ARSON CONTENT Flashcards
What are the natural causes of fire?
1) Lightning
2) Sun rays
3) Static Energy
4) Chemical reaction
What does the specialist Fire Investigator Liaison Officer Discuss?
1) Hand Over the Scene
2) Access to the fire scene
3) Process of examination and investigation
4) Identification and collection of evidence at the fire scene
In determining the seat of the fire. What does the SFI consider? (SFI = Specialist Fire Investigator)
1) Wind direction and speed and weather
2) Witness reports
3) The colour of the flames and the smoke
4) The direction of the spread
What are some examples of carelessness that may result in a fire?
1) Kids playing with matches or candles or lighters.
2) Ironing
3) Setting off fireworks
4) Smoking
What are some common examples of setting of fires?
1) Matches and cigarettes
2) Electric matches
3) Trailers
4) Electrical apparatus
What is the role of a Fire Investigation Liaison Officer (FILO)
1) Attend every fire that results in serious injury and death.
2) Arrange police attendance at the fire scene when required. (Consider should be attended)
3) Assist area and district with fire investigation related inquires.
4) Coordinate fire investigation training for police employees in the area and district.
(Tripple AAA to the C)
What to ask the incident controller at the scene?
- Time and date the call was made and the manner it was received.
- What appliance attended.
- What state the fire was in when the fire staff arrived.
- Whether they thought that the fire was suspicious and if so why?
Evidence of wilful causes of fire?
- Evidence of explosives (debris pattern)
- Evidence of accelerants
- Evidence of intentional interference
- Intentional removal of valuable property
What conferences assist with and who attends?
- identifying suspects
- reconstructing of a scene
- Assessing information obtained
- Pending further enquires
- Establishing possible motives
List the people that attend conferences?
4 PEOPLE
- O/C/ CIB (Sutton)
- O/C investigation
- Police photographer
- Fingerprint technician and SOCO
What are my powers under the s28 Fire Services Act 1975
RRET
- Close ROADS
- REMOVE people in danger or interfering with operations, use reasonable force necessary
- ENTER private property when it is on fire or entry is necessary to perform one’s duty
- Do all THINGS NECESSARY to protect life and property.
Power of authorised person in relation to land, building or structure s42(1) Fire and Emergency Act 2017?
HOUSE ———–EBT RiP fives things
- ENTER any land or building or structure
- BREAK into any building or structure that may be on fire or otherwise endangered.
- TAKE OR SEND and equipment or machine required into, through or upon any land building or structure.
- REMOVE from any land, building or structure that is on fire or otherwise endangered any combustible or dangerous material.
- PULL DOWN OR SHORED UP
How do I link an arson suspect to a scene?
- Burnt facial skin
- Products or combustion on skin
- Smell or smoke
- Residue of fuel
List suspect enquires?
x 5 MM O (to the double CC)
1) Motive
2) Means Rea (Guilty mind)
3) Opportunity
4) Connection with the scene and crime
5) Character, mental background, history and movement and behaviour.
Specialist fire investigator attend and investigate what?
1) Fires where a fatality occurs
2) Fire where serious life threatening injuries occur
3) Fire and buildings where fire safety features have failed. (Building act)
4) Structure fires where cause is suspicious or nor determined.
5) Significant fire spread across property and boundaries
List the protective clothing that should be worn at the scene?
Helmet Nose and mouth filters (Masks) Overalls Gloves Footwear with steal caps and soles (Think what a person should wear)
Who are the people that should be interviewed? (Eight people)
Owner/occupier of the address Person last securing the house Person who found the fire Person who gave the alarm By standers - witnesses People loitering Media Local Police x 8
What are some things to look out for when guarding the scene?
Watch for possible suspects interference with the scene Prevent looting Prevent further fire damage Preserve evidence
Steps to follow in relation to an exhibit at the fire scene ?
1) Photo in situ
2) label and then
3) Preserve in containers
4) Use arson kits if available or suitable containers
Control samples - seat of fire, debris, soil or accelerant
The point of origin of the fire is the exact location where?
- The appliance/component failed.
- An accidental fire originated
- A fire was maliciously lit.
3 things
At the end of the scene examination what three things must you be able to determine?
1) The point of origin
2) The area of origin
3) The seat of the fire
Where it is difficult to preserve the scene, the investigator must record the scene prior to demolition by?
- Photos
- Video
- Diagrams sketch
- Plan (May use app on phone)
Preliminary internal examination will include…
- missing family photographs and personal items
- Open filing cabinets or missing files
- Building area in need of repair
- Signs of hardship
Detailed internal examination completed by SFI accompanied by Police
- Damage to the roofing timber
- Damage to wall studs
- Damage to the window sills
- Damage to the skirting boards
External Examination takes what into account?
- Yards and outbuildings of the primary affected property
- Adjourning premises that reveal attempted break in and accelerants
- What distance debris was scattered.
- Nearby alleyways and walkways, streets and driveways
External Examination of the Surrounding Area may also reveal?
- Business that appears to be struggling?
- Content of the building missing.
- Accelerant containers
- Rundown property.
External Examination of the Damaged Structure may reveal?
- Jimmy marks and signs of forced entry.
- Burn pattern marks above thee doors and windows.
- Window glass broken prior to the fire being ignited.
Conduct a preliminary interview with the owner. What things should I find out?
- When last secured.
- Whether he or she knows the cause of the fire?
- Details of suspects and insurance?
- Type of business.
- Actions leading up to the fire.
What are thee five characteristics caused by explosives?
1) Read of debris.
2) Shedding of materials.
3) Shrapnel marks
4) Overlay of dust
5) Cratering
Initial Action - Fire involving explosives? Six fingers of freedom.
- Don’t handle anything unfamiliar - maybe a second device.
- Don’t use a mobile phone, portable radio or transmitting device inside the address
- Evacuate at least 100m away ensure people take belongings
- Consider using an explosive detector dog.
- If IED obtain assistance through comms from Military SOPS on their intranet page.
- Give regular feedback to comms
Intentional fires designed to look like electrical faults?
- Clothes on heaters
- Toaster with nearby curtains
- Leaving pit on stove element.
- Electric urns, bread makers, water heaters, deep fryers and rice cookers.
Suspect enquires procedure not explosives? 12 step detox
1) ID SUSPECTS MEANS (Media, 4f , Intel, fire off. school
2) ID SUSPECT LIST includes pyromanic
3) SYSTEMATICALLY ELEMINATE SUSPECTS investigation
4) CONSIDER SURVEILLANCE (live on their phone)
5) SUSPECT ENQUIRES (alibi - negate background story)
6) SERACH WARRANT OR PO
7) SUSPECT INTERVIEW
8) ID PARADE OR MONTAGE
9) Complete enquires to negate the suspects explanation
10) Brief the boss and strength of conviction
11) Arrest badman
12) Prosecution file and file manager.
What are the Police responsibilities at the fire scene?
1) Secure the scene
2) conduct a criminal investigation.
3) Protect, collect and collate forensic evidence
4) Preservation, analysis and subsequent disposition of any such material
What are Other Powers of an authorised person Under s44(1) FENZ Act 2017
1) Shut off the water from any pipe to increase pressure.
2) Close road, railway or area in the vicinity of the emergency.
3) Remove a vehicle impeding and use force.
4) Remove a person interfering with operation.
5) Shut off or remove gas supply, fuel, oil electricity to any building on fire or in the vicinity.
6) Do all necessary things to preserve life
What do you need to prove for the offence of providing an explosive to commit an offence under s272 C.A. 1961
1) ID of the person
2) Knowledge that in possession and an explosive
3) Explosive, dangerous engine, instrument, thing means a device intended to explode, cause fire, or emission of noxious things.
and
4) The defendant must make the explosive or have in their possession
5) The defendant must intend that the explosive be used by themselves or by another person to commit an offence. (No need for the ID of the other person as it is the intent)
What is a dangerous engine, instrument or thing?
Is a device that is intended to explode, cause fire or omission of noxious gases.
The fire service will notify Police if?
If a fire results in serious injury and death or the fire is considered suspicious. Three things bro!!!!
What is a FILO?
Fire Investigation Liaison Officer - a member of the Police
What is a a specialist fire investigator?
An SFI is employed by the fire service and possesses extensive experience in firefighting and fire safety. They have received specialist training and assessment in fire investigation techniques.
What is a FSILO?
Fire service investigation liaison officer - They are the fire service contact with Police and maintain that relationship with Police.
After the fire has been extinguished Police must?
- Secure the scene
- Criminal investigation and or coronial inquiry
- Protect, collect and record forensic evidence
What does the point of origin mean?
Where the fire started.
What does the seat of the fire mean?
The area where the main body was located.
What does area of origin mean?
The area where the fire started.
You can set fire to your own property unless?
There is danger to life, or is to obtain benefit or cause loss to any other person….
What is the subjective test?
What was the defendant thinking at the time. Did the defendant know that human life was likely to be endangered. by his actions.
What is the objective test?
What a reasonable person in the same circumstances would have thought. Would a reasonable person recognised the risk?
What is the difference between s267(1) and s267(2) offences?
Value section 2 offences have a lesser value.
What do you need to prove an attempt?
To be guilty of an attempt the defendant must have progressed past the stage preparation and commenced a process intended to lead to the commission of the full offence.
What are the four beliefs of claim of right?
1) A Belief held in a proprietary or possessory right in property.
2) Belief and rights in relation to the property connected to the offence.
3) Belief held at the time of the conduct.
4) Belief must be actually held by the defendant
Explosive definition?
A substance or mixture - capable of a rapid rate of decomposition that results in an explosion. Does not include fireworks or firearms.
Fire definition.
Fire is a result of combustion a chemical reaction between fuel and oxygen that is triggered by heat. In short fuel + O2 activated by heat.
Property
Real or personal property, estate or any interest in any real or personal property, money, electricity, debt or anything in action or any right or interest
Knowing
Knowing is correctly believing - you can’t know something that is false - Simester and brookbalnks
Life
Life in this context is human life. The danger must be to someone else’s life who is human and is not the defendant.
Claim of right
in relation to an act, means a belief at the time of the act in a proprietary or possessory right in which the offence is alleged to have been committed. Not by ignorance or mistake in fact or some matter of matter of law other than which the offence is alleged to have been committed.
Damages by fire?
Burning or charring - doesn’t have to be set on fire or fully involved. Melting blistering or smoke damage maybe sufficient.
Immovable property?
Property is considered immovable if it is currently fixed in place and unable to be moved even though it maybe possible to move it.
Intent
A deliberate act to achieve a specific result not involuntary or by accident.
Vehicle
Is a contrivance equipped with wheel tracks or revolving runners on which it moves or is moved.
Ship
Every description of vessels used in navigation however it is propelled - any ship used by the arm forces of any country.
Aircraft
Any machine that derives support from the atmosphere from the reaction of the air otherwise than by reactions of the air against the surface of the earth.
Obtain
Obtain means to obtain to retain for themselves or any other person.
Benefit (In the context of Arson)
Benefit means any benefit, pecuniary advantage, property, service or valuable consideration.
R v Cara
A service is limited to economic or financial value excludes benefit or privilege
Attempt s72
Eat Hats Daily
- Everyone
- Having an intent to commit an offence
- Does or omits an act for the purpose of achieving that objective.
When investigating suspects according to priority what are information that is good to have?
1) Suspects details or particulars
2) Criminal history
3) Details of any vehicle to which they have access
4) Details of any associates
5) Current photographs (Social Media)
Differences between gas explosions and a substance explosion ?
Gas explosion - covers a large area
Non gas - implosion of cabinet
Medial evidence from the victims or suspects
ESR samples from the scene
At fire scenes what are most injuries caused by?
Inhalation of toxic substances
cuts from sharp objects
Items failing from above
Tripping on fire debris
Four main building materials and their weakness pertaining to fire?
- Timber burning charring
- Steel - expand and lose of strength
- Concrete - spalling
- Masonry - deterioration of mortar
General enquires involving fires not involving explosives 12 steps
1) Submit articles to ESR
2) Offence report in NIA – include stolen property
3) Obtain written reports, photographs, plans ect from FILO and FIO
4) Stimulate the flow of information through media contact and contact with the local Police
5) Plan enquires – owner or occupier of the address, secured by, person who found and person whom raised the alarm. 4 people groups
6) Consider area Canvas – like in a serious matter
7) Motives – jealousy, benefit causing loss or revenge
8) Contact insurance company -
9) Previous similar occurrences in the area modus operandi
10) Inform local intelligence section to generate leads
11) Enquire at the met service for weather conditions
12) Maintain contact with the owner.
R v Harper
An attempt includes an act or omission constituting a substantial step in a course of conduct planned to culminate in the commission of the crime.
Hayes v R
The court held that belief is not required to be reasonable and maybe based on ignorance or mistake. However reasonableness of the belief maybe relevant in determining whether the defendants assertion of the belief is creditable.
R v Morley
Loss is assessed by the extent to which the complaints position has diminished or been impaired by comparing before and after the fact.
R v Archer
Property if it suffers Permanent or temporary harm or permanent or temporary impairment of use or value
R v Wilson
Tenancy can mean interest
R v Collister
Circumstantial evidence from which the offenders intent maybe inferred include - words and actions - surrounding circumstances - that nature of the act itself.
What is the initial action for fires not involves explosives?
1) Briefly interview informant and witnesses
2) Conduct local enquires
3) Secure, guard and control the scene
4) Initial interview with SFI and O/C fire who attended
5) Interview with incident controller
6) Ensure scene is safe before the conference with SFI and Police
7) Conduct prelim
8) Regroup and hold a briefing conference
9) Confer with other staff members and determine a plan
10) Contact comms for sit-rep
Consider a common approach path….
Consider a common approach path….
How should you examine scene?
From the outside in and as soon as you are able to avoid the loss of any evidence. Systematically.
Explain External examination?
- Adjoining premises
- Jimmy marks or signs of forced entry broken windows
- Accelerant containers
- Debris scattered
Explain Internal Examination?
- Low stock levels
- What is missing - photographs and possessions
- Hardship signs clean or dirty house.
- Separate unrelated seats of fire ect …
- smoke deposits and burn patterns
- Damages to framing, concrete and steal
- Area or origin
- Point of origin
- Seat of the fire
Usually conducted with the SFI scribe this and mark exhibits
(Reconstruct throughout the examination)
What is the exhibit process?
- photograph in situ, label and preserve in containers
- Use arson kits or suitable containers unused 4 litre paint tins.
- Take control samples charred debris seat of the fire, accelerant near the scene and surrounding area.
