Free Response to Motion - District Court of Arizona - Arizona

EXHIBIT 8
Case 2:03—cv—01415—ROS Document 148-9 Filed 12/14/2005 Page1 014

S A 5 5 ° 0 A , LAWDFPICE if 5 ‘ 5 i i 5
A " ~ — JOSEPH C. DOLAN, P.C. 55 A if 5
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55 Q_ 5 August 5, 2005 5 ~ 5 5 H _
5 5 William Phillips, Esq; A 5 A _ A 5 q
BROENTNG OBERG WOODSWTLSON & CASS A 5 0
ll22 East Jefferson , 2 5
5 Phoenix, Arizona 85036 5 55 0 5 f
` S Re:5 it Simms 1}.5`tate Fdrin P P l 0° S t 5 A A
Dear Bill:05 5 5 5 5 V 5 f ] 5 5
i 5 fl found out on August 5 that Dave of Associated Fire Consultants would rather not H
‘ be involved in testifying against State Parm in this matter. 5 I am requesting a stipulation to allow 5 f
` 5 5 me a brief extension to locate another fire expert to analyze the radiant heat temperatures 5 '
5 5 surrounding the Simms residence. Mr. Smith will be testifying concerning the radiant heat in the 5
case against the defendants in the state action; However, he would prefer not to be involved in S
5 5 any litigation against State Farm.5 For that reason, I will have to locate another fire expert. Mr. 5
" A Smith brought this to my attention for the first time on August 5, 2005. 1 55
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Case 2:03—cv—01415—FtOS Document 148-9 Filed 12/14/2005 Page 2 of 4 5 0 0

. A" ·—
* Associated fire C onsuftcmts, Incorporciteef
4257 W. Ina Road, Suite 101
Tucson, Arizona 85741-2233
$20.5795548
Fax 5205795232
WWW.8SSOCT1l’€.COl’Tl
An Arizona Corporation
August 5, 2005
ll/lr. Joseph C. Dolan
Law Office of Joseph C. Dolan
1650 N. First Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Re: Simms, Jerry
D.O.L.: 03/19/2001
AFC File No.: 05-020-DMS
Dear ll/lr. Dolan,
Pursuant to your request the photographs and video tape provided
regarding the above captioned matter have been reviewed. Our discussions
indicate the limited scope of my assignment in this matter to be the ignition
temperature necessary to char and subsequently ignite a palm tree.
The palm tree trunk is of course composed of cellulose. Cellulose as with
most combustible material undergoes pyrolysis action prior to charring. That
action involves the production of volatile oils and resins which, when the proper
temperature is met, ignite producing flaming combustion. The charring of
cellulose (wood) and subsequent ignition is time verses temperature dependant.
A higher temperature for a short period of time accomplishes the same action as
a lower temperature over a long period of time. Typically charring or ignition of
wood materials adjoining a well involved fire takes place quickly due to the
elevated temperatures. These cellulose products are known to begin charring at
200°C (400°F).The same effect however, could be obtained by subjecting the
cellulose material to a temperature above 120 °C (250°F) for a long period of
time.
Case 2:03—cv—01415—ROS Document 148-9 Filed 12/14/2005 Page 3 of 4

l Research clearly indicates that charring of wood in the scenario indicated
in the above captioned matter more likely than not took place above 200 °C
(400°F).
lf I may answer any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
David M. Smith, C.F.|.
DMS:tms
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