South Carolina Fire Academy Firefighter II CTC Program Chapter 19 Fire Origin and Cause Determination
The three types of evidence are used to support testimony Physical Direct Circumstantial
Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is collected Timing devices Separate fires Trailers (Cont.)
Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is collected Chemicals Matches Ignitable liquids (Cont.)
Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is collected Bottles Rubber or latex items Containers (Cont.)
Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is collected Glass Lighters Electrical sources Modified equipment (Cont.)
Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is collected Fire Patterns Oily Rags
The roles and responsibilities of responders and investigators vary 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 (Cont.)
The roles and responsibilities of responders and investigators vary 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
Location and collection of evidence is based on a variety of laws Change constantly Vary by jurisdiction Be familiar with Collection of evidence Entry into private property
There are several important legal issues you should be aware of Right of entry Search and seizure Statements and the Miranda Warning Chain of custody, continuity of evidence Spoliation
Summary 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.