firefighter ii ctc program chapter 19 fire origin and cause determination south carolina fire...
TRANSCRIPT
Firefighter IICTC Program
Chapter 19 Fire Origin and
Cause Determination
South Carolina Fire Academy
•Physical
The three types of evidence are used to support
testimony
19–2
•Direct
•Circumstantial
• Timing devices
Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is
collected
19–3
(Cont.)
•Separate fires
•Trailers
•Chemicals
Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is
collected
19–4
(Cont.)
•Matches
•Ignitable liquids
• Bottles• Rubber or latex items
• Containers
Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is
collected
19–5
(Cont.)
• Glass
• Lighters
• Electrical sources
• Modified equipment
Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is
collected
19–6
(Cont.)
Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is
collected
19–7
•Fire Patterns
•Oily Rags
• Fire chief• Determine
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
19–8
(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
19–9
•Laws
•Change constantly
• Vary by jurisdiction
Location and collection of evidence is based on a variety
of laws
19–10
•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
19–11
• 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
19–11