Initial action when dealing with fires not involving explosives

Question 1

Procedure on arrival

Answer 1

Step 1
Briefly interview your informant.

Step 2
Secure and control the scene.

Step 3
Initial interview of the:
- Specialist FIre Investigator, if present
- O/C of the first fire appliance to attend the scene.

Step 4
Interview the incident controller at the scene and find out:
- the time and date of the call and the manner in which it was received
- what appliances attended
- the state of the fire when the Fire Service arrived
- what action the Service has taken, particularly in entering the building and ventilating it after the fire
- what information the Fire Service has about the building’s security
- what alterations they have made to the scene, for example, they may have had to force doors or windows
- whether they think the fire is suspicious, and why
- their opinions of the informant (for example, a person who regularly attends or reports fires may have lit them)
- details of people or vehicles acting suspiciously in the vicinity.

Step 5
If the fire is extinguished, ensure safety of the scene before an initial conference is held with the Specialist Fire Investigator, Police and conduct a preliminary examination of the scene.

Step 6
If deemed suspicious then re-group and hold a briefing conference.

Step 7
Confer with other staff and determine a plan of action. Brief and deploy them to:
- guard and control the scene
- identify and interview witnesses at the scene
- conduct local enquiries.

Step 8
Contact the Emergency Communications Centre and supply a SITREP. Ask for assistance if necessary and the attendance of specialists such as Fire Investigation Liaison Officer, Police photographer and fingerprint technicians.

Question 2

Interviewing witnesses at the scene

Answer 2

Interview witnesses, including:
- the person(s) who found the fire, raised the alarm and informed Police or Fire
- fire fighters
- occupants and their visitors
- employees, including cleaners and casual staff
- owners
- neighbours
- spectators
- passers-by
- local Police
- patrols
- other Police and security staff
- vendors and delivery people
- reporters and photographers.