The first step in a fire investigation is the preliminary scene examination/size-up . For best results, a trained fire investigator should be notified about and respond to serious fires or possible arson fires immediately after fire apparatus is dispatched.
How is a fire investigation done?
Fire and arson investigators examine the physical attributes of a fire scene and identify and collect physical evidence from the scene . This evidence is then analyzed to help determine if the cause of the fire was accidental or deliberate.
How do you investigate a fire incident?
The investigator should: Contact the incident commander , identify first responders and first-in firefighters, and arrange to document their observations either in writing or through recorded interviews. Determine who reported the fire. Secure a tape or transcript of the report if available.
What are the 4 key elements of fire investigation?
With few exceptions, the proper methodology for a fire or explosion investigation is to first determine and establish the origin(s), then investigate the cause: circumstances, conditions, or agencies that brought the ignition source, fuel, and oxidant together .
What are the steps and process an investigator takes while investigating an arson scene?
The steps listed are: arriving at the scene, evaluating the scene, documenting the scene, processing evidence at the scene, and finally completing the investigation (National Institute of Justice 2009).
What are the steps to an investigation?
- STEP 1 – IMMEDIATE ACTION. ...
- STEP 2 – PLAN THE INVESTIGATION. ...
- STEP 3 – DATA COLLECTION. ...
- STEP 4 – DATA ANALYSIS. ...
- STEP 5 – CORRECTIVE ACTIONS. ...
- STEP 6 – REPORTING. ...
- TOOLS TO HELP.
Why is fire investigation needed?
Fire investigations are also conducted if there is a suspicion of the incident being a malicious fire or arson . These types of investigations are helpful because they help police with information that can be used to apprehend the criminal.
How hard is it to prove arson?
Evidence of arson is nearly impossible to preserve . Not only will the fire likely destroy physical proof but the water and chemical foam used to put out the blaze can also destroy potential evidence. Because of this, an arson investigator’s most important witnesses are the firefighters that first arrive on the scene.
What do investigators look for first in a fire investigation?
The investigator should: Identify a distinct origin (location where the fire started) and an obvious fire cause (ignition source, first fuel ignited, and circumstances of the event that brought the two together).
Who investigates a fire?
A fire investigator looks at the fire remains, and obtains information to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the fire. One of the challenging aspects of fire investigation is the multi-disciplinary basis of the investigator’s job.
What are the roles of firemen in fire investigation?
Firefighters must recognize physical evidence, which helps the investigator determine the area of fire origin. ... Firefighters must protect fire materials at the fire scene and keep them intact until they can be analyzed, documented, and collected.
How long does a fire investigation take?
A fire investigation can take anywhere from a few days up to a few months , depending on; the size of the fire, number of witnesses, loss of life or property, or suspicious activity.
What is evidence of arson?
There are many physical clues that may suggest arson is a fire cause. They include: Burn pattern: multiple origins or unusual origin location . Presence/absence, and/or condition of ignition key . Ignition lock/switch condition .
How do you collect evidence of arson?
Arson evidence is usually collected in air-tight, clean metal cans . Only large quantities of dry powder should be collected and stored in plastic bags. Moist or wet evidence (blood, plants, etc.)
Why must arson investigators work quickly to collect evidence at a fire scene?
Arson investigators must work quickly to collect evidence at fire scene because: Accelerants in soil may rapidly degrade , safety requirements may require that cleanup and salvage operations begin quickly and accelerant residues may quickly evaporate.
What are the types of arson?
Spree : Three or more fires set at different locations, but with no cooling off period between. Serial: Three or more fires set at different locations, with a period of time passing between them. 1. Vandalism: When the goal is to mischievously or maliciously harm property, typically abandoned buildings or schools.
