Fire investigation, sometimes referred to as origin and cause investigation, is the analysis of fire-related incidents. After
firefighters
A firefighter is a first responder and rescuer extensively trained in firefighting, primarily to extinguish hazardous fires that threaten life, property, and the environment as well as to rescue people and in some cases or jurisdictions also ...
extinguish a
fire
Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material (the fuel) in the exothermic chemical process of combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction Product (chemistry), products.
At a certain point in the combustion reaction, called the ignition ...
, an investigation is launched to determine the origin and cause of the
fire
Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material (the fuel) in the exothermic chemical process of combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction Product (chemistry), products.
At a certain point in the combustion reaction, called the ignition ...
or
explosion
An explosion is a rapid expansion in volume associated with an extreme outward release of energy, usually with the generation of high temperatures and release of high-pressure gases. Supersonic explosions created by high explosives are known ...
.
Investigations of such incidents require a systematic approach and knowledge of basic fire science.
Investigating fires
The difficulty of determining whether
arson
Arson is the crime of willfully and deliberately setting fire to or charring property. Although the act of arson typically involves buildings, the term can also refer to the intentional burning of other things, such as motor vehicles, wat ...
has occurred arises because fire often destroys the key
evidence
Evidence for a proposition is what supports this proposition. It is usually understood as an indication that the supported proposition is true. What role evidence plays and how it is conceived varies from field to field.
In epistemology, evidenc ...
of its origin. Many fires are caused by defective equipment, such as shorting of faulty
electrical circuit
An electrical network is an interconnection of electrical components (e.g., batteries, resistors, inductors, capacitors, switches, transistors) or a model of such an interconnection, consisting of electrical elements (e.g., voltage sources, ...
s.
Car fires can be caused by faulty
fuel line
A fuel line is a hose or pipe used to transfer fuel from one point in a vehicle to another. The United States Environmental Protection Agency defines a fuel line as "all hoses or tubing designed to contain liquid fuel or fuel vapor. This includes ...
s, and
spontaneous combustion
Spontaneous combustion or spontaneous ignition is a type of combustion which occurs by self-heating (increase in temperature due to exothermic internal reactions), followed by thermal runaway (self heating which rapidly accelerates to high tem ...
is possible where organic wastes are stored. A fire investigator looks at the fire remains, and obtains information to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the fire.
One of the challenging aspects of fire investigation is the
multi-disciplinary
Interdisciplinarity or interdisciplinary studies involves the combination of multiple academic disciplines into one activity (e.g., a research project). It draws knowledge from several other fields like sociology, anthropology, psychology, ec ...
basis of the investigator's job. As fires can be caused by or involve many ignition sources and fuels, an individual with expertise in fire chemistry should investigate the incident.
For example, if there is a gas appliance at the origin of the fire, an investigator should know enough about appliances to either include or exclude it as a possible cause of the fire. Fire investigators sometimes work with
forensic engineers, such as
forensic electrical engineer
Forensic electrical engineering is a branch of forensic engineering, and is concerned with investigating electrical failures and accidents in a legal context. Many forensic electrical engineering investigations apply to fires suspected to be cau ...
s when examining electrical appliances, household wiring, etc.
In the United States, fire investigators often refer to ''
NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations'' (
National Fire Protection Association
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is an international nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. As of 2018, the NFPA claims to have 50,000 mem ...
). Also, ''
Kirk's Fire Investigation
''Kirk's Fire Investigation'' by David J. Icove and Gerald A. Haynes has long been regarded as the primary textbook in the field of fire investigation.J.F. Decker and B.L. Ottley, Arson Law and Prosecution, Carolina Academic Press, , 2009, p. 22 ...
'' by
David J. Icove and
Gerald A. Haynes has long been regarded as the primary textbook in the field of fire investigation.
Conducting investigations
The main steps of a fire investigation include:
# Arrive at the scene
## Ensure safety of crime scene
## Secure the area
# Investigate the scene
## Evaluate external structure
## Evaluate interior structure
## Determine point of origin
# Document the evidence
## Sample and tag evidence
## Sketch the scene and damage
## Photograph evidence
# Conclude the investigation
## Finish necessary documents/reports
## Interview necessary parties
## Present evidence
Fire investigators conduct their investigations using a systematic approach utilizing the
scientific method
The scientific method is an empirical method for acquiring knowledge that has characterized the development of science since at least the 17th century (with notable practitioners in previous centuries; see the article history of scientific m ...
, including the following:
[''NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations'']
When arsonists attack, there is very rarely much evidence left at the scene. However, arsonists usually use accelerants to speed up a blaze. Forensic scientists use technologies to heat samples taken from the scene causing any residue to separate. This sample is then analyzed to determine the chemical structure. Scientists also use other tests such as using liquid nitrogen gas to trap residue which are then analyzed using gas chromatography.
The investigator:
* Receives the assignment and responsibilities
* Plans the investigation and assembles tools, equipment, and personnel
* Examines the scene and collects data
* Collects, tests, evaluates, and documents evidence
* Applies the scientific method to analyze the information obtained
Depending on how much evidence is present, an investigator can use different approaches. Two techniques include process of elimination, or disregarding the causes that the evidence deems not possible. The second is to start investigating the most probable cause first until it is ruled unlikely.
Spoliation
Spoliation
Spoliation may refer to:
* Looting
* Spoliation of evidence in a criminal investigation
See also
* Spoliation Advisory Panel
*Nazi plunder
Nazi plunder (german: Raubkunst) was the stealing of art and other items which occurred as a result ...
is the destruction or alteration of evidence through intention or ignorance. The mere act of extinguishing a fire can destroy potential evidence of arson
or what is also known as an "Incendiary fire." Firefighters are educated that the stream of their fire hose or the use of a
Pike Pole
A pike pole is a long metal-topped wooden, aluminium or fiberglass pole used for reaching, hooking and/or pulling on another object. They are variously used in boating, construction, logging, rescue and recovery, power line maintenance, and fire ...
can destroy evidence and efforts are made to do what is required to extinguish the fire, while not destroying clues to the fires' origin.
By taking steps before the investigation starts, destruction of evidence can be avoided. Investigators are encouraged to set barriers and secure the area. This allows for control to be taken over the crime scene and limits the chance of an investigation being compromised. Investigators then document any evidence seen at the crime scene or on the victims (clothes, burns, etc.) While looking for evidence, any findings that impose a threat to evidence, such as excessive use of
fire-suppressing chemicals, unusual movement of handles/knobs, and changed position of evidence should be reported.
Qualification
Investigators can receive additional certification to prove their fire investigating skills.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), through a document known as NFPA 1033, Standard for Professional Requirements for Fire Investigator, publishes minimum requirements for the knowledge skills and ability of a fire investigator. Principal among these is a 16-point list of areas in which a fire investigator is required to have education beyond high school level. The list mentions points such as using protective equipment, fire ignition, heat science, explosions, working with chemicals, investigating fires, using related technology, and reporting evidence.
These guidelines are recommended practice but are not required by law.
Fire scene investigators may become certified through the
National Association of Fire Investigators The National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) is a professional association of people who investigate cases of fire and arson. It was created in 1961 and is located in Bradenton, Florida. The purpose of the group is to increase knowledge a ...
(NAFI) or the
International Association of Arson Investigators The International Association of Arson Investigators (abbreviated IAAI) is a professional association of individuals who conduct fire investigations. The IAAI provides resources for training, research, and technology for fire investigators around th ...
(IAAI). Both certification programs rely heavily on the content of NFPA 1033 and
NFPA 921
NFPA 921, "Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations", is a peer reviewed document that is published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Its purpose is "to establish guidelines and recommendations for the safe and systematic inv ...
. Both also require an application process detailing the investigator's education, training, and experience, and successfully challenging a written examination. Certificates are valid for a period of 5 years, at which time an investigator must demonstrate continued participation in the field and a minimum amount of continuing education in order to be recertified.
The National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI), a professional association of fire and explosion investigators, offer several National Board Certified fire investigation certifications including:
# Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI),
# Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (CVFI), and
# Certified Fire Investigation Instructor (CFII).
The International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), a professional group of fire investigators, grants the following certifications:
# Certified Fire Investigator (IAAI-CFI) – certified by the ProBoard Fire Service Professional Qualifications System.
# Fire Investigation Technician (IAAI-FIT)
# Certified Instructor (IAAI-CI)
# Evidence Collection Technician (IAAI-ECT)
See also
*
Arson
Arson is the crime of willfully and deliberately setting fire to or charring property. Although the act of arson typically involves buildings, the term can also refer to the intentional burning of other things, such as motor vehicles, wat ...
*
ATF Fire Research Laboratory
The Fire Research Laboratory (FRL) is part of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), an investigative agency within the United States Department of Justice.{{Cite web, url=https://www.atf.gov/arson/atf-fire-research-laborat ...
*
Fire marshal
A fire marshal, in the United States and Canada, is often a member of a state, provincial or territorial government, but may be part of a building department or a separate department altogether. Fire marshals' duties vary but usually in ...
*
Fire protection engineer
Fire protection engineering is the application of science and engineering principles to protect people, property, and their environments from the harmful and destructive effects of fire and smoke. It encompasses engineering which focuses on fire ...
*
Kirk's Fire Investigation
''Kirk's Fire Investigation'' by David J. Icove and Gerald A. Haynes has long been regarded as the primary textbook in the field of fire investigation.J.F. Decker and B.L. Ottley, Arson Law and Prosecution, Carolina Academic Press, , 2009, p. 22 ...
*
Women in firefighting
Firefighting has historically been a predominantly male profession throughout the world. However, since the 1970s, women have made inroads in both professional and volunteer fire departments in multiple countries. In modern times, women have serve ...
Footnotes
References
General references
*https://www.einvestigator.com/arson-investigations/
*https://www.atascientific.com.au/technologies-forensic-sciences/
External links
Example of an actual Arson Investigation Report
{{DEFAULTSORT:Fire Investigation