Bulletin 73

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Department Bulletin 73

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“Investigation of Fires”

Front 2

What should members be aware of as one of their primary responsibilities on the fire scene, as it relates to fire investigation?

Back 2

One of their primary responsibilities is to recognize any “incendiary indicators” or the possibility of arson.

Front 3

What are some of the “incendiary indicators” or signs of arson?

Back 3

Multiple fire sites, incendiary devices, trailers, or the presence of flammable liquids, or containers in the area of origin.

Front 4

What are some of the effects of accurate determination of fire causes?

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It can cause an increase in safety for firefighters and citizens, reduce loss of life and property, and result in criminal prosecution of arsonists.

Front 5

In order to accomplish the objective of accurate fire cause and origin determination, the Fire / Arson Investigation Unit has at least how many members on duty at all times.

Back 5

One (1)

Front 6

List the reasons or circumstances under which an investigator will be requested to report as soon as possible to the scene of a fire:

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Anytime a fire appears to be the result of arson or is incendiary in nature.
Anytime the circumstances of the fire appear to be of a suspicious nature, or when the Incident Commander receives information indicating the same.
At all fires involving serious injury or death to firefighters or civilians.
Anytime the I.C. has reason to believe there is a violation of the D.C. Fire Code that requires immediate attention and/ or presents a life safety hazard.
Vehicle fires where the cause of ignition appears to be incendiary in nature, when the vehicle is inside a structure, or when serious injury or death occurs as the result of a vehicle fire.

Front 7

Who is responsible for requesting a Fire/Arson Investigator?

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Incident Commander

Front 8

When does the preservation of the fire scene begin?

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With the first arriving units and will continue until the scene is secured by the Incident Commander or Investigator.

Front 9

What is considered evidence on the fire scene?

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Everything on the fire scene is considered evidence including the physical structure, contents, fire patterns, other physical evidence, and any material ignited.

Front 10

What is the definition of a fire pattern?

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Fire patterns are defined as “the visible or measurable physical effects that remain after a fire.” (These patterns include the effects of fire such as charring, oxidation consumption of combustibles, smoke and soot deposits, distortion, melting, color changes, changes in shape of materials, structural collapse and other effects.) Fire patterns represent the entire burn history of the fire and must be preserved as much as possible.

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What is the single most critical element in the investigation of fires?

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The ability of the fire suppression personnel to preserve the fire scene.

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What are the four basic functions for fire suppression personnel to consider?

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Observation- “to take notice of” the particular elements at the fire scene, conditions and circumstance that exist.
Recognition- The act of being aware or perceiving or acknowledging something. Recognizing physical evidence which could assist the fire/ arson investigator in determining the cause and origin of the fire.
Preservation- “to protect or to maintain intact.” To protect and preserve the materials on the fire scene until the investigator has collected and/ or documented these materials.
Notification- After physical or other evidence is discovered, it should be first preserved and protected. If the investigator is not yet on the scene or is otherwise unavailable, the I.C. shall be notified of the discovery.

Front 13

Explain the two (2) phases of overhaul:

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The first phase of overhaul should be limited to the inspection or search for fire extension. This phase should begin at the area of least fire damage, or away from the suspected area of origin.
Phase two involves a more complete and thorough inspection of the fire scene in the area of most fire damage, after the investigator has completed his/ her examination of this area for possible evidence, reconstructed the scene and analyzed fire patterns.

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Protecting or limiting fire related damage to the contents and materials within a structure. This is accomplished by removing or covering these contents or materials. It also includes the clearing or removal of fire debris and burned or charred contents from the fire area.

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Salvage

Front 15

What should suppression personnel refrain from doing at the fire scene in regard to knobs and switches?

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Suppression personnel shall refrain from turning knobs and operating or resetting switches on any equipment, appliances, or utility service at the fire scene until they have been observed, examined, and documented by the investigator.

Front 16

What should personnel be aware of when using power tools at the fire scene?

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Firefighters must be aware of the possibility of “cross contamination” or the introduction of fuel from power tools and equipment including fire apparatus, into the fire scene. (In arson cases, “cross contamination” of evidence usually results in the dismissal of charges against the arsonists.)

Front 17

How will an investigation be conducted in a fire fatality, or in a serious injury where death is possible?

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Members of the MPD Investigative Unit will respond to the scene. The Fire Investigator will consult with these members and will conduct a joint investigation with MPD being the lead agency.

Front 18

When may the Fire/Arson Investigators receive assistance from the Investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives, and Firearms (ATEF)?

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At any incident in a federal building, an incident involving domestic violence or witness intimidation, where explosive devices were used, or any other time that the Fire/Arson Investigator deems their assistance necessary.

Front 19

What information should be gathered by the I.C. at the scene of a vehicle fire?

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The I.C. should gather as much information as is reasonably possible, such as vehicle identification number (VIN), tag number, vehicle make, model, and color.