Fire Investigator Guidelines: Policy FR-B-101

• The policy establishes guidelines for pinpointing the need for and calling a Fire Investigator.
• Future updates are the responsibility of the Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction CRRD, in conjunction with the PPM Committee, under the authority of the Fire Rescue Administrator.
• PPM Number: FR-B-101
• Issue Date: September 15, 2022
• Effective Date: October 13, 2022
• This policy is applicable to all Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel and reservists.
• Attachment A: Fire Investigator Call out Determination Flow Chart

Authority

• Fire Rescue Administrator
• Palm Beach County Fire Code
• Michigan v. Tyler, 436 U.S. 499 (1978)
• Michigan v. Clifford, 464 U.S. 287, 104 S. Ct. 641 (1984)
• Line of Duty Reporting Procedures, PPM FR-A-701

Policy

• Incident Commander to determine the need for a Fire Investigator at a fire or explosion scene.
• When requested, scene security is maintained by Fire Rescue personnel.
• Upon arrival, Incident Commander will provide a face-to-face situation report to the Fire Investigator

Definitions

• Crime-Related: A violation of any federal, state, local statute, law, ordinance, rule, or regulation.
• Loss of Life: Any incident where a civilian, employee, or firefighter of Fire Rescue may or may not require transport to a medical health facility and has no signs of life or has been declared as deceased.
• Casualty: Any incident where a civilian, employee, or firefighter of Fire Rescue may or may not require transport to a medical health facility and has incurred an injury that requires any type of medical treatment.
• Juvenile-Related Incident: Any incident in which a person under the age of 18 has a direct involvement in the ignition of the incident or event.
• Explosive Devices: Any device that relies on the exothermic reaction of an explosive material to provide a violent release of energy, any improvised incendiary device commonly referred to as a Molotov Cocktail (Firebomb), or any firework, pyrotechnic device, or flame effect.

Procedure

• The Incident Commander will request a fire investigator through the alarm office for any fire or explosion incident that meets any of the following criteria:
• Evidence of crime-related or foul play: incendiary fires/explosions, explosive devices, firebombs, stolen vehicles, or burglaries. Responses are required regardless of dollar value.
• Loss of life/injury: Any fire or explosion incident resulting in a loss of life or injuries requiring Advanced Life Support (ALS) measures
• Firefighter Loss of life/injury: The LODD team will be notified in accordance with Line of Duty Reporting Procedures (PPM FR-A-701). A member of the LODD team will take custody and control of all firefighter ensemble and equipment until directed by a higher authority and secured in the PBCFR Evidence Room. The minimum response is 2 fire investigators.
• Accidental fires with substantial monetary loss or structural damage: Monetary fire loss exceeding $70,000 or structural damage exceeding 20%. Doesn't include water or smoke damage.
• Juvenile related incidents: Requires a fire investigator response while the Fire Rescue units remain on scene for the cause of the incident.
• Explosive device/Explosion: Any fire or explosion incident or event that results in the loss of life, injury, or property damage requires a fire investigator response while Fire Rescue units remain on scene.
• All Other Circumstances: Fire cause, or the circumstances, conditions, or agencies that bring together a fuel, ignition source, and oxidizer, cannot be determined by the Fire Rescue units on scene

Calling a Fire Investigator:

• The Incident Commander calls a Fire Investigator through the Alarm Office and also calls for a Law Enforcement Officer from the appropriate Law Enforcement Agency to respond to the scene.
• A Fire Rescue unit remains on scene until the fire investigator arrives
• The Fire Investigator determines if a member of the PBSO Bomb/Arson Squad is required.
• If additional assistance is needed the supervisor of investigations is contacted
• No other individual shall request outside Law Enforcement agencies for the purpose of assisting in a fire, arson, or explosion investigation
• The Incident Commander may request Law Enforcement for the purposes of securing a fire scene, crowd control or traffic control. Operational personnel shall not request Law Enforcement to assist with an investigation.