1. Fire Scene Preservation
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2. Is Fire a Problem in BC?
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3. 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…
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4. 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.
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5. Comparison showing percentage increase of arson fires over the past decade.
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6. 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.
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7. Objectives
recognize responsibilities for fire origin & cause determination
understand the principles of fire origin & cause determination
recognize when assistance from OFC is required...
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8. Objectives con’t…
record information and preserve evidence beneficial to the investigation
actions taken during fire suppression & overhaul may impair fire origin & cause investigation...
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9. Objectives con’t… take all precautions necessary to preserve evidence.
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10. 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.
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11. Fire suppression activities can affect the outcome of the fire investigation.
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12. 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...
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13. When Approaching The Fire Scene cont…
Man Made Barriers
cars blocking hydrant
obstructions to building fire
protection equipment.
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14. Upon Arrival To The Scene
time of arrival & extent of fire
wind direction & velocity
colour of smoke & flames...
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15. Upon Arrival To The Scene cont…
condition of doors & windows
location of fire
gas cans or forceable entry equipment
familiar faces (fire buff).
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16. 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)...
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17. 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…
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18. 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…
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19. Observations During Fire Suppression Activities cont…
Heat Release Rate (HRR)
related to fuel loading (possibly accelerant)
Fire Protection Equipment
if inoperable, check for tampering…
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20. 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...
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21. Observations During Fire Suppression Activities cont…
Personal Items
missing or present - pets - sentimental items
Household Items
major items removed or replaced with junk…
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22. 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.
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30. Securing the Fire Scene
Secure the entire fire scene until the investigation is complete to ensure the scene is not contaminated.
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32. 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.
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33. 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.
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34. Examining the Interior
Work from area of least damage to area of most damage.
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35. Fire Travel Indicators
V Patterns
Depth of Char
Window Glass
Floor Damage
Overhead Damage
Soot and Smoke Stains
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37. “V” Pattern
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64. Electrical Sources of Ignition
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65. Electricity
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77. ARCING Electrical Conductors
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78. SPLATTERING Electrical Conductors
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80. Circumstantial Evidence Physical Evidence.
Types of Evidence
Direct Evidence
Circumstantial Evidence
Physical Evidence.
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90. Photography
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91. Locked or Unlocked?
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97. Taylor evacuated
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102. Thank you
Questions??
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