SOP #42: Fire + Arson Investigators

Question 1

All investigators shall receive and maintain ?

Answer 1

NFPA 1031 Certified Fire Inspection I (CFI)
and RI Assistant Deputy State Fire Marshall Licensure

Question 2

What shall investigators complete?

Answer 2

NY State Fire Academy Introduction to fire investigation and Advance fire Investigation course or dept. approved equivalent

Question 3

What shall all investigators obtain?

Answer 3

IAAI (international association of Arson Investigators)
FIT certification (Fire Investigation Technician)

Question 4

Arson Investigators shall complete ?

Answer 4

required portion of the Prov. Police Academy

Question 5

Arson investigators shall complete the required online?

Answer 5

certs as outlined in Appendix A

Question 6

While investigating a fire scene what shall be worn?

Answer 6

PPE, including safety shoes or boots, gloves, SCBA, Helmet and protective clithing

Question 7

All fire scene investigations shall require?

Answer 7

Atmospheric monitoring using appropriate equipment to determine the levels of any hazards present.
Continuous monitoring

Question 8

When shall atmospheric condition must be corrected prior to investigating in which conditions?

Answer 8

Oxygen deficiency less than 19.5%
Flammability greater than 10% of LEL
CO greater than 35% PPM
Hydrogen Sulfide greater than 10 PPM
Hydrogen Cyanide greater than 4.7 PPM

Question 9

Typically Fire investigators are not to be left a lone on scene by themselves. In the event he is left a lone what should be done?

Answer 9

BOC conduct a regular time check every 20 min until investigation is complete and cleared the scene

Question 10

In what instances shall the fire investigator be requested?

Answer 10

Structure fires
Vehicle fires
encampment fires
burn injuries
attempted arson
Large brush fires
Explosion
assembly overcrowding or exit impediment complaints
tampering w/ fire protection system
IC deems necessary

Question 11

When shall fire investigator not be requested?

Answer 11

Food on stove no extension
appliance fire no extension beyond appliance
overheated vehicles
vehicle leaking
building collapse not from fire or explosion
Boiler/ furnace backfire w/ no extension beyond unit
arcing wires
transformer/ utility pole fires

Question 12

What guides lines shall fire scene investigations follow?

Answer 12

guidelines provided by
NFPA 1033: standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigators
NFPA 921: Guide for fire and Explosion Investigations

Question 13

What are typical steps taken during investigations?

Answer 13

1. Conduct a scene inspection
2. preserve integrity of the scene
3. Determine are of origin
4. Complete all necessary reports as required by the department

Question 14

When investigations is complete the cause of the fire must be identified and how should they be classified?

Answer 14

Accidental
Natural
Incendiary
Undetermined