Preserving A Fire Scene

Question 1

What are scene security considerations for Police

Answer 1

Preserving evidence
Ensure scene is not interfered with
Prevent looting
Exclusion and control of onlookers

Question 2

As part of scene security considerations, attending police should also

Answer 2

Report all matters of significance to OC
Identify witnesses among onlookers
Watch for suspects
Aware of reignition

Question 3

Where difficult to lreserve a scene- you can

Answer 3

Video
Photo
Plans
Sketch

Question 4

Other specialists lresent at scene exams:

Answer 4

Photographer
Electrician inspector
ESR
Vehicle Inspector
Accountant

Question 5

Scene exams should be done from outside in.

What is the Point or origin ?

Answer 5

POO is where CAF
Component failed
Accidental fire originated
Fire was lit

Question 6

What is a SEAT of fire

Answer 6

The area where the main body of the fire is located

Question 7

External exams take into account adjoining premises which often reveal?

Answer 7

Forved doors
Accelerant containers
Attempts at forced entry
Broken windows

Question 8

External exams take into account surrounding areas which often reveal?

Answer 8

Contents of outbuilding missing
Accelerants
Rundown property
Struggling business

Question 9

External exams take into account the damaged structore which itself may reveal?

Answer 9

Burn patterns above doors and windows, and V shape burn patterns on external cladding
Jimmy marks
Window glass broken before fire was ignited

Question 10

Preliminary internal examination, take notes of indicators

Answer 10

Missing photos 
Open cabinets 
Building areas in need of repair
Lack of clothing 
Owner/occupier attitude 
Signs of hardship

Question 11

Detailed internal examination- what needs to be noted and taken into account

Answer 11

Damages wall studs, roofing timbers, window sills and door edges, skirting board
Underfloor inspections

Question 12

At the conclusion of examination- SFI sill be able to determine?

Answer 12

Seat of fire
Area of origin
Point of origin

Question 13

What will SFI consider to determining the seat of fire

Answer 13

Depth of charring
Reports of other specialists

First person noticed fire
Witness reports
Direction of spread

Presence of starting device
Containers
Wind direction

Question 14

Cause of fire- look for evidence of accelerants

Answer 14

Containers
Uneven burning
Multiple seats of fire
Smell

Question 15

Evidence of outside interference

Answer 15

Signs of moved furniture
Misdirecting firefighters
Hindering access
Tampering with alarm

Question 16

Steps in dealing with exhibits

Answer 16

Photograph in situ
Use arson kits or 4L paint can
Take control samples of:

Soil
Accelerants
Charred timber debris from seat of fire

Question 17

Conferences must be held during the scene examination to assist with

Answer 17

Indentifying suspects
Reconstruction
Establishing motives 
Assessing information obtained
Planned further enquiries