Week 15 Lesson: Fire Investigation
Introduction to Fire Investigation
Determining the cause of a fire is often difficult because flames usually destroy important evidence. For this reason,
many fires require long and careful investigation before the real cause can be identified.
Sometimes firefighters make quick judgments about the cause of a fire without enough evidence. Instead of admitting
that the cause is unknown, some fires are incorrectly attributed to causes such as:
• Faulty wiring
• Children playing with matches
• Sparks from stoves
• Burning rubbish
• Careless disposal of cigarettes
These assumptions are often not supported by sufficient evidence, which is why proper fire investigation is very
important.
Importance of Fire Investigation
Every fire incident, no matter how small, should be investigated because it helps authorities to:
• Identify the true cause of the fire
• Improve fire prevention programs
• Help fire inspectors detect hazards
• Provide information for training fire protection personnel
Key Concepts in Fire Investigation
1. Cause
The cause is the factor that started the fire.
2. Reason
The reason explains why the fire occurred, including motives or circumstances that led to the cause.
• Cause = WHAT started the fire
• Reason = WHY the fire happened
Both must be determined to complete a proper investigation and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Four General Classes of Fire Causes
1. Natural Fire
Fires caused by natural events without human involvement.
Examples:
• Lightning
• Spontaneous ignition
• Mechanical or equipment malfunction
2. Accidental Fire
Fires caused directly or indirectly by human actions but without intent.
Examples:
• Careless disposal of cigarettes
• Welding or cutting equipment sparks
3. Arson
Fires intentionally set by a person for criminal purposes.
4. Unknown Fire
Fires where the cause cannot be determined.
Three General Classifications of Fire
1. Innocent Fire
o Caused by natural or accidental factors.
2. Incendiary Fire
o Fire intentionally set (arson).
3. Unknown Fire
o Cause cannot be determined.
Evidence Collection Equipment
Investigators use an evidence kit to collect and preserve materials from the fire scene.
Common equipment includes:
• Protective clothing (coveralls, gloves, boots)
• Flashlight or lantern
• Measuring tape and ruler
• Labels for identifying evidence
• Glass jars with airtight seals for samples
• Envelopes, boxes, plastic bags, and metal containers for evidence collection
Basic Steps in Fire Scene Examination
1. Systematic Search
Investigators must work methodically and thoroughly, following a planned approach when examining the scene.
2. Observation
Use the senses and equipment (eyes, nose, ears, camera) to observe conditions and gather information.
3. Photography
Photographs should be taken to document the fire scene and record details that might be missed by the naked eye.
4. Process of Elimination
Investigators analyze possible causes and eliminate unlikely factors until the most probable cause is identified.
5. Verification
All findings must be checked and confirmed. Investigators should avoid assumptions or premature conclusions.
6. Documentation
Important observations must be written down and supported by diagrams when necessary.
Areas to Examine in Fire Investigation
1. Exterior Area
Investigators examine the outside of the structure to identify possible points of origin.
Things to check:
• Burn patterns on walls, windows, doors, and roofs
• Signs of flammable liquids
• Tools or containers that may indicate arson
• Footprints or marks near entry points
2. Interior Area
Investigators examine the inside of the structure to determine the extent and duration of the fire.
Indicators include:
• Condition of window glass
• Depth of char in wooden materials
• Burn penetration through walls
• Clocks stopped by fire damage (to estimate time)
3. Debris Examination
Debris should be examined carefully by:
• Searching layer by layer until reaching the floor
• Cleaning the floor to reveal burn patterns
• Reconstructing furniture positions using burn marks and protected areas
4. Furnishings
Fire-damaged furnishings such as:
• Sofas and chairs
• Beds
• Curtains
• Appliances
can provide clues about how the fire spread.
Burn Patterns in Furnishings
1. Surface Burn Pattern
• Indicates slow or smoldering ignition
• Furniture springs usually remain intact
2. Deep Burn Pattern
• Indicates intense or prolonged burning
• Springs collapse due to long heat exposure
Types of Fire/Arson Investigation
1. Basic Investigation
Conducted to determine:
• What property was damaged
• The cause and reason of the fire
• Injuries or fatalities
• Corrective actions to prevent recurrence
2. Technical Investigation
A more detailed investigation conducted to determine specific causes and effects of the fire.
Reasons for Conducting Technical Investigation
• Suspicion of arson
• Possible negligence or regulation violations
• Cause of fire is unknown
• Errors in fire suppression or rescue operations
• Fire resulted in death or serious injury
Arson Investigation
Arson investigation may result from findings during basic or technical investigations or from information received
from outside sources.
Characteristics of a Qualified Arson Investigator
A competent arson investigator should:
1. Have knowledge of investigative techniques
2. Understand human behavior
3. Have knowledge of fire chemistry and fire behavior
4. Be resourceful and analytical