Extra cards

Question 0

Detailed Internal Examination

Answer 0

• Smoke deposits and burn patterns
• spalling (cracking of chipping of concrete)
• damage to wall studs
• damage to roofing timbers
• damage to windowsills and door edges
• soot deposits on window glass and craze patterns
• floor areas burned through
• skirting board damage
• elimination of false low burns
• removal of fire debris
• under floor inspection

Question 1

Preliminary internal examination

Answer 1

• low stock levels in commercial premises
• building areas in need of repair
• signs of hardship (empty flats, shops to rent)
• missing family photos
• lack of clothing in wardrobes and drawers
• position of clothes if note in the wardrobe or drawer
• rifled premises
• open filing cabinets or missing files
• forced entry into an empty till
• presence of accelerant containers or trails
• separate unrelated seats of fire
• owner/occupier attitude during walkthrough
• unusual odours
• burn patterns

Question 2

List the different means of identifying suspects

Answer 2

the circumstances of the fire
·
fingerprints
·
information from informants and witnesses
·
media response
·
Police resources such as Intelligence and Youth Services sections or the Fire Investigation Liaison Officer
·
enquiries at prisons, psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation centres and schools
·
information from fire crews on people who regularly attend fires.

Question 3

Who might possible suspects include?

Answer 3

the owner or occupier, for insurance fraud
·
an employee, to cover theft, forgery or false pretences
·
a criminal, to cover the traces of a crime such as burglary or homicide, or to intimidate other victims of a protection racket
·
an aggrieved person suffering from jealousy, hatred, rage, prejudice or a desire for revenge
·
a pyromaniac suffering from mental illness
·
in the case of school buildings, a pupil or ex-pupil
·
a member of the Fire Service, for excitement or personal recognition
·
a business competitor, to disadvantage a rival.

Question 4

Investigate suspects thoroughly and according to priority. Obtain their:

Answer 4

full particulars
 	·	
criminal histories
 	·	
details of any motor vehicle to which they may have access
 	·	
details of any associates
 	·	
photograph.

Question 5

How might injuries be caused at an arson scene

How do you identify the best method of protection

Answer 5

See book

Question 6

What evidence to look for at wilful/suspicious fires

Answer 6

Evidence of accelerants - cumrust

Evidence of intentional interference - mat

8 other points