Fire Investigation

Question 1

Where is the initial investigation recorded?

Answer 1

Official Notebook & OMS report

Question 2

Who carries out an initial cause investigation?

Answer 2

The incident Controller

Question 3

When would you request a Fire Investigation Officer?

Answer 3

• If the cause of the fire cannot be determined
• fatality or serious injury at a fire or HazMat related incident.
• major incidents requiring a protracted or complex investigation.
• major fires, explosion or HazMat incidents involving substantial property or environmental loss.
• in premises such as hostels, hospitals and nursing homes.
  -any fire in assembly, public or community buildings e.g. school, government building, entertainment, recreation, sporting venue.
• Fires involving Battery Energy Storage Systems
• Fires Involving Photovoltaic Systems

Question 4

What needs to be done before investigating?

Answer 4

Incident Overhaul
Isolation of the Scene (fire watch may be initiated)
Isolation of service utilities
Risk Assessment

Question 5

What would you be looking for in a risk assessment specifically prior to Fire Investigation?

Answer 5

Structural Integrity
Requirement for work in confined space
Atmospheric Monitoring
ACM’s, Dusts, Asbestos
Risk of Biological, chemical and radio logical exposure

Question 6

Who does FIU report to upon arrival at the incident scene?

Answer 6

OIC & Book in at firecom

Question 7

What PPE may be worn during fire investigation activity?

Answer 7

• BA or P2 respiratory mask (with appropriate filter); and
• structural firefighting clothing (including gloves) or disposal overalls (with inner and outer gloves).

Question 8

What equipment may be used during Fire Investigation Activity?

Answer 8

Atmospheric Monitoring
Ceiling hook or rake
Shovel
Photographic Device

Question 9

What other safety considerations for investigation? RE Secondary, Situational awareness

Answer 9

Never work alone
Maintain communications with other onsite personnel
Unsafe areas to be clearly identified
Appropriate post investigation decontamination and PPE PPC laundering process to be initiated

Question 10

Before seizing evidence from a premise or vehicle during a fire investigation, what should be considered?

Answer 10

Obtaining consent from the owner for its seizure and ensuring that it is accurately recorded, this includes identifying the location of the evidence prior to seizure.
If a crime has been declared, ensure QPS makes the seizure and is in charge of holding the evidence custody.

Question 11

Explain Issuing Receipt of Seizure

Answer 11

Give Verbal receipt of seizure, detailing the condition, general description
Follow up with QFES Notice of Seizure Form in writing