Fire Investigation Flashcards
What are the basic aims of fire investigation?
Establish the most likely cause of a fire.
Establish the reasons for the development and spread of fire and smoke.
Assess the performance of a building or contents in a fire situation.
Check the effectiveness of fire safety provisions in a building - did they work?
Provide other information for use by LFB.
Where is the Fire Investigation Team based?
Dowgate
How many watches and riders are there?
Four watches and a maximum of five riders per watch.
There are also two day weighted fire investigators who support management and investigation teams.
How many watches currently have Hydrocarbon Detector Dogs?
Two
Who is responsible for carrying out investigation at smaller incidents?
IC
When would the IC request the attendance of the FIT?
Cannot determine the cause of the fire.
Suspects a possible re-kindling of the fire.
Is refused entry to an incident for purpose of investigation.
Needs to take samples.
Requires support and advice at the scene.
When would one FIU be ordered as part of the PDA?
4 pump fires and above (except rubbish, crop & field fires unless requested)
Persons reported, fire survival calls, and fatal fires (2 FIU for fatal fire).
Firefighter emergency.
In addition to the PDA, what would the FIT be informed of?
Explosions
A request for an ambulance where a fire related injury has occurred to a member of the public.
Who can request the attendance of the HCDD?
Fire Investigation Officers
IC
Metropolitan Police
Crime scene examiners
Why would the IC request the attendance of the Police?
To record and investigate a possible crime scene - where there’s a fatality, serious injury or the fire is deemed suspicious.
When asked to give evidence in court, what may firefighters be asked about?
The seat of fire
The original position of a casualty who’s been rescued
Whether or not entry was forced
Whether the windows and doors were open.
Define Evidence
A means of proving an unknown or disputed fact
List the types of evidence a firefighter can identify
Physical
Audible
Visual
Smell
What actions should be taken to preserve evidence?
Minimise firefighters inside affected area.
Limit water damage.
If body is found and apparently dead, leave in situ.
Record location and movements of all pers involved.
Do not disturb the room, contents or debris.
If accelerant suspected, restrict movements of fire teams.
Don’t start cutting away until directed to by IC/FIO.
Clearly and accurately record any info on Form10.
Turn off fuse board rather than removing.
Eyewitness directed to IC or Police.
Glass should not be swept at a crime scene if it is not safety critical?
True
