samples will be analyzed to identify their chemical fingerprint that can be used later to help in fire investigations.

The National Institute of Justice is the research and development branch of the U.S. Department of Justice.

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- Marshall University has received a $198,000 federal grant for the study of flammable liquids in relation to suspicious fires.

The National Institute of Justice awarded the grant for the two-year study being conducted by J. Graham Rankin, an associate professor of forensic science.

Rankin plans to build a database of kerosene and petroleum distillates commonly sold as charcoal lighters, paint thinners and industrial solvents. These are the second most common accelerants used in arson cases behind gasoline.

Rankin says samples will be analyzed to identify their chemical fingerprint that can be used later to help in fire investigations.

The National Institute of Justice is the research and development branch of the U.S. Department of Justice.