0. South Carolina Fire Academy
Firefighter II
CTC Program
Chapter 19
Fire Origin and
Cause Determination

1. The three types of evidence are used to support testimony
Physical
Direct
Circumstantial

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

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

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

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

6. Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is collected
Fire Patterns
Oily Rags

7. 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.)

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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.