Fire Investigation Flashcards
When will fire service notify police
If a fire results in serious injury or death
If a fire is considered suspicious
Fire Investigation Liasion Officer
Responsibilities
- attending every fire that results in serious injury or death
- coordinating fire investigations in their district
- arranging police attendance at fire scenes
- maintaining effective relationships with Fire service
- assisting with fire related enquires
- ensuring communication with relevant parties where appropriate
- co ordination of fire investigation training for police
When will specialist fire investigators be called
Fires where
- fatalities occur
- serious life threatening injury
- structure fires where cause is suspicious
- significant fire across property boundaries
- where built in fire safety features have failed
- structure fires of 3rd alarm equivalent (at least six appliances) or greater, that may have a significant regional or national consequence
- any other fire, upon request from police or another agency
Section 32 Fire service act
All police must cooperate with the person in charge of the fire (from Fire service)
They can exercise powers under section 28(4) of the fire service act if directed to by person in charge
Powers 28 (4) fire service act
- enter private property when it is on fire or endangered, or when entry is essential to performing a necessary duty
- close roads
- remove vehicles impeding the fire service (break in if necessary)
- remove people who are in danger or interfering with operations (use reasonable force if necessary)
- do anything else that is reasonably necessary for protection of life and property
After fire extinguished (handed over to police)
Police in charge of scene and have discretion as to who enters
Injures- fire scenes
- inhalation of toxic substances
- ingestion of particles
- cuts/wounds from sharp object
- tripping on fire debris
- falling into cavities
- items from above falling
Fire scene safety - clothing
Helmet
Overalls
Nose and mouth filter of full face respirator
Gloves
Safety glasses
Heavy duty footwear
Fire scene risks
Timber - will burn and char but in most instances maintain structural integrity. (Check thickness, load and any sound)
Steel - will lose strength and collapse
- falls off supports or similar
- remains intact loosely but may collapse during excavation or movement of items
Concrete- most unpredictable, affected by low fire temperatures can topple or break away
Masonry and brick- can be weakened by deterioration of the mortar
Visible signs include cracks, leaning or bowing
Preserving a fire scene
Scene security
- ensuring scene is not interfered with
- exclusion and control of on-lookers, property owners and other interested parties
- preserving evidence
- preventing looting
Be aware of when guarding scene
- re ignition from hot spots
- watch for possible suspects
- identify witnesses
- report all matters of significance to OC
Contamination prevention
- limit unnecessary operations within the area of origin including number of personnel in structure
Scope - how much of area needs to be preserved
Cordon- identify centre, tape off outside from what is considered to be the most obvious item of evidence that is furthest from centre (as wide as practical)
Common approach path
Where this difficult to persevere scene
- sketches
- photos
- plans
- video recordings
Suspicious fatal fires
Storage of removed spoil
Can be done in cleared warm area of scene
OC investigation appointments
- exhibit officer
- crime scene coordinator
- advise a fire investigation liaison officer
- appoint a scene examiner
