Investigating Arson Flashcards
What four matters do the Fire service investigator liase with Police investigator?
Handover of the fire scene.
Access to the fire scene
Process of examination and investigstion
Identification and collection of evidence at the fire scene.
In determining the seat of the fire, the fire investigator will consider..?
Witness reports When they first noticed the fire and where they were at the time The state of the fire at the time Wind direction and speed Weather The direction of spread The colour of flames and smoke Severity of damage Depth of charring The presence of starting devices Reports and opinions of other specialists.
List examples of carelessness that might result in a fire
Misusing electricity Children playing with matches, lighters etc Burning off paint Vagrants lighting fires Welding and other industrial processes Leaving clothes near heating Wrapping ashes in paper Ironing Fireworks Using or storing flammable materials Burning rubbish Using domestic or camp fires Leaving a stove or heater on Unattended fat while cooking Smoking
List materials used to start a fire?
Readily available combustible materials - rubbish Molotov cocktails Candles Chemical igniters Timing devices Electric matches Electrical apparatus Matches and cigarettes Trailers
What are Police responsibilities at a fire scene and investigation?
Conduct the criminal investigation or coronal enquiry
Undertake responsibility for the protection, collection, and recording of forensic evidence
The collection and removal of material from a fire crime scene will only be done by Police or other agencies with the authority to remove evidence.
The preservation, analysis and subsequent disposition of any such material is the responsibility of Police or other agency.
Powers of the person in charge of the Fire service at fire site under S42 Fire and Emergency Act 2017
(a) Enter any land, building or structure.
(b) breaks into any building or structure that may be on fire or otherwise endangered or that us near the emergency
(c) take or send any equipment or machine required to be used into, through, or upon any land, building, or structure.
(d) remove from any land, building, or structure that is on fire or otherwise endangered or that is near the emergency, any flammable, combustible, explosive, or dangerous material found in the building or structure.
(e) cause any building or structure that is on fire or otherwise endangered, or that is adjacent to or in the vicinity of any building or structure that is on fire or otherwise endangered, to be pulled down or shored up (either in whole or in part)
(f) cause any building or structure to be pulled down or shored up (either in whole or in part) at the time of the emergency or within a reasonable time afterwards.
What are indicators that a fire has been deliberately lit?
Multiple seats of fire
Signs windows/skylights were opened to create a draught.
Removal of valuable property.
Evidence of intentional interference/tampering with alarm/sprinkler system
Evidence of explosives
Misdirecting fire fighters
Evidence of accelerants: smell, traces
Signs that an electrical appliance has been left on (heater, soldering iron)
Unusual rapid spread or intensity of fire
What is the purpose of a conference?
Identify suspects Reconstructing Establishing possible motives Assessing the information obtained Planning further enquiries
What should he done after a conference?
Appoint exhibits officer Appoint a crime scene coordinator if required Advise the fire investigator Appoint a scribe Appoint a scene examiner
What are the duties of a scene guard at an arson?
Watch for suspects
Locate witnesses among onlookers and passersby
Report all matters of significance to the OC investigstion/scene coordinator
Prevent further fire or damage
Exclude and control onlookers, property owners and other interested parties.
Avoid interfering with scene
Prevent looting
Preserve evidence
What are the differences between a gas explosion and an explosive that has been set?
Gas explosions cover a wider area
Explosives cause cratering
Medical evidence (suspect or victim may have inhaled gas prior to explosion)
What should you look for during an external examination?
Signs business appears to be struggling.
Contents of outbuildings missing
Accelerant containers
Property rundown.
What should you look for during preliminary internal examination?
Forced entry into an empty till Open filing cabinets or missing files Owner/occupier attitude during walk-through Low stock Signs of hardship Separate unrelated seats of fire Building areas in need or repair. Missing family photos, furniture or other personal items
What will the fire investigator be able to determine at the end of the examination?
Area of origin
Point of origin
The seat of the fire
What should be considered regarding best method of protection?
Inhalation of toxic substances Ingestion of particles Injection from sharp objects Airbourne dusts, particles etc Tripping Items falling from above
What are characteristics of damage caused by explosives?
Cratering Spread of debris Shredding of materials A smell peculiar to the exploded material (almonds) An overlay of dust Shrapnel marks
Initial action fire not involving explosives.
Briefly interview informant
Secure/control scene
Initial interview fire safety officer/OC of first fire appliance
Interview incident controller
Ensure safety of the scene before an initial conference
Regroup and hold a briefing conference if fire deemed suspicious
Confer and determine plan of action
Contact comms, sitrep and request specialists (photographer, SOCO)
