Brian Buchanan
2/15/2011
W 6:00-8:45
Cedar Fire 2003 Article Worksheet
Due 2/16/2011
1. Write a summary of the article. (One paragraph, at least 6 sentences)
The Cedar Fire in 2003 was responsible for fifteen deaths in California. It was the
largest fire in California’s history. Due to the nature of the recovered remains, as
they were almost completely cremated in some instances, forensic odontology
played a vital role in identifying the victims. Positive identification of some of
the decedents relied on international inter-agency cooperation.
2. Name one thing that you learned from the article that it is important to forensic
anthropology. (At least 3 sentences)
There can be almost no remains left to work with after a fire, in some cases even
the teeth can be destroyed. Recent, full mouth radiographs are extremely
important in positively identifying a decedent. Out of country dental work can
present a challenge when trying to obtain dental records.
3. What information do you wish had been included in the article but wasn’t? And
why? (At least 3 sentences)
The author mentioned that postmortem radiographs in some cases are not
consistent with antemortem radiographs, but doesn’t divulge how to overcome
this obstacle. If the only radiographs of the decedent available are byte-wings,
and duplicate copies to boot, can a positive identification still be made? Also, if
no previous radiographs are available, and there is no bony material to examine,
who then is responsible for making the identification?
4. Did this case study give you a better idea about how forensic anthropologists and
forensic odontologists work together? Why or why not? (At least 3 sentences)
The few mentions of forensic anthropologists suggested that they were
responsible for examining and assembling the remains in anatomical position, or
as much as possible. Not much detail was given on how a forensic anthropologist
can assist in positively identifying a victim when dental records are not available.
It says that they can assist in providing sex, age, and race, but doesn’t disclose
what more they can do beyond that.
