Fire Scene Preservation 08/12/2018

Is Fire a Problem in BC? 08/12/2018

BC Fire Facts fire kills every 10 days 150 million dollars lost per year (approximately 400,000 per day) every hour a fire causing damage occurs… 08/12/2018

BC Fire Facts cont… the majority of fires occur in a single family dwelling having a working smoke alarm doubles your chances of surviving a fire. 08/12/2018

Comparison showing percentage increase of arson fires over the past decade. 08/12/2018

A Fire Investigation Should Determine: Area of Origin general area where fire started Point of Origin location where heat source and fuel came together Cause condition that brought fuel, heat and air together & determining whether the event was accident or design. 08/12/2018

Objectives recognize responsibilities for fire origin & cause determination understand the principles of fire origin & cause determination recognize when assistance from OFC is required... 08/12/2018

Objectives con’t… record information and preserve evidence beneficial to the investigation actions taken during fire suppression & overhaul may impair fire origin & cause investigation... 08/12/2018

Objectives con’t… take all precautions necessary to preserve evidence. 08/12/2018

First arriving fire fighters may be able to answer: are the contents of the rooms as they should be are doors & windows locked or open on entry are there indications of unusual fire behaviour. 08/12/2018

Fire suppression activities can affect the outcome of the fire investigation. 08/12/2018

When Approaching The Fire Scene Time of Day circumstances - dress occupants who is there Weather & Natural Hazards cold outside, windows not open hot out, furnace not on... 08/12/2018

When Approaching The Fire Scene cont… Man Made Barriers cars blocking hydrant obstructions to building fire protection equipment. 08/12/2018

Upon Arrival To The Scene time of arrival & extent of fire wind direction & velocity colour of smoke & flames... 08/12/2018

Upon Arrival To The Scene cont… condition of doors & windows location of fire gas cans or forceable entry equipment familiar faces (fire buff). 08/12/2018

Observations During Fire Suppression Activities: Unusual Odours may be detected when not wearing SCBA Abnormal Fire Behaviour flashbacks, re-ignitions, increased intensity when water applied (possible accelerant)... 08/12/2018

Observations During Fire Suppression Activities cont… Obstacles Hindering Fire Fighting holes cut in floors & walls - furniture placed in front of door Incendiary Devices used to delay start of fire Trailers used to spread fire from one point to another… 08/12/2018

Observations During Fire Suppression Activities cont… Structural Alterations doors open, holes, fuel loading to spread fire Fire Patterns movement & intensity patterns need to be analyzed to determine fire travel… 08/12/2018

Observations During Fire Suppression Activities cont… Heat Release Rate (HRR) related to fuel loading (possibly accelerant) Fire Protection Equipment if inoperable, check for tampering… 08/12/2018

Observations During Fire Suppression Activities cont… Intrusion Alarm check with answering company to determine improper entry to building Location of Fire note all possible ignition sources in area of fire... 08/12/2018

Observations During Fire Suppression Activities cont… Personal Items missing or present - pets - sentimental items Household Items major items removed or replaced with junk… 08/12/2018

Observations During Fire Suppression Activities cont… Equipment or Inventory old or obsolete equipment or stock and fixtures Business Records in normal place or left where they will be damaged by fire. 08/12/2018

Securing the Fire Scene Secure the entire fire scene until the investigation is complete to ensure the scene is not contaminated. 08/12/2018

Determining the Area and Point of Origin Four Basic Steps: interview witnesses examine exterior examine interior (area of least damage to area of most damage) analyze the information gathered. 08/12/2018

Examining the Exterior examine entire exterior of building large area search for anything unusual match exterior burn patterns with interior burning determine where utilities enter the building. 08/12/2018

Examining the Interior Work from area of least damage to area of most damage. 08/12/2018

Fire Travel Indicators V Patterns Depth of Char Window Glass Floor Damage Overhead Damage Soot and Smoke Stains 08/12/2018

“V” Pattern 08/12/2018

Electrical Sources of Ignition 08/12/2018

Electricity 08/12/2018

ARCING Electrical Conductors 08/12/2018

SPLATTERING Electrical Conductors 08/12/2018

Circumstantial Evidence Physical Evidence. Types of Evidence Direct Evidence Circumstantial Evidence Physical Evidence. 08/12/2018

Photography 08/12/2018

Locked or Unlocked? 08/12/2018

Taylor evacuated 08/12/2018

Thank you Questions?? 08/12/2018