Fire Manual 3

Question 1

SA - What are some examples of how faults can cause a fire?

Answer 1

• Chimneys
• Heating systems
• Appliances
• TVs left on standby mode
• Dust extractors
• Fans
• Electrical wiring
• Broken power lines

Question 2

SA - What are some examples of how nature can cause a fire?

Answer 2

• Chemical reactions
• Sun’s rays
• Lightning
• Static electricity
• Rodents eating wiring

Question 3

SA - What is the procedure for a fire scene exam?

Answer 3

1. Briefly interview informant.
2. Secure and control scene.
3. Initial interview with SFI and O/C of first fire appliance.
4. Find out from incident controller:
   - Time date of call and manner received
   - What appliances attended
   - State of fire on arrival
   - Actions taken
   - Info they have on building security
   - If they believe suspicious
   - Opinions on informant
   - Any 1C behaviour in area
5. Ensure safety of scene and conduct prelim scene exam.
6. If deemed suspicious, hold briefing.
7. Determine plan of action, I.E scene guards, identify and interview witnesses, local enquiries.
8. Advise comms and request specialist assistance if necessary (ESR, Photos, FILO)

Question 4

SA - What are the type of witnesses you should interview?

Answer 4

• Informant
• Fire fighters
• Occupants/visitors
• Employees
• Owners
• Neighbours
• Spectators
• Local Police
• Delivery people
• Reporters

Question 5

SA - What are the four main considerations Police have for scene security?

Answer 5

• Scene not interfered with
• Exclusion and control of on-lookers
• Preserving evidence
• Preventing looting

Question 6

SA - What should attending Police look out for while guarding?

Answer 6

• Re-ignition from hotspots
• Possible suspects returning
• Identify witnesses
• Report all matters to O/C investigation and/or scene coordinator

Question 7

SA - To assist in scene preservation, consider these points…

Answer 7

• Scope (How much of the area needs to be preserved?)
• Cordon
• Common approach path

Question 8

SA - If the scene cannot be preserved due to safety (demolishing some areas) how can you record the scene?

Answer 8

• Sketches
• Photographs
• Plans
• Video recordings

Question 9

SA - A SFI should be present at all fire scenes Police are required to attend, who are some other people you may need assistance from?

Answer 9

• FILO
• ESR
• Photographer
• Fingerprint tech
• Explosives inspector
• Electrical inspector
• Building inspector
• Pathologist

Question 10

SA - What is the point of origin?

Answer 10

The exact location at which:

• A component failed
• A fire was maliciously lit
• An accidental fire originated