Fire Investigation Flashcards
What are the basic aims of fire investigation? (5)
1- To establish the most likely cause of fire
2- Establish the reasons for development and spread of fire and smoke
3- To assess the performance of a building and its contents for future reference
4- To check the effectiveness of fire safety provisions in a building
5- To provide other information for use by the LFB and other agencies
When would the Fire Investigation Team assist the IC by determining the cause of the fire?
When the IC….
Cannot determine the cause of the fire
Suspects possible re-kindling of a fire
Is refused entry to an incident for the purpose of fire investigation
Needs to take samples
Requires support and advice
What is the definition of evidence?
A means of proving and unknown or undisputed fact
What 4 types of evidence can a firefighter gather?
Physical
Visual
Audible
Smell
Items of investigation are better left _______
Items of investigation are better left IN-SITU
What actions should be taken to preserve evidence
- Minimise personnel in the affected area
- Limit water damage
- Leave dead bodies in-situ
- Record the locations and movements of other persons
- Do not disturb the room contents/debris
- Restricted movement if there is a suspected accelerant
- Only cut away/turn over when directed to
- Record clear information on a form 10 ASAP
- Turn fuse boards off at the main switch
- Direct eye-witnesses to the IC/Police
What is the procedure when a dead body is found?
1-All information about the body may be presented at an inquest and must be passed on to the police/ Form 10
2-The body/bodies must be left in place
3-If the body must be moved, its original position must be noted
4-anything that has fallen from the body must be handed to the IC/Police
5-The IC Unit must identify and tag bodies (fatality identification system)
6-Information about bodies must not be given to unauthorised people
