1402 Hybrid Firefighter II6th Edition

Chapter 19 — Fire Origin and Cause Determination

Describe types of evidence used to indicate the area of origin or fire

cause.

Learning Objective 1

19–2

•Physical

The three types of evidence are used to support testimony.

1–3

•Direct

•Circumstantial

Co

urte

sy of D

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REVIEW QUESTION

What types of evidence are used to indicate an area of origin or a fire’s cause?

19–4

Recognize fire cause evidence.

Learning Objective 2

19–5

• Timing devices

Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is collected.

19–6

(Cont.)

•Separate fires

•Trailers

•Chemicals

Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is collected.

19–7

(Cont.)

•Matches

•Ignitable liquids

Co

urt

esy

of

MS

A

•Bottles • Rubber or latex items

•Containers

Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is collected.

19–8

(Cont.)

Co

urt

esy

of

Do

nn

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ard

•Glass•Lighte

rs

•Electrical sources

• Modified equipment

Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is collected.

19–9

(Cont.)

•Items•That should not be present are•That should be present are not

•Oily rags

• Fire patterns

Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is collected.

19–10

REVIEW QUESTION

How can a Firefighter II recognize fire cause evidence?

19–11

Explain the roles and responsibilities of responders and investigators involved in fire investigations.

Learning Objective 3

1–12

•Fire chief• Determin

e fire origin and cause

•Trained firefighters

• Recognize, collect important information

•First-arriving firefighters

• Take mental notes

•During operations

• Be aware• Be open minded• Perform careful

overhaul• Refrain from

expressing personal opinions

The roles and responsibilities of responders and investigators vary.

19–13

(Cont.)

•Fire or criminal investigator

• Conduct detailed investigations, analysis

• Firefighters role

• Insurance investigator

• Hired to determine cause, amount of loss

• Firefighters may be interviewed

• Insurance adjustors• Responsibilities• Upon notification

of loss• Independent

investigation

The roles and responsibilities of responders and investigators vary.

19–14

REVIEW QUESTION

Who are the types of responders and investigators that may be

involved in a fire investigation?

19–15

Tell what legal issues impact location and collection of evidence during a fire investigation.

Learning Objective 4

19–16

•Laws

•Change constantly

• Vary by jurisdiction

Location and collection of evidence is based on a variety of laws.

19–17

•Right of entry

• Search and

seizure

• Statements and the Miranda Warning

• Chain of custody,

continuity of evidence

•Spoliation

There are several important legal issues you should be aware of.

19–18

REVIEW QUESTION

What legal issues impact the location and collection of evidence during a fire investigation?

1–19

• When the area of origin is known a more thorough investigation can be conducted to determine cause.

• Firefighters may be assigned to assist with an investigation.

• When origin and cause reveal incendiary fire property becomes a crime scene.

Summary

1–20

Protect evidence of fire cause and origin.

This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 19-II-1.

Learning Objective 5

1–21