A (**) must be conducted to determine how the fire started. This is done once the fire is extinguished and before the property is turned back over to the owner.
preliminary investigation
The (****) is responsible for conducting the preliminary investigation, as well as completing the NIFIRS documents or the local equivalent reports.
incident commander
The first goal is to determine weather a formal fire investigation is needed. The (**) provides criteria for requesting and investigator.
authority having jurisdiction AHJ
Any fire that results in a serious injury or fatality meets the criteria for a (***). Any fire that appears to be arson or related to a criminal act also meets the criteria.
formal investigation
The legal responsibility for conducting fire investigations is defined by (***)
state legislation or regulations
In situations where there is no formal investigation and a fire investigator does not respond to the scene to determine the cause and origin, the (***) is responsible for determining and reporting the fire cause.
incident commander
The fire officer should be able to determine a (*****) and a cause, or probable cause, of most fires.
point of origin
A qualified investigator has specialized training in determining the cause and origin of fires and, in most cases, is certified in accordance with (****)
NFPA 1033
A fire investigators primary responsibility is to develop a properly (*****) to be forwarded to the prosecutor.
documented case
It is a good practice to (***) whenever the facts do not seem to make sense or there is a compelling reason to know the exact cause of the fire.
request an investigator
The (*****) is the exact physical location where a heat source and a fuel come in contact with each other.
point of origin
The (*****) is usually determined by examination of fire damage and fire pattern evidence at the fire scene.
point of origin
The investigator usually starts in the area where the (*****) and follows the patterns back toward the area of greatest fire damage.
least amount of damage
Determining the Point OF Origin requires analysis of information from four sources:
1 the physical marks or fire patterns left by the fire
2 the observations reported by persons who witnessed the fire or are aware of conditions present at the time of the fire.
3 Analysis of physics and chemistry of fire initiation, development, and growth as an instrument to related known or hypothesized fire conditions …..
4 noting the location where electrical arching as caused damage, as well as the electric circuit involved.
An (*****) is a luminous discharge of electricity from one object to another, typically leaving a blackening of objects in the immediate area.
electrical arc
To determine the point of origin the fire officer must understand () and ().
fire growth
development
Three methods of heat transfer.
conduction
convection
radiation
THe fire follows the same growth pattern as the smoke and heat,(*****)
rising towards the ceiling, spreading out, and banking down
If the fire does not have a fresh supply of oxygen, the fire slowly dies down to a (****), This may occur before or after flash over has occuried.
smoldering phase
A flaming fire produces a plume of smoke, heat, and flame. As a fire burns up against a wall, it spreads up and out, creating a (**) pattern.
V or U shaped pattern
THe origin of fire is typically at the base of thr (**) pattern
V or U shaped pattern
V or U shaped patter this typeof pattern is aloso known as a (****) pattern becasuse it allows the fire officer to trace the fire and smoke patterns back to the orign.
movement
THe (***0 pattern indicates how much heat (energy) was transferred tot he surrounding area and objects.
intensity pattern
the (****) is indicated by the response of various matterials to the fires rate of heat release and heat flux.
intensity
The intensity may produce a (**), which can indicate the closets point to where the greatest amount of heat was produced.
line of demarcation
THe analysis of (**) is closely related to the fire intensity pattern.
char
(****) is the blackened remains of carbon based materials after it has been burned.
char
the depth of (*****) can assist in determining the direction of fire spread.
char
generally the deeper the (**) the longer the fire burned and therefore the closer to the area of orgin.
char
Depth of char can be influenced by several factors, including () anf the (), so deep chaiing can occur in locations that are remote from the area of origin.
different types of wood
fires intensity
THe (*****) refers to the particulars set of circumstances and factors that were necessary for the fire to have occurred.
cause
the casus determination can be approached in three steps process.
The firest step is to determine the source of ignition
THe second step is to determine the fuel that was first ignited
The third step is to determine the circumstances or human actions that allowed the ignition source and the fuel to come together resulting in fire
(***) provides a systematic and scientific process. It is not sufficient to identify and focus of the possible cause that fits the circumstance that ewere noted. the fire officer or fire investigator must eliminateany alternative theriores or explinations.
nfpa 921
After all investigative possibilities have been exhausted, if there is still more than two potential causes, the cause of the fire is considered (**)
undetermined
The (****) is the energy source that caused the material to ignite.
source of ignition
The source of ignition must have been located at or near the (***)
point of origin
If the equipment that provided the source of ignition was a cigarette lighter, for example, the form of the heat of ignition would be an (****)
open flame
A competent ignition source has three components:
1 generation
- transmission
- heating
(***) The ignition source must produce sufficient heat energy to raise the fuel to its ignition temperature.
generation
(*******) Sufficent heat energy must be transmitted from the source to the fuel to raise the fuel to its ignition temperature.
transmission
Heat can be transferred through (*****)
conduction convection or radiation
(****) THe heat transfer from the source to the fuel continue long enough for the fuel to be heated to its ignition temperature.
heating
The (****) first ignited refers to the nature of the material itself.
type of material
The (***) tells how the material is used
form of material
The third important factor in determining the cause of a fire is the (***) that brought together the source of ignition an fuel
sequence of events
(***) is a logical, systematic examination of an item, component, assembly, or structure and its place or function within a system, conducted in order to identify and analyzie the probability, causes, and consequences of potential and real failures.
Failure analysis
If the cause of the fire is determined to be related to some malfunction that occurred within a device or system, (****) is preformed to identify what happened and why.
failure analysis
the (****) could identify a design error, malfunctioning component, inadequate maitinance, operator error, or some other factor.
failure analysis
(***) is the scientific process of examining a fire occurance to determine all the relevant facts, including the origin, cause, and subsequent development of fire, as well as determining the responsibility for what ever occurred.
Fire Analysis
The presence of (****) means that further investigation is required for the actual facts to be determined.
conflicting information
(**) questions allow witnesses to tell what they saw or know.
open ended
Questions that seek a (****) answer limit the exchange of information.
yes or no
(***) interviews are typically conducted at the fire sene.
cause and origin
A special type of interview called an (***), is used when and individual who is attempting to conceal information is being questioned.
interrogation
(**) of NFPA 921, provides a standardized procedure to conduct a vehical fire investigation.
chapter 25
According to the US Fire Administration (*****) percent of vehicle fires aree caused by mechanical failure or malfunction.
47
Once the point of origin has been established, the (****) must still be determined.
specific cause.
According to the National Interagency Fire Center, there were an average of (**) wildland fires, consuming 6.3 million acres a years , between 1999 and 2008.
69000
Wildland fires tend to spread (**) through convection, from lower vegetation to taller, and (***) through radiation.
vertically
horizontally
When a fire burn pattern on the side of a hill is investigated, the point of origin is most likely on the (***) part of the slope, but not necessarily at the lowest poin.
lower
When a tree burns and falls, the remaining trunk is usually burned at an angle, creating a point. the point is generally on the side of the stump (*******) the direction of fir approach.
oppisite
(***) glassy root like residue resulting from lightning strikes.
Fulgurites
Once the facts are known, the circumstances of the fire are generally divided into four classifications according to NFPA 921:
1 accidental fire cause
2 Natural fire cause
3 Incendiary fire cause
4 Undetermined fire cause
(***) All of those fires for which the proven cause does not involve a deliberate human act to ignite a fire or spread fire into an area where it should not grow.
Accidental fire cause
(***0 Fires caused by lightning, earthquakes, wind and other natural forces without human intervention.
Natural fire cause
(*******) Any fire that is deliberately ignited under circumstances in which the person knowns that the fire should not be ignited.
Incendiary fire cause
(**) Any fire in which the cause can not be proved is classified as undertermined. The fire may still be under investigation.
Undetermined fire cause.
THe most frequent ingnition cause in residential fifers is (***)
unattended cookking
(**) is the third major cause of residential fires, with the two primary ignition causes beingimproper maintenance and combustibles located too close to the heating device.
heating
When wood is contiuosy subject to a moderate level of heat, below its normal ignition temperature, over a long period, it starts to break down into carbon. This chemical decomposition is called (***), results in a gradual loewering of the ignition temperature of the wood until auto ignition occurs.
pyrolysis
(***) should be considered if the area includes steam pipes, fluorescent light ballasts, flue pipes for a fire place, or a wood burning stove.
Pyrolysis
The most common electrical fire scenario is (****), such as overloading the electrical circuts, using light weight extension cords for major appliances, or operating to many appliances for the electrical service.
missuse by the occupant
When lightning is suspected, the fire officer should look for a (**) , usually near the top of the structure, concentrating on the roof peaks with metal edging, antenans, or large metal objects such as air handling units.
contact point
Because an incendiary fire is an intentional occurance, the direct cause is a (***); however, the methods and the reasons for strating fires vary tremendously.
person
An (***) fire is on that is intentionally started when the person knows it should not be started.
incendiary
(****) is the crime of maliscously and intentionally or recklessly starting a fire or causing an explosion
arso
A (**) or grand jury decides whether it will result in an arson charge.
prosecuting attorney
The absence of any logical cause is another reson for classifying the cause of a fire as (***)
undetermined
the fire officer needs to eliminate both (**) and (*) causes before making a determination of an incendiary cause.
accidental
natural
Failure to eliminate accidental or natural causes makes it impossible to prove a (***)
incidiary cause
Once the other causes have been eliminated, there are many conditions or factors that may indicate an intentional fire. These typically fall under five five general categories:
- diabled built in fire protection
- delayed notification and or difficulty getting to the fire
- Accelerats and trailers
- multiple points of origin
- tampered or altered equipment
In an urban environment, an interior fire could have been burning for (****) minutes before a passerby observed flames coming from a window.
20 to 25 minutes
(*****) are agents used to initiate a fire or increase the rate of fire growth.
accelerants
(****) are materials used to spread a fire from one area of a structure to another, causing a fire to grow more quickly.
trailers
(****) usually leave a distinct fire pattern that resembles the material shape and often runs from one room to the next.
trailers
(****) typically have irregular egdes and areas that are burned where the liquid pools because of low spots.
liquids
Multiple points of origin occur when an (*****) cuses ignitions at different locaitons in a buildings electrical system.
electrical surge
A professional arsonist will try to make the fire appear (*****).
accidental
(****) is the flammable liquid of choice for most ammature arsonost
gasoline
(**) is the crime of intentionally and malisciously, or recklessly starting a fire or casuing an explosion.
arson
National statistics indicate that (***) fires is of incendiary orign.
one of every four
Arson consistently had the highest rate of (***) when compared with all other FBI index of the most serious felonies.
juvenile involvement
Theere are six basic motives for arson:
- Profit
- Crime concealment
- Excitement
- Spite revenge
- Extremisim
- Vandalisim
Indicators of (*****) include inability to meet payments, failure to complete business contracts, poor sales volume, lack of supplies and inventory.
insurance fraud
THe motive for (*****) is simply to cause damage for its own sake.
vandalisim
IN (***) the supreme court held: “ fire oflficals are charged not only with extinguishing fires, but finding there cause. ………
Michigan V. Tyler (1978)
THe fire officer must take care to avoid an unlawful search and seizure, which is prohibited by the (*****)
Fouth amendment of the US constitution
Typically no search warrant is needed when the fire department remains on scenec for a reasonable length of time to determine the cause of the fire and as long as the evidence is in plain view of the investigator, This principale has been reaffiremed by the US Supreme Court in (***)
Michigan V. Clifford
Because determining the cause and origin of a fire serves a complelling public intrest, the (****) does not apply to such cases.
warrant requirement.
Under (****) the court held that as fire fighters remove rubble or search other ares where the cause of the fire is likely to be found, an object that comes into view during such process may be preserved.
Michigan V. Clifford
Afetr the cause and origin have both been determined a ((***) is required for any further search.
search warrant or consent
(**) No search warrant is need when fighting a fire or remaining on scene for a reasonable period of time to determine the cause the cause of the fire and any evidence is admissible under the plain view doctrine.
Michigan V. Tyler
(****)are needed for re entry that is not a continuation of a valid search when the perpose is to determine the cause of the fire.
Administrative search warrants
Michigan V Tyler
A (*******) is need when re entry is not a continuation for a valid search and the purpose is to gain evidence for prosecutuion.
criminal search warrant
MIcigan V. Tyler
A fire officer who conducts a preliminary fire cause investigation and suspects that a crime has occurred should immediately request the response of a (**)
fire investigator
THe fire officer must ensure that the fire department personnel maintain (**) until the investigator arrives.
custody of the scene
Posing a guard preserves the (**) over the scene and any evidence that is present until the fire investigator arrives. Fiailure to do so may require the fire department to get a (*) to return to the fire scene.
chain of custody
warrant
To secuere and protect smaller areas of evidence, the fire officer may decide to cover them with a (***)
plastic sheet or tarp
(***) includes material objects as well as documentary or oral statements that are admissible as testimony in a court of law.
evidence
(****) proves or disproves a fact or issue.
evidence
THe fire officer must consider three types of evidence.
- Demonstartive evidence
- Documentary evidenc
- Testimonal evidence
(***) Tangible items that can be identified by witnesses, such as incidiary devices and fire scene debris.
Demonstrative evidence
(*****) Evidence in written form, such as reports, pfotographs, sketches, and witness statements.
Documentary evidence
(**) Witness speaking under oath.
Testimonal evidence
(***) in the context of fire evidence, could include the remains of the material first ignited, the ignition source, or other items and components that are in some way related to the fire ignition, development, or pread.
artifacts
An (**) can also be an item on which fire patterns are present, in which case preservation of the artifacts is not for the item itself but for the fire pattern that appears on the item.
artifact
Because fire follows the (**) an analysis of how the fire spreads assists in determining where it originated and whether the cause was accidental or intentional.
rules of science
(**) is the process of recreating the physical scene before the fire occurred, either physically or theoretically.
Fire scene reconstruction
The (*****) requires that evidence remains secured and documented, form the fire scene to the courtroom.
chain of evidence
Most fire investigators document all physical evidence before collecting it by taking (*******)
high resolution photographs
The role of an (****) is to assist the judge and jurors to understand the evidence or to determine the true facts in an issue.
expert wittness
Most fire departments use the (****) reporting system or a variation of it.
NIFRS
Aloth a criminal prscecution requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt, a civil action involving the insurance company is decided by a (**)
prpoderance of the evidence
Determinig the intial origin and cause of fires is the responsibility of the (***)
company officer.