Fire investigation

Encyclopedia : F : FI : FIR : Fire investigation

Contents

1 Investigating fires
1.1 Recommended practices
1.2 Conducting investigations
1.3 Licensure
2 See also
3 Footnotes
4 References

Fire investigation is the analysis of fire related incidents. After firefighters extinguish a fire, an investigation is launched to determine the origin and cause of the fire or explosion. Investigations of such incidents is done using a systematic approach and knowledge of basic fire science.

Investigating fires

Fire investigation is one of the most difficult of the forensic sciences to practice. In most forensic disciplines, even the basic question of whether a crime has been committed is normally obvious. During a fire investigation, an entire process must be undertaken just to determine if the case involves arson or not. The difficulty of determining whether an arson fire has occurred or not arises because fires destroy evidence.

A fire investigator looks at what is left behind after a fire and obtains information to piece together the events that occurred in the moments leading up to the fire.

One of the challenging aspects of fire investigation is the multi-disciplinary base of the investigator's job. Fires can be caused by or involve most things people see or use. For this reason, fire investigators need to know not only basic science of fire behavior, but knowledge of many different areas of study (including construction, electricity, human behaviour, vehicles etc) is helpful. If the fire origin has, for example, a gas appliance, an investigator should know enough about appliances to either include or exclude it as a possible cause of the fire. Fire investigators must also know their own limitations and call upon experts to assist when needed. Accordingly, fire investigators sometimes work with forensic electrical engineers (when examining electrical appliances, household wiring, etc.) or forensic mechanical engineers (gas-powered appliances, air handling equipment, gas delivery systems, etc.).

Recommended practices

In the United States, fire investigators refer to a guide published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for codes, standards, and suggested practices about conducting fire investigations. The most recent edition of this guide, titled , was published in 2004. The information standards and practices discussed below are those which appear in NFPA 921.

Conducting investigations

Fire investigators conduct their investigations using a systematic approach.NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations The approach endorsed by the NFPA is that of the scientific methodNFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations (for a more detailed discussion, see the article on NFPA 921). There are five components that create a methodology with which fires are investigated using a systematic approach:

The assignment is received and the investigator is notified of his/her responsibilitiesNFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations
The investigator plans the investigation and assembles tools, equipment, and personnelNFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations
The scene is examined and data is collectedNFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations
Physical evidence is collected, documented, tested, and evaluatedNFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations
The scientific method is used to analyze the information obtainedNFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations

Licensure

Some states require that fire investigators obtain certification as a Certified Fire Investigator (CFI). The International Association of Arson Investigators, a professional group of fire investigators, grants CFI certification.

Footnotes

References

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