Fire Investigation Protocol

Question 1

When will the Fire Service notify Police?

Answer 1

1. A fire results in a serious injury or death

OR

2. A fire is considered suspicious

Question 2

FILO’s have responsibility for…

Answer 2

MEACAAP (think ‘like Meerkat’)

1. Attending every fire that results in serious injury or death
2. Co-ordinating fire investigating in their area/district
3. Arranging Police attendance at fire scenes where requires
4. Maintaining effective working relationships with FSILO and Fire Service Specialist Fire Investigators
5. Assisting areas/districts with fire related queries
6. Ensure communication is maintained between - Police National Fire Investigation Co-ordinator -Police District Intel Manager - District Manager Criminal Investigations
7. Co-ordinating fire investigating training for Police employees
8. Provide other advice and expertise where needed

Question 3

When will Specialist Fire Investigators be called to a scene?

Answer 3

SOFASS (think ‘soft ass’)

1. Fatal fires
2. Serious (life threatening) fire related injury had occurred
3. Suspicious - structure fires where cause suspicious/cannot be determined
4. Significant - fire spread across property boundary
5. Safety - features have failed/not performed in buildings
6. 3rd Alarm or greater
7. Other fire - upon request from police/other agency

Question 4

FSILO’s have responsibility for…

Answer 4

1. Arranging Fire Service Specialist Fire Investigator attendance at fire scenes where requested by police
2. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with FILO’s

Question 5

The Fire Service Specialist Fire Investigator will liaise with the designated Police FILO or other police member in relation to 4 specific matters. What are they?

Answer 5

HAPI (think ‘happy’)

1. Handover of the fire scene
2. Access to the fire scene
3. Process for examination and investigation
4. Identification and collection of evidence at the fire scene

Question 6

Police Responsibility. The police must…

Answer 6

1. Conduct the criminal or coronial enquiry

2. Undertake responsibility for the protection, collection and recording of forensic evidence