Fire Investigation Procedures

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the fire scene examination?

To determine the origin, cause and circumstances surrounding the fire (correct)

To determine the extent of the damage caused by the fire

To assess the value of the property

To identify the individuals responsible for the fire

Who can authorize the fire scene examination?

Any homeowner in the neighborhood

The lawful owner/occupant/agent of the property (correct)

The local police department

The insurance company

What can be seized and used in a court of appropriate jurisdiction as a result of the examination?

Only physical evidence

Any evidence found during the examination (correct)

Only documents and papers

None of the above

What is granted to the authorized agency conducting the examination?

Permission to remove objects and materials pertinent to the investigation Signup and view all the answers

When can the consent to the examination be withdrawn?

At any time prior to the conclusion of the fire/explosion scene examination Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Hoffman Estates Fire Department in this context?

To conduct a complete fire/explosion examination of the property Signup and view all the answers

What information is required to be provided by the individual consenting to the examination?

Their name, address, and a full description of the property Signup and view all the answers

What is the document used for in this context?

To consent to a fire scene examination Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances are investigators permitted to enter a structure with an IDLH atmosphere?

When proper respiratory protection is worn. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a required element of a fire scene examination?

Analyzing the chemical composition of the fire's accelerant. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason investigators must dig out a structure during a fire scene examination?

To remove debris that could obscure potential points of origin. Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario would evidence pertaining to an accidental fire be left in place?

When the fire is deemed to be accidental. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to leave a hand-line and/or air quality monitor at the scene during the investigation process?

To provide a safety net in case of a sudden change in atmospheric conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for arranging victim assistance in a fire incident?

Fire Investigator(s)/Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Police Detective / Evidence Technician at a fire scene?

To secure the scene and collect crime scene evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best approach for handling evidence in an accidental fire?

Document and leave evidence in place unless it is likely to be destroyed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the first fire investigator who arrives at the scene?

To be briefed on the fire status by the Incident Commander. Signup and view all the answers

In which situation is a Special Agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms required to be notified?

Fires that occur in churches and other places of worship Signup and view all the answers

What must happen before any investigator is allowed to enter a structure?

Air quality must be evaluated and deemed safe. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following situations dictates the need for a second investigator?

When the size of the fire or damage area requires additional investigation. Signup and view all the answers

Which conditions automatically require a Special Agent and K-9 from the Office of the State Fire Marshal?

All large loss fires as determined by the Fire Chief. Signup and view all the answers

What method can the Incident Commander use to request additional investigators?

Through Northwest Central Dispatch or via 610. Signup and view all the answers

What type of fire situation is specifically noted as requiring a second investigator?

Fires that have a large damage area. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of incident indicates the need for contacting the HEPD Detective upon the initial callback?

Fires involving fatalities or injuries. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for reporting known fire origin and cause information for incidents not requiring a certified fire investigator?

Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

What is the timeline required for a Fire Investigation Report to be completed by the assigned investigator(s)?

Within 30 days Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the document provided?

To serve as a formal status report for a fire investigation. Signup and view all the answers

What should the narrative portion of the fire report include?

Information supporting the origin and cause determination Signup and view all the answers

Which section would you find the area where the fire started?

Area of Origin Signup and view all the answers

What document is completed by the on shift fire investigator for each fire incident?

BATS fire investigation report Signup and view all the answers

What type of information would be documented under 'Preliminary Findings'?

Initial observations and deductions from the investigation. Signup and view all the answers

What is required from the investigator regarding insurance companies?

Investigator should follow up to get the accurate dollar loss value. Signup and view all the answers

Which details are likely recorded in the 'Comments' section?

Additional observations and important notes from the investigation. Signup and view all the answers

Where does the final investigative report get attached after approval?

To the NFIRS report Signup and view all the answers

What purpose does the 'Witnesses' section serve?

To list people who can provide testimony regarding the fire. Signup and view all the answers

What is included with the policy for investigators when the scene is turned back over to the property owner?

Consent for Fire Scene Examination Form Signup and view all the answers

In which section would you find the time the fire department was alerted?

Time of Alarm Signup and view all the answers

Who receives the Fire Investigation Status Report by the next business day?

Deputy Fire Chief of Operations and head of the Fire Investigation Division Signup and view all the answers

Which entity might be responsible for following up on safety compliance after a fire investigation?

Fire Prevention Bureau Manager Signup and view all the answers

What is required to complete the 'Incident Number' field?

A unique identifier for tracing the fire incident. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Operations

On-duty civilian investigators and/or callback investigators report to Station 22, pick up Utility 22, and proceed to the fire scene.
If Utility 22 is already on the scene, investigators may report directly to the fire scene.
Upon arrival, investigators are briefed on the fire status by the Incident Commander.

Special Agent and K-9 Notification

Certain fire situations require a Special Agent and K-9 from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, HEPD Detective, and are requested to the scene on the initial callback, including:
- Fires involving fatalities
- Fires involving injuries (firefighter and/or civilian injuries)
- Fires of suspicious nature or suspected multiple points of origin
- Large loss fires as determined by the Fire Chief or designee
- Fire damage to state, federal, or school property

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Notification

The following situations require a Special Agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms to be requested to the scene:
- Fires that occur in churches, synagogues, temples, or other places of worship
- Explosions and fires involving homemade explosive devices
- Fires that are believed to be hate crimes
- Acts of Terrorism

Investigator Safety

Investigators do not enter a structure until air quality has been determined to be safe according to department guidelines.
Investigators wear proper respiratory protection and PPE while digging out a structure.

Fire Scene Examination

The following elements should be included in the fire scene examination:
- Photographs should be taken throughout the investigation to document the scene and its contents.
- The scene should be dug as deeply as necessary to gather all pertinent information.
- Any evidence should be collected, photographed, and stored in police custody.
- A sketch should be completed when necessary to document the scene and location of items and evidence.
- All witnesses should be identified and interviewed.
- Police assistance should be requested for securing witnesses and securing the scene.
- Victim assistance should be arranged through incident command and dispatch.

Origin and Cause Reporting

Incidents that do not require a certified fire investigator to the scene require the Incident Commander to report any known fire origin and cause information in the appropriate areas of the fire report.
Photos shall be taken and included in the fire report.
The Incident Commander will send an on-shift investigator and fire investigations division head a notification that there was a fire or fire loss.

Fire Investigation Report

A Fire Investigation Status Report shall be completed by the assigned investigator(s) by the next business day and copies forwarded to the Deputy Fire Chief of Operations and head of the Fire Investigation Division.
A Fire Investigation Report shall be completed within 30 days, by the assigned investigator(s) for all fires.
The investigative report, including a sketch, photographs, and photo log, shall be forwarded to the head of the Fire Investigation Division for approval.
The final investigative report will be attached to the NFIRS report by the head of the Fire Investigation Division.

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Description

This quiz covers the procedures for notifying and deploying investigators to a fire scene, including requesting additional investigators and reporting to the scene.