LE354 - Fire Scene Investigations

Question 1

When should a report be written for a fire call?

Answer 1

(i) criminal activity is suspected;

(ii) any person is injured as a result of the fire;

(iii) there is a fatality, as a result of the fire;

(iv) the damage caused by the fire exceeds $500,000;

(v) an investigator from the Office of the Fire Marshal has or will be attending the scene;

(vi) the fire involves a marijuana grow operation or clandestine drug laboratory;

(vii) the fire involves a building that is multi-unit and residentially occupied, or involves vulnerable occupancies (e.g. a senior’s home or apartment building);

(viii) the fire involved an explosion; or

(ix)the fire is of undetermined origin or circumstances (e.g. unexplained grass fires).

Question 2

What notes should be taken if there is a fire report required?

Answer 2

(i) time, date, and location of the fire;

(ii) the type of property involved;

(iii) property owner’s name/contact information and the name/contact information of any tenants;

(iv) if required, alternative contact information from owners/tenants to ensure they can be located for future investigation;

(v) vehicles on the property where the fire occurred;

(vi) if available, an estimated dollar value of damage caused by the fire (from fire department);

(vii) name and identification number of fire department official in charge;

(viii) if available, insurance information;

(ix) list of emergency vehicles in attendance; and

(x) name, address, telephone number of all witnesses;

Question 3

When does a Patrol Sgt need to attend a Fire Scene?

Answer 3

(a) attend all fire scenes when:

(i) criminal activity is suspected;

(ii) any person is injured as a result of the fire;

(iii) there is a fatality as a result of the fire;

(iv) traffic is seriously disrupted;

(v) the damage caused by the fire exceeds $500,000;

(vi) an investigator from the Office of the Fire Marshal has or will be attending the scene;

(vii) the fire involves a marijuana grow operation or clandestine drug laboratory;

(viii) the fire involves a building that is multi-unit and residentially occupied, or involves vulnerable occupancies (e.g. a senior’s home or apartment building);

(ix)the fire involved an explosion; or

(x) the fire is of unusual origin or circumstances (e.g. unexplained grass fires);

Question 4

What are the duties of the patrol Sgt on a fire scene

Answer 4

(b) take charge of the scene and set-up an inner and outer perimeter;

c) ensure routes leading to the fire area are kept clear for emergency vehicles;

(d) liaise with other emergency services;

(e) keep the 911 Communications Centre advised of all information/events as they develop;

(f) notify the platoon commander and RTOC;

(g) if criminal activity is suspected or if a fire meets the criteria specified in section H. of this Procedure, notify CIB and the Office of the Fire Marshal; and

(h) ensure the scene is protected with police presence until the scene is released by the Office of the Fire Marshal.

Question 5

What are the duties of CIB during a Fire investigation?

Answer 5

(a) ensure notification of the Office of the Fire Marshal has occurred for incidents meeting the criteria specified in section H. of this Procedure;

(b) conduct a thorough investigation in accordance with LE-006 Criminal Investigation Management Plan;

(c) only enter the scene if equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment, which at a minimum shall include:

(i) Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved headgear;

(ii) CSA approved rubber safety boots;

(iii) the MSA Advantage 3200 Respirator;

(iv) protective gloves and a portable radio; and

(v) an air monitor to measure gases in the structure to ensure the scene dynamics are not an immediate threat to life;

(d) have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to act as an Arson Investigator;

(e) liaise with the investigator from the Office of the Fire Marshal, the Coroner’s Office, local fire departments, representatives of the insurance industry and other investigative units of the police service as required;

(f) if necessary, ensure the Forensic Identification Unit is notified and attends the scene; and

(g) interview and acquire statements from witnesses or any involved persons.

Question 6

ENTRY INTO A FIRE SCENE

Answer 6

1. Police Officers shall not enter any fire damaged structure:

(a) until advised by the fire department having jurisdiction that it is safe to do so;

(b) until advised that the structural integrity of the building makes it safe to do so;

(c) until the status of all building services such as hydro, natural gas supply, etc. makes it safe to do so;

(d) alone and without being equipped with CSA approved headgear, CSA approved rubber safety boots, the MSA Advantage 3200 Respirator, air monitor, protective gloves and a portable radio;

(e) where investigators become aware that hazardous/dangerous materials have been involved in a fire situation without first having ascertained that the area is completely safe to enter. This information can be obtained through the local fire department; and

(f) unless in accordance with the contents of section F. 10(c ) and (d) of this Procedure.

2. Only members who have received accredited Arson Investigators training and have been equipped with personal protective equipment shall be involved in the physical examination of fires in structures, vehicles or boats.