Fire Investigation Flashcards
What are six natural causes of fire
Chemical reaction
Sun rays
lightning
static electricity
rodents eating through wiring or building nests out of flammable material
spontaneous combustion and ignition of natural and manufactured materials
What are the three things needed for a natural cause of fire
fuel, air (oxygen) and heat source
what does s28 of the Fire Service Act refer to
Functions, duties, and powers of Chief Fire Officer - person charged with direction of operations
explain s28 of the Fire Service act and what the powers allow a CFO to confer x 5
enter private property when it is on fire or when essential to perform a necessary duty
close roads
remove impeding vehicles or break into them
remove people in danger, use reasonable force
do anything else reasonably necessary to protect people and property
Explain the use of fire service powers by Police
May exercise powers if called to do so by person in charge of
no right to exercise the powers just because they are present at fire
What is the purpose of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Police and FENZ
ensure investigations of fire scenes are efficiently coordinated, and expertly and independently conducted.
any relevant evidence is protected for potential criminal prosecution or coronial enquiries
Name the three circumstances FENZ will contact Police
if the fire results in serious injury
if the fire results in death
if the fire is considered suspicious
List 6 roles of the Fire Investigation Liaison Officer (FILO)
attend every fire that results in death or serious injury
co-ordinate fire investigations
assist with queries
arrange police attendance
training
advice
What is an SFI and when are they called to attend x6
Specialist Fire Investigator
fatalities
life threatening injuries
1c structure fires
spread across property boundaries
safety features have failed
upon request
What is a fire service investigation liaision officer
same as a FILO but works for FENZ
What four things do the FILO and SFI discuss
handover of the scene
access
process for exam and investigation
identification and collection of evidence
What are the four main Police responsibilites at the scene
criminal investigation or coronial enquiry
protection, collection and recording of forensic evidence
collect and remove material
preservation, analysis and disposition of material
What are 7 common methods of setting fires
candles
chemical igniters
electrical apparatus
matches and cigarettes
electric matches
Molotov cocktails
timing devices
what is the seat of the fire
main body of the fire
What is a trailer
line of fuel
What are six characteristics of explosions
cratering
spread of debris
shredding of materials
a smell peculiar to the exploded material
an overlay of dust
shrapnel marks
What are four evidences of wilful causes of fires
Accelerant
Explosion
Intentional interference
Intentional removal of valuable property
What are 7 carelessness that may result in a fire
kids playing with matches or lighters
vagrants
ironing
fireworks
smoking
stove or heater on
unattended cooking
What are four factors determining the seat of the fire that the SFI will consider
wind and weather
witnesses
colour of flame and smoke
direction of spread
what four things to ask the FENZ incident controller
time and date the call was made and manner received
what appliance attended
state of fire on arrival
if 1c and why
What five things do conferences assist with
identifying suspects
scene reconstruction
assessing information
planning further inquiries
establishing motives
who attends conferences
O/C CIB
O/C Investigation
Photos
FP/SOCO
What is section 42(1) of the Fire and Emergency Act 2017 and what five things does is allow Police to do
enter any land, building or structure
break into any building or structure that may be on fire or otherwise endangered
take any machine or equipment onto
remove if fire or otherwise endangered
pull down or shored up, reasonable time
What are four things that may link a suspect to an arson
burnt facial skin
products of combustion on skin
smell of smoke
residue of fuel
5 steps of suspect enquiries
Motive
Mens Rea
Opportunity
Connection with the scene and crime
Character, mental background, history, movements and behaviour
protective clothing that should be worn at the scene
Helmet
Nose and mouth filter
Overalls
Gloves
Footwear with steel soles and caps
People who should be interviewed x 8
Owner/occupier of the house
Person who last secured the house
Person who found the fire
Person who gave the alarm
Bystanders
People loitering
Media
Local police
3 steps for evidence preservation
Photograph it in situation, label the exhibits and preserve them in containers
Use approved arson kits if available, if not use suitable containers
Take control samples such as: Charred timber and ashes or debris from the seat of fire, any accelerant found near the scene, soil from the surrounding area
The point of origin is the exact location where x 3
A component failed
An accidental fire originated
A fire was maliciously lit
at conclusion of the exam x 3
Seat of fire
Area of origin
Point of origin
What is the seat of the fire
where the main body of the fire is located
prior to demolition
Photos
Video
Plan
Sketch
internal exam x4
Missing family photos, personal items
Open filing cabinets or missing files
Building area in need of repair
Signs of hardship
detailed internal exam accompanied by SFI
Damage to roofing timber
Damage to wall studs
Damage to window stills
Damage to skirting boards
external exam x4
Yards and outbuilding of the fire affected property
Adjourning premises which often reveal accelerant, attempts, forced entry, broken windows, forced doors
What distance debris was scattered
Nearby alleyways, streets, driveways
external exam surrounding area x 4
Business appears to be struggling
Content of building missing
Accelerant containers
Property rundown
signs of explosive x5
Spread of debris
Shredding of materials
Shrapnel marks
Overlays of dust
Cratering
intentional fires made to look like electrical faults x4
Clothing on heaters
Toaster with nearby curtains
Leaving pot on stove elements
Tampering with Electrical urns, bread makers, water heaters, deep fryers and rice cookers
potential suspects x4
The owner or occupier for insurance fraud
An aggrieved person suffering from jealousy, hatred, rage or a desire for revenge
A pyromaniac
A business competitor to disadvantage a rival
where shoudl you conduct a s6 and what evidence should you include
- Suspects clothing, residence, vehicle and workplace
- Accelerant, containers, ignitors, traces of debris
