The analysis and determination of the origin of fires is at the heart of the role of fire investigators. Note: Except in the most obvious cases, determining the origin and cause of a fire can be a complex and difficult undertaking, requiring special training and experience, as well as knowledge of generally accepted scientific methods of fire investigation. [2] The examiner must either possess appropriate expertise or obtain the assistance of a person with such knowledge. In some cases, evidence on the ground gives a clear indication of how the fire started. For example, determining the location of the electric arc can help uncover the origin of the fire. In other cases, fire investigators must be creative in finding clues. A witness, for example, may know the cause of fires, but may be reluctant to share this information for fear of being blamed. Fires are destructive, spread as they grow, and consume evidence of their initiation. To extinguish the fires and find out how they started, officials and private groups – such as fire departments, emergency services and law enforcement agencies – are involved. Law enforcement and fire departments must always determine the cause of the fire, whether arson or accident, in order to identify hazards and unsafe practices and prevent future fires. Many fires can be prevented through public education – for example, by educating people about safe practices when using radiators or other gas and electrical appliances. Fire investigators should be careful not to manipulate the timeline to fit a particular theory. If there are gaps in the logic, it`s their job to keep looking for missing information.

You must be methodical and use the facts gathered to come to a conclusion about the origin and cause of the fire. Not all parts of this document may apply to all fires. It is at the discretion of response personnel (depending on their responsibilities and the purpose and scope of their duties) to apply the procedures recommended in this guide to a particular incident. Some of the procedures described in this guide may not be performed in the order described or at the same time. This is an archive page that is no longer updated. It may contain outdated information and the links may no longer work as originally intended. Fire investigators are trying to find out how fires occur by applying the scientific method. Through observation and measurement, they can formulate a hypothesis, test it and draw a conclusion about the origin and cause of the fire. Whether at home or in nature, fires can occur for a variety of reasons, including: [Note 4] repairing damage by establishing fault; Determination that the cause of the fire was the failure of a product or system. [Note 2] As stated in NFPA 921, the scientific method is to define the problem, collect data, analyze the data, develop hypotheses (such as what could have caused the fire), test the hypothesis, and consider other hypotheses. Chain of custody personnel should: First responders at fire scenes must assess and secure the crime scene and ensure that victims receive medical care.

Set the boundaries of the scene. The inspector should conduct a preliminary assessment of the scene, determine the area where the site survey will be conducted, and determine the scope of the scene. DANGER: Beware of incendiary or explosive devices! The scene may include devices specifically designed to kill or maim public safety first responders. Do not touch suspected incendiary devices or explosives. Evacuate the area and request the services of personnel trained to remove these items. Because time is limited to gather testimony and details when they arrive at the scene of an emergency, fire investigators must go on trial. This may include: Once the evidence has been collected and processed, the investigator must complete the investigation and vacate the premises. He or she should follow these steps: To coordinate field activities, first responders: What goes into determining the causes of fire – and how can you improve the essential skills for success as a fire investigator? Let`s take a look. Photograph or film the scene. The investigator must create and maintain an accurate visual record of the scene and evidence before disturbing the scene. Qualified fire investigators have a wide range of leadership, management and professionalism skills. In addition to the ability to effectively investigate the fire site, they must understand legal issues and the psychological impact of emergencies.

After documenting the scene, the investigator or other evidence collector must collect, preserve and preserve evidence from the crime scene. He or she must follow these steps: Personnel responsible for packaging and transport should: To ensure safety and control, first responders should: [Note 1] The NIJ Crime Scene Guides were created by multidisciplinary technical working groups comprised of content experts from across the United States. Judicial, logistical or legal conditions may prevent the application of certain procedures contained herein. Preserve the scene of the fire. First responders need to understand how rescue, medical, firefighting, overhaul and recovery efforts can interfere with evidence and take steps to preserve it. They should secure the fire site and identify potential evidence, take preparatory measures to preserve it and inform the competent authorities of its existence. Once a lead investigator arrives on the scene to exonerate first responders, he or she must assess the scene, identify witnesses and investigate what to do. The lead investigator must: Observe the conditions of the fire and crime scene.

First responders to a fire scene must observe conditions and activities and provide investigators with an accurate and complete description. The investigator should collect sufficient information and report it to the following databases: Describe and document the scene. The examiner should create a permanent and documented record of observations to refresh memories, support opinions and conclusions, and support photographic documentation. Call for help! In potentially devastating situations such as biological weapons or radiological or chemical threats, contact the appropriate authorities. Identify the resources needed to process the scene. The investigator must determine which personnel may be required to handle the premises in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 921 and other recognized national guidelines. The next step is to sift through what you`ve learned, including witness statements, fire department records, fire forensics and documentation. Next, the fire investigator tries to figure out what happened (and when) by creating a timeline. When approaching a fire site, first responders should observe and mentally note the following conditions and activities, and begin documenting the information on an ongoing basis (e.g. written notes, voice recordings and videotapes): Proof of package and transport.

The inspector should ensure that packaging, transportation and storage procedures are followed to avoid destructive changes in the condition of the samples. Prevent contamination of evidence. The investigator should control access to the fire site after the fire has been fought and ensure that evidence is collected, stored and transported in a manner that is not contaminated. Note: If the crime scene involves arson or other crimes, the investigator must meet the legal requirements for access to the crime scene, search and seizure of evidence. Coordination of inter-agency activities. First responders must coordinate emergency response among many agencies and organizations. Follow the agency`s guidelines! Actions taken under these guidelines must be taken in accordance with departmental policies and procedures and federal and state laws.