1. The Arson Investigation Process
Dan Gearhart, Division Chief / Investigator

2. The Arson Investigators
Fire Department
Police Department
Deputy State Fire Marshals
Federal Agencies (BATF)
Special Fire and Arson Task Forces
Insurance Company Investigators (SIU)
Private Investigators

3. Targets of Arson Anything that a person wants damaged by fire
Motives for Arson:
Revenge – personal or professional vendettas
Vandalism – crime of opportunity
Profit – Monetary gain
Crime Concealment – attempting to cover another crime.
Excitement – Sense of power or seeking recognition
Extremism – Social protest again governments or corporations.

4. Arson Investigation Sequence
1. Fire occurs
2. Fire Department is called
3. Initial Examination by IC
4. Investigator(s) requested
5. Briefing from Incident Commander
6. Examination of the scene
7. Initial interviews
a. Witness
b. Neighbors

5. Arson Investigation Sequence
c. First arriving Police Officers
d. Firefighters
e. Occupants
f. Property Owners

6. Arson Investigation Sequence
8. Scene Documentation
a. Photographs
b. Video
c. Drawings

7. Arson Investigation Sequence
9. Scene Examination
a. Observe areas of damage
b. Observe burn patterns
c. Compare observations to statements
d. Examine and remove debris
e. Evaluate systems (Gas, Electrical)
f. Observe for indicators of Arson

8. Arson Investigation Sequence
Indicators of Arson:
Use of Accelerants
Multiple points of origin
Trailers
Low level charring
Arrangement of materials and furniture
Ignition devices
Doors, windows open
Holes in walls, floors, ceilings
Fire Protection devices disabled
Forced entry

9. Arson Investigation Sequence
10. Collect Evidence
a. Properly collected
b. Maintain chain of custody
c. Evidence properly secured
d. Submitted for analysis

10. Arson Investigation Sequence
11. Evaluate the evidence
12. Evaluate the statements for credibility
13. Conduct follow-up interviews
14. Determine Area of Origin

11. Arson Investigation Sequence
15. Determine fire cause
a. Process of elimination
b. Source and form of heat causing ignition
c. First material ignited
d. Ignition sequence
e. Render an opinion – based on the Scientific Method

12. Arson Investigation Sequence
Probable – More likely true than not
Possible – Feasible, but not probable
16. Classify the Cause
a. Accidental – Does not involve a deliberate human act
b. Natural – Lightning, earthquake
c. Incendiary – willful and maliciously causing a fire
d. Undetermined – Cause cannot be proven

13. Arson Investigation Sequence
The term “Suspicious” is not an accurate description of a fire cause. Suspicion is a level of proof, or certainty, and not an acceptable level of certainty for classifying the cause.

14. Arson Investigation Sequence
17. If incendiary, identify possible suspects
18. Obtain information on suspect
19. Conduct suspect interview
a. Seek a confession
20. If confession is made, arrest suspect
21. If no confession:
a. End interview, suspects leaves, or;
b. Arrest suspect based on the evidence

15. Arson Investigation Sequence
22. Prepare Investigative Report – File with District Attorney’s Office
If arrested, request suspect answer to the charges
If not arrested, request an arrest warrant be issued

16. Arson Investigation Sequence
23. Perform case follow-up if needed
24. Testify in court