Fire Cause Determination/ Arson Response SOP

Question 1

This policy is to ensure a consistent response in cases of what instances?

Answer 1

Incendiary fires
Suspected incendiary fires
Cause of fire can’t be determined

Question 2

——— is responsible for determining the cause of fires occurring under his command.

Answer 2

Incident commander

Question 3

What cases shall an incident commander request an arson investigator?

Answer 3

Fire appears to be intentionally started
Suspicious
Cause can’t be determined

Question 4

IC shall not permit extensive -——— operations until a cause of the fire has been determined or the arson investigator has completed the fire scene investigation.

Answer 4

Overhaul

Question 5

Can overhaul be conducted to prevent fire extension on an arson scene?

Answer 5

Yes, limited.

Question 6

When arson is found or suspected, the incident commander shall allow nothing to be disturbed, except…..

Answer 6

What is absolutely necessary to extinguish the fire

Question 7

Does the incident commander have to remain on the fire scene until an arson investigator arrives?

Answer 7

Yes. Unless he leaves an officer and crew in charge familiar with the aspects of the fire.

Question 8

When an officer and crew are left in charge of an arson fire, what are their objectives?

Answer 8

Secure the scene, prevent disturbance of conditions surrounding the fire and deny entry to unauthorized personnel.

Question 9

Are arson investigators subject to cancer policy #622?

Answer 9

Yes

Question 10

Fires involving a habitation, building or vehicle should have an arson response when they are

Answer 10

Incendiary, suspicious or of undetermined origin

Question 11

Should arson respond to fire deaths or injuries likely to result in death? Including vehicle incidents that are obviously accidents?

Answer 11

Yes, but not vehicle incidents that are obviously accidental

Question 12

Since arson does not normally respond to grass or trash fires, what incidents involving grass/trash should arson be requested?

Answer 12

• Intentionally set that damages a structure or vehicle
• reoccurring grass/trash in same area
• suspect has been apprehended
• information on suspect
• explosive or incendiary device
• explosions

Question 13

Arson investigators do not need to respond to what types of incidents?

Answer 13

• accidental fires
• carbon monoxide poisoning related to heating and cooling equipment or motor vehicles
• grass or trash fires
• accidental burn injuries not likely to result in death