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
Initial action - fire
1 - briefly interview informant
2 - secure and control his scene
3- Initial interview - specialist fire investigator
4- interview incident controller
5 - if fire extinguished - ensure safety before initial conference (police conduct preliminary examination)
6 - if deemed suspicious then re group and hold a conference
7 - determine plan, brief and deploy them to
Guard and control scene
Identify and interview witnesses
Conduct local enquires
8 - contact the emergency communication centre and supply a sitrep
Interview of incident controller
- time and date of call and manner it was received
- what appliances attended
- the state of fire when fire service arrived
- what action fire service have taken, particularly when entering the building
- alterations to the scene
- whether the fire is suspicious and why
- their opinions of the informant
Conferences (why)
- assess information obtained
- reconstruction
- establish possible motives
- identify suspects
- plan further enquires
Who chairs a conference
- Fire Investigation Liaison Officer
- crime scene coordinator
- the senior police employee present
Conference requirements
Record all decisions made
Forms the basis of scene examination and risk assessment planning
People to be interviewed
Owner and occupier of premises
Person who last secure building
Person who found the fire
Person who gave the alarm
Fire involving explosives
Initial action
- May be a secondary device. Do not handle or interfere with anything unfamiliar
- Do not use cell phones, portable radios or other transmitting devices
- Evacuate scene to a distance of 100m (ensure people leaving the scene bring personal possessions) consider using a detector dog.
- If IED located immediately obtain assistance of an IED operator
- Give a sitrep
Explosions - what to look for
- Cratering
- spread of debris
- shedding of materials
- a smell peculiar to the exploded material
- an overlay of dust
- shrapnel marks
Explosions caused by gas
Lighter than air - outward blow at the top of the wall
Heavier than air- blow out at the bottom of the wall
Point of origin
Exact location at which
A component failed
A fire was maliciously lit
An accidental fire originated
