Process

Question 1

Fire scene safety. Investigators often find themselves doing what 2 things?

Answer 1

(1) searching through unstable structures(2) excavating the scene to identify the cause of the fire.

Question 2

List four hazards at a fire scene?

Answer 2

(1) debris falling from above(2) Tripping on debris(3) Falling into cavities (4) Inhaling toxic particles

Question 3

What are the 8 step of initial action at a fire scene?

Answer 3

(1) Interview the informant(2) Secure the scene(3) Interview the SFI or O/C of first appliance(4) Interview incident controller(5) Ensure scene is safe(6) Hold briefing conference(7) Enact plan of action(8) COMMS SITREP

Question 4

List 4 witnesses who could potentially be interviewed:

Answer 4

(1) The person who raised the alarm(2) Spectators(3) Firefighters(4) Owners

Question 5

List 4 security consideration when securing a scene?

Answer 5

(1) Scene is not interfered with(2) Exclude interested parties(3) Preserving evidence(4) Prevent Looting

Question 6

What are the 3 things to consider in scene preservation?

Answer 6

(1) The scope of the area to be preserved(2) Make cordons as wide as possible(3) Determine a common approach path, clear corridors first.

Question 7

List 4 ways to record a scene prior to demolition:

Answer 7

(1) Sketches(2) Photographs(3) Plans(4) Video

Question 8

How should ‘spoil’ be dealt with?

Answer 8

It should be laid out methodically so it can be re-examined knowing where each pile came from.This should be done in the warm zone.

Question 9

List 4 possible examples of evidence of intentional interference:

Answer 9

(1) Tampering with alarms or sprinklers(2) Inconsistencies in burn pattern(3) Misdirecting fire fighters(4) Evidence of removal of property

Question 10

What are the 3 steps when seizing exhibits?

Answer 10

(1) Photograph in situ(2) Use approved Arson kits(3) Take control samples of charred timber, accelerants and soil where possible. Take control samples of in burned areas near the fire.

Question 11

How are exhibits placed in an exhibit tin?

Answer 11

As can rust, First place exhibits in a nylon bag that has been sealed by a goose neck fold. Use oven bags if an alternative is required.

Question 12

Give 4 reasons why a Conference must be held at the scene?

Answer 12

(1) Reconstruction(2) Establish motive(3) Identify suspects(4) plan further enquiries

Question 13

What happens when decisions are made during the conference?

Answer 13

They are recorded along with the reasons why they were made.

Question 14

What happens to the risk assessment?

Answer 14

It is documented and relayed to all persons.

Question 15

What is the best way to package a body?

Answer 15

(1) Bubble wrap(2) A clearly marked protective box

Question 16

List the 6 steps of general enquiries (non explosives)?

Answer 16

(1) Send articles to ESR for analysis (2) Create Offence Report in NIA(3) Obtain photos and the report from SFI(4) Media reports(5) Interviews (6) Area canvas

Question 17

List 4 ways a suspect may be identified:

Answer 17

(1) Finger prints(2) informants(3) media response(4) Circumstances of the Fire

Question 18

List the 7 things that must be in your report:

Answer 18

T(1) Introduction (2) Information about the property(3) Circumstances and Events leading up to the fire(4) Value of damage(5) Results of investigation (6) Information on Insurance (7) Results of general enquiries

Question 19

What are the 7 normal steps of a Fire investigation?

Answer 19

(1) Information gathering(2) Scene examination(3) Debris examination (4) Product examination(5) Analysis and testing(6) Opinion formulation(7) Reporting data and opinions

Question 20

Where an electrical fire could be suspected, what must you record?

Answer 20

I in your notes, plot the location of the power supply, the meters, switchboard, and any wiring and switch and outlets.

Question 21

In the case of fires caused by explosive devices, what is the minimum evacuation distance?

Answer 21

100m

Question 22

List 4 items contained in the Fire Investigation Arson Kit?

Answer 22

(1) Tins(2) Nylon bags(3) Tissues(4) pipette(5) labels(6) Instruction sheet

Question 23

How much of the Arson kit gets sent back to ESR (what about the unused portion)?

Answer 23

All of it gets sent back

Question 24

Can you disclose criminal records to other agencies ?

Answer 24

No (not at unless the suspect is eligible under the Criminal Records Clean Slate Act).

Question 25

Interview the incident controller at the scene and find out:

Answer 25

Short version:
(1) time and date of the call
(2) what appliances attended
(3) the state of the fire when the Fire Service arrived
(4) what alterations they have made to the scene
(5) whether they think the fire is suspicious
(6) details of people or vehicles acting suspiciously in the vicinity.

Full version:
(1) time and date of the call (and the manner in which it was received)
(2) what appliances attended
(3) the state of the fire when the Fire Service arrived
(4) what action the Service has taken, particularly in entering the building and ventilating it after the fire
(5) what information the Fire Service has about the building’s security
(6) what alterations they have made to the scene, for example, they may have had to force doors or windows
(7) 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)
(8) details of people or vehicles acting suspiciously in the vicinity.

Question 26

Scene are examined systematically from….

Answer 26

The outside in.