0. Chapter 19 — Fire Origin and Cause Determination
1402 Hybrid Firefighter II
6th Edition
Chapter 19 — Fire Origin and Cause Determination

1. Learning Objective 1
Describe types of evidence used to indicate the area of origin or fire cause.

2. The three types of evidence are used to support testimony.
Physical
Direct
Circumstantial
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3. REVIEW QUESTION
What types of evidence are used to indicate an area of origin or a fire’s cause?

4. Learning Objective 2
Recognize fire cause evidence.

5. Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is collected.
Timing devices
Separate fires
Trailers
(Cont.)

6. Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is collected.
Chemicals
Matches
Ignitable liquids
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(Cont.)

7. Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is collected.
Bottles
Rubber or latex items
Containers
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(Cont.)

8. Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is collected.
Glass
Lighters
Electrical sources
Modified equipment
(Cont.)

9. Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is collected.
Items
That should not be present are
That should be present are not
Oily rags
Fire patterns

10. REVIEW QUESTION
How can a Firefighter II recognize fire cause evidence?

11. Learning Objective 3
Explain the roles and responsibilities of responders and investigators involved in fire investigations.

12. 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.)

13. 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

14. REVIEW QUESTION
Who are the types of responders and investigators that may be involved in a fire investigation?

15. Learning Objective 4
Tell what legal issues impact location and collection of evidence during a fire investigation.

16. 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

17. 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

18. REVIEW QUESTION
What legal issues impact the location and collection of evidence during a fire investigation?

19. 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.

20. Learning Objective 5
Protect evidence of fire cause and origin. This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 19-II-1.