Three classes of non-intentional causes of fire
- Carelessness
- Faults
- Nature
Signs the suspect has been at the scene of a fire
- Burnt facial hair
- The smell of smoke
- Residues of fuel or the products of combustion on the skin
Fire Investigation Liaison Officer responsibilities
- Attending every fire that results in serious injury or death
- Co-ordinating fire investigations in their designated area or district
- Arranging Police attendance at fire scenes where required
- Maintaining effective working relationships with the relevant FILO and Fire Service Specialist Fire Investigators
- Assisting areas or districts with fire investigation-related enquiries
- Ensure communication is maintained with the Police National Fire Investigation Co-ordinator, Police District Intelligence Manager and District Manager Criminal Investigations where appropriate
- Co-ordinating fire investigation training for any Police employees within the area or district
- Providing other advice and expertise as required
Who is in charge at a fire
All Police present must co-operate with the person in charge of the Fire Service at a fire, suspected fire or other emergency
Ownership and control of scene
- The building owner owns the structure and permanent fixtures - light fittings, wiring, curtains, and floor coverings.
- Tenants will own their personal property, furniture, appliances
- The service entry fuses and the electricity metres are the property of the supply authority
Fire Safety Officer can determine the following at conclusion of examination
APT
- Area of origin
- Point of origin
- The seat of the fire
Conferences are held to assist with
- Identifying suspects
- Reconstructing
- Establishing possible motives
- Assessing the info obtained
- Planning further enquiries
Methods of Protection at scene
An assessment of:
- Inhalation of toxic substances
- Ingestion of particles
- Cuts/wounds from sharp objects
- Airborne dusts, particles
- Tripping on fire debris
- Items falling from above you
A strategy to prevent an occurrence or to mitigate its impact
Intentional Damage 269(1)
Everyone is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years who:
- Intentionally or recklessly
- Destroys or damages
- Any property
- If he or she knows or ought to know that danger to life is likely to result
Providing explosive S272 CA1961. Defendant’s knowledge
They must intend the explosive or device to be used by another person to commit a crime, but need not know the identify of the person to ultimately use the explosive or device, nor the precise nature of the intended crime.
Clothing protection
Suitable helmet
Overalls
Nose and mouth filter, respirator or full BA
Gloves
Safety glasses
Heavy duty footwear with steel soles and toe caps
Common electrical ignition sources and techniques
- Heaters and clothing resting on or near the radiator.
- Iron left flat on a surface
- Pop-up toaster with the lever tied down, so that material inside will ignite
- Stew or pan of fat or flammable liquid left on stove element
- Ceiling exhaust fans. Continuous operation leads to stalling and overheating.
- Appliances without thermal safety cut-off switches
Examples - Carelessness
- Ironing
- Setting off fireworks
- Burning rubbish
- Smoking
- Leaving clothes near heating
Examples - Faults
- Heating systems
- Fans and ventilations systems
- Appliances
- Electrical wiring - shorting and arcing
- Broken power lines
Examples - Nature
- Lightning
- Chemical reactions
- Sun’s rays
Must record scene prior to demolition (for safety) by
Sketches
Photographs
Plans
Video recordings
When executing a search warrant
Search the suspect’s clothing, residence, vehicle and workplace and any other place where evidence may be found.
Evidence could include:
- accelerants
- containers
- igniters
- wick fabric
- traces of debris from the scene
Identifying the explosive
Give priority to identifying the explosive used, as this evidence will be crucial to a prosecution. Ensure that the items used (including tools and so on) are all carefully cleaned before use.
Arson 267(1)(a) Crimes Act 1961
- Intentionally or recklessly
- Damages by fire or damages by means of any explosive
- Any property
- If he or she knows or ought to know that danger to life is likely to ensue
Arson 267(1)(b) Crimes Act 1961
- Intentionally or recklessly
- Without claim of right
- Damages by fire or damages by means of any explosive
- Any immovable property, vehicle, ship or aircraft
- In which that person has no interest
Arson 267(1)(c) Crimes Act 1961
- Intentionally
- Damages by fire or damages by means of any explosive
- Any immovable property, vehicle, ship or aircraft
- With intent to obtain any benefit or with intent to cause loss to any other person
Arson 267(2)(a) Crimes Act 1961
- Intentionally or recklessly
- Without claim of right
- Damages by fire or damages by means of any explosive
- Any property (other than 267(1))
- In which that person has no interest
Arson 267(2)(b) Crimes Act 1961
- Intentionally or recklessly
- Damages by fire or damages by means of any explosive
- Any property (other than 267(1))
- With intent to obtain any benefit or with intent to cause loss to any other person
INTENT
Two types of intention in criminal law.
1 - Intention to commit the act.
Must be more than voluntary or accidental. A deliberate act.
2 - To get a specific result
“Aim, object, or purpose”
Support proof of intent with circumstantial evidence from which intent can be inferred.
