General Flashcards
When does burning ones own property become unlawful and therefore constitute Arson?
− intend to cause loss to someone else as a result of the fire
− know or ought to know that the fire will endanger life
− know that the fire is likely to destroy or damage someone else’s property as a
consequence.
(Module Page 5)
The Fire Service Specialist Fire Investigator will liaise with the designated Police Fire
Investigation Liaison Officer or other member of Police in relation to four specific matters:
(1) handover of the fire scene
(2) access to the fire scene
(3) process for examination and investigation
(4) identification and collection of evidence at the fire scene
In determining the seat of the fire, list some of the matters the specialist fire investigator
should consider.
In determining the seat of the fire the specialist fire investigator will consider:
− witnesses’ reports
− when they first noticed the fire and where they were at the time
− the state of the fire at that time
− wind direction and speed, weather
− the direction of spread
− the colour of the flames and smoke
− severity of the damage
− depth of charring
− the presence of starting devices
− reports and opinions from other specialists.
(Police Manual Page 35)
List five examples where carelessness may cause a fire.
Five examples of carelessness that might result in a fire could include:
− misusing electricity
− children playing with matches, cigarette lighters and so on
− burning off paint
− vagrants lighting fires
− welding and other industrial processes
− leaving clothes near heating
− wrapping up live ashes in paper
− ironing
− setting off fireworks
− using or storing flammable materials
− burning rubbish
− using domestic or camp fires
− leaving a stove or heater on
− leaving fat unattended while cooking
− smoking
(Police Manual Page 24).
List five examples of material used to start a fire.
Materials used to start a fire include:
− readily available combustible material - rubbish
− Molotov cocktails
− candles
− chemical igniters
− timing devices
− electric matches
− electrical apparatus
− matches and cigarettes
− trailers
(Police Manual Page 19)
Detail the Police responsibilities at a fire scene examination and investigation.
The Police responsibilities at a fire scene examination and investigation are:
The Police must:
− conduct the criminal investigation or coronial enquiry
− undertake responsibility for the protection, collection and recording of forensic evidence
− the collection and removal of material from a fire crime scene will only be done by
Police or other agencies with the authority to remove evidence
− the preservation, analysis and subsequent disposition of any such material is the
responsibility of Police or other agency.
(Police Manual Page 12)
Describe the powers conferred by Section 42 of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act
2017 on the person in charge of the Fire Service at the fire site.
The powers conferred by Section 42 of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017 on
the person in charge of the Fire Service at the fire site are:
(a) enter any land, building, or structure:
(b) break into any building or structure that may be on fire or otherwise endangered or that is
near the emergency:
(c) take or send any equipment or machine required to be used into, through, or upon any
land, building, or structure:
(d) remove from any land, building, or structure that is on fire or otherwise endangered, or
that is near the emergency, any flammable, combustible, explosive, or dangerous material
found in the building or structure:
(e) cause any building or structure that is on fire or otherwise endangered, or that is adjacent
to or in the vicinity of any building or structure that is on fire or otherwise endangered, to
be pulled down or shored up (either in whole or in part):
(f) cause any building or structure to be pulled down or shored up (either in whole or in part)
at the time of the emergency or within a reasonable time afterwards.
How many Specialist Fire Investigators will be called to a fire requiring this level of investigation?
2
Does a Specialist Fire Investigator conduct an independent investigation into the origin and cause of the fire?
Yes
At what temperature will steel lose 10% of its strength?
1600 degrees centigrade
What causes spalling to concrete?
The expansion of trapped moisture
Reinforcing steel is only 50% of its normal strength at what temperature?
1000 degrees centigrade
List 5 methods of setting fires:
(1) igniting common materials such as rubbish
(2) Candles
(3) chemical ignition
(4) Electrical apparatus
(5) Matches and cigarette lighters
