Comparison Sample

fire debris, (1) a sample of material collected from a fire scene which is, to the best of the collector's knowledge, similar with respect to relevant characteristics to a sample suspected of containing ignitable substance, but which is not expected to contain an ignitable substance; (2) a sample of suspected ignitable substance submitted for the purpose of comparing with any ignitable substance separated from a debris sample. Discussion—A comparison sample should not be confused with a control sample. For example, a comparison sample might include unburned carpet or flooring that meets the requirements in (1). Discussion—Although, in theory, the use of comparison samples can help clarify the presence of a suspected inherent ignitable liquid, the presence of an ignitable liquid in a comparison sample does not necessarily mean it is inherent to the material.