0. Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5th Edition
Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence
Firefighter I

1. Chapter 18 Lesson Goal
After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to identify indicators of an incendiary fire and protect and preserve evidence after a fire following the policies and procedures set forth by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
Firefighter I

2. Specific Objectives
1. Describe signs and indications of an incendiary fire.
2. Summarize important observations to be made en route, after arriving at the scene, and during fire fighting operations.
3. Discuss firefighter conduct and statements at the scene.
(Continued)
Firefighter I

3. Specific Objectives
4. Explain firefighter responsibilities after the fire.
5. Discuss protecting and preserving evidence.
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4. Determining Cause
In most jurisdictions the fire chief has the legal responsibility for determining the cause and origin of a fire.
Delegates this authority to the fire officers and firefighters at the scene
(Continued)
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5. Determining Cause
Proper training enables firefighters to recognize and collect important information
First-arriving firefighters are in a position to observe unusual conditions that may indicate an incendiary fire
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6. First-arriving Firefighters Should Note
Vehicles and people present in the area
Status of doors and windows
Evidence of forced entry by anyone other than firefighters
Contents of the rooms
Indications of unusual fire behavior or more than one point of origin
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7. Observations En Route Time of day Weather and natural hazards Barriers
People leaving the scene
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8. Observations Upon Arrival
Time of arrival and extent of fire
Wind direction and velocity
Doors or windows locked or unlocked
Location of the fire
(Continued)
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9. Observations Upon Arrival
Containers or cans
Burglary tools
Familiar faces
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10. Observations During Fire Fighting Operations
Unusual odors
Abnormal behavior of fire when water is applied
Obstacles hindering fire fighting
(Continued)
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11. Observations During Fire Fighting Operations
Incendiary devices
Trailers
Structural alterations
Fire patterns
(Continued)
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12. Observations During Fire Fighting Operations
Heat intensity
Availability of documents
Fire detection and protection systems
Intrusion alarms
Location of fire
(Continued)
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13. Observations During Fire Fighting Operations
Personal possessions
Household items
Equipment or inventory
Business records
Firefighter I

14. Conduct and Statements at the Scene
Firefighters should obtain as much information as possible
Owners or occupants of the property should be allowed to talk freely
(Continued)
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15. Conduct and Statements at the Scene
Firefighters should not attempt to interrogate a potential arson suspect unless trained and authorized
Firefighters should refrain from expressing personal opinions
(Continued)
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16. Conduct and Statements at the Scene
After the investigator arrives, firefighters should make statements only to this individual
(Continued)
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17. Conduct and Statements at the Scene
Public statement regarding fire cause should be made only after
The investigator and ranking fire officer have agreed to its accuracy and validity
Have given permission for it to be released
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18. Responsibilities After the Fire
Firefighters should report their observations to their supervisor
Firefighters should not discuss their observations with other crew members
Improperly done overhaul operations can be detrimental to the investigation
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19. Securing the Fire Scene
Fire department has the authority to deny access to any building
During fire fighting operations
For a reasonable length of time after fire suppression is terminated
(Continued)
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20. Securing the Fire Scene
If an investigator is not immediately available, the fire department or other lawful authority should keep control of the premises until all evidence has been collected
(Continued)
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21. Securing the Fire Scene
Once all fire personnel leave the scene, a search warrant or written consent to search will be required to reenter the premises
(Continued)
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22. Securing the Fire Scene
Fire personnel should not allow anyone to enter a fire scene without the investigator’s permission
The premises can be secured and protected in several ways
(Continued)
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23. Securing the Fire Scene
Cordoning can be accomplished with rope or specially designed fire and police line tape
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24. Protecting and Preserving Evidence
Protect evidence by keeping it untouched and undisturbed until an investigator arrives
Do not gather or handle evidence unless it is absolutely necessary in order to preserve it
(Continued)
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25. Protecting and Preserving Evidence
If firefighters handle or procure evidence, they then become a link in the chain of custody for that evidence
Evidence must remain undisturbed except when absolutely necessary for the extinguishment of the fire
(Continued)
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26. Protecting and Preserving Evidence
Firefighters must avoid trampling over possible evidence and obliterating it
The same precaution applied to the excessive use of water may help avoid similar unsatisfactory results
(Continued)
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27. Protecting and Preserving Evidence
Human footprints and tire marks must be protected; use cardboard boxes
(Continued)
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28. Protecting and Preserving Evidence
Protect completely or partially burned papers found in a furnace, stove, or fireplace by immediately closing dampers and other openings
Leave charred documents found in containers
(Continued)
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29. After Evidence Has Been Collected
After evidence has been properly collected by an investigator, debris may be removed
Remove charred materials to prevent the possibility of rekindle and to help reduce smoke damage
(Continued)
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30. After Evidence Has Been Collected
Unburned materials can be separated from the debris and cleaned
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31. Summary
Before an investigation into the origin and cause of a fire can be conducted, there must be evidence to evaluate.
(Continued)
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32. Summary
As a firefighter, one of the most important responsibilities is to avoid disturbing or destroying evidence while fighting the fire. In the area of origin appropriate caution must be used when spraying water, moving debris, and even walking around.
(Continued)
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33. Summary
Once the area of origin is known, a more thorough investigation can be conducted to determine the exact cause of the fire.
(Continued)
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34. Summary
As a firefighter, it may be necessary to determine the cause of the fire; more likely, firefighters may be assigned to assist their supervisor or a fire investigator in making that determination.
(Continued)
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35. Summary
If the fire origin and cause investigation reveals evidence of arson, the property becomes a crime scene and must be treated as one. Firefighters must cooperate fully with whoever is assigned to investigate the crime.
Firefighter I

36. Review Questions 1. What observations should be made en route?
2. What observations should be made upon arrival?
3. What observations should be made during firefighting operations?
(Continued)
Firefighter I

37. Review Questions
4. What actions should firefighters take after a fire?
5. Why is protecting evidence important?
Firefighter I