7 Flashcards
are typically the professionals qualified to investigate fires.
Fire investigators, also known as fire marshals
A fire investigator should have the following traits:
- Possession of knowledge of investigation techniques
- He should have an insight of human behavior.
- He should have a first hand knowledge of the chemistry of fire and its behavior
- He should be resourceful.
is responsible for upholding safety, upholding the law, and keeping their community running safely.
fire marshal
are required to have previous fire protection experience. One of the most direct ways to gain this experience is to work for a few years as a firefighter.
Most fire marshals
can help fire investigator in their understanding of possible causes or reasons for intentionally starting a fire, such as arson.
Understanding human behavior
can also assist investigators identify if a fire was set intentionally or accidentally.
Understanding human behavior
helps investigators in identifying potential accelerants that may have been utilized to start or fuel a fire.
Knowledge of fire chemistry
Fire investigation is complex and unique because of the following reasons:
● Fire destroys evidence
● If it is Arson, it is planned, motivated and committed discreetly.
● Rarely can there be an eyewitness in Arson
can be used to destroy evidence and cover up crimes.
Fire
the deliberate act of setting fire to property with malicious intentions
Arson
It is usually a planned and carefully executed crime, motivated by motives such as revenge.
Arson
typically prepare their activities ahead of time, deciding on a target and technique of igniting that will allow them to go unnoticed.
Arsonists
usually occurs in isolated areas or at night, when there are few witnesses. In order to avoid being discovered, the arsonist may either disguise himself or act quickly before leaving the area.
Arson
are usually at the crime scene ahead of the fire investigators. Hence, they are valuable sources of information.
Firemen
They are the so-called “Eyes and Ears’’ of the police before, during and after the fire has been placed under control.
Firemen
The information taken from firemen may be categorized as:
● Information attainable or developed prior to the arrival at the scene
● Information available to the firemen at the scene
● Information available during overhaul and thereafter
The act or crime of willfully, wrongfully, and unjustifiably setting property on fire often for the purpose of committing fraud.
Arson
is a criminal act with penalties imposed (Arts 320-324 of Revised Penal Code of the Philippines.)
Arson
The arson investigator must have to inquire on the following
a) point of origin of fire
b) motives of arsonist
C. prime suspects
D. the telltale signs of arson
answers the question, “Where and Why did the fire start?”
origin of the fire
occurs during the free burning stage of the fire when pyrolytic decomposition moves upward on the walls leaving a burnt pattern.
fingerprint of fire
is the result of the nature and material of the surface which contains the fire pattern, affecting the actual shape of the lines of demarcation displayed, or increasing or decreasing the amount of pyrolysis and combustion in different areas.
Surface effect
often are considered unusual, since the more natural direction of heat and fire spread is upward.
Downward penetrations
- committed on insured property, and the fire is designed to
provide complete devastation. It is benefiting them.
Insurance Fraud
- loss of market value that is out of season, lack of raw materials over supply. This is also one of the main reasons for arson.
Desire To Dispose Merchandise
- When revenue is higher than the cost of money.
Economic Gain
- Wherein arson is used as a concealment of a crime.
Concealment of Crime
- The act of committing arson due to jealousy, hatred, and revenge.
Punitive Measure
- Arsonists become saboteurs, strikers, and racketeers with the purpose to intimidate management and employers.
Intimidation of Economic Disabling
- A type of impulse control disorder that is characterized by being unable to resist starting fires. A pyromaniac does not run away from fire scenes because they love watching the fire burning.
Pyromania (psychological factor)
Types of Pyromania
Abnormal Youth
Hero Type
Drug addicts and Alcoholics
Sexual deviates and perverts
- epileptics, imbeciles, and morons.
Abnormal Youth
- an individual who sets a building on fire and pretends to discover it, alarming people and making rescue to be labeled as a “——”
.
Hero Type
- Mostly due to hallucination and to achieve satisfaction
Drug addicts and Alcoholics
FIre fetish
Sexual deviates and perverts
are people who commit crimes by setting fires on a regular basis.
Serial arsonists
They may target specific types of structures, such as homes, businesses, or vehicles, and frequently exhibit a distinct pattern or method of operation.
Serial arsonists
are people under the age of 18 who intentionally start fires for a variety of reasons, including thrill-seeking, revenge, or attention-seeking behavior.
Juvenile fire starters
is required when using matches, lighters, or other ignition
sources.
Adult supervision
may also be prime suspects in arson investigations, particularly if the fire occurred at a workplace or business.
Disgruntled employees or coworkers
they may have a financial or personal reason to destroy the property.
owner or occupant
General techniques to use in the investigation
1. Search of the fire scene for physical evidence:
- Background study of policyholders, occupants of premises, owner of building or other person having major interest in the fire.
- Interviews and interrogations of persons who discovered the fire, and the one who turned the first alarm, firemen, and eyewitnesses.
- Surveillance
Search of the fire scene for physical evidence:
a. Protection of the scene
b. Mechanics of search
c. Collection and preservation of evidences
d. Laboratory aids
are crucial in determining the cause and origin of fires, identifying arson cases, and ensuring public safety.
Arson investigations
play essential roles in fire investigations, including initial response, scene security, assistance, and fire prevention efforts.
Firemen
examine the fire scene, gather information from witnesses, victims, and other relevant individuals, analyze evidence, and document their findings.
Investigators
