FR-B-101 Investigator Call Out Procedure

Questions and Answers

What is the main responsibility of the Incident Commander as outlined in the policy?

To maintain scene security at all times

To conduct preliminary investigations into fire causes

To prepare reports for the Fire Rescue Administrator

To determine the need for a Fire Investigator (correct)

Who is responsible for future updates to the PPM according to the policy?

The Fire Rescue Administrator alone

The Fire Rescue PPM Committee exclusively

The Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction CRRD (correct)

All Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel

Which cases are referenced in the policy as part of the authority for Fire Investigation procedures?

Ohio v. Robinette and Illinois v. Gates

Texas v. Johnson and Florida v. Bostick

Michigan v. Tyler and Michigan v. Clifford (correct)

California v. Acevedo and New Jersey v. T.L.O.

What does the term 'crime-related' encompass in the context of this policy?

Violations of any federal, state, or local statutes or regulations Signup and view all the answers

What role do Fire Rescue personnel have regarding scene security when a Fire Investigator is requested?

To maintain scene security until the Investigator arrives Signup and view all the answers

What is the effective date of the policy as stated in the document?

October 13, 2022 Signup and view all the answers

How should the Incident Commander communicate the situation to the Fire Investigator upon arrival?

Face-to-face situation report Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the policy's scope is true?

It is applicable to all Fire Rescue personnel and reservists. Signup and view all the answers

What is the requirement for a fire or explosion incident to necessitate a fire investigator's response?

When there is substantial monetary loss or structural damage Signup and view all the answers

In the case of a firefighter injury or loss of life, who is responsible for the custody of the firefighter's equipment?

A member of the LODD team Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum response required for any request involving a firefighter's injury or loss of life?

Two fire investigators Signup and view all the answers

Which type of incident does NOT require a fire investigator response, even with suspicious circumstances?

An incident with a monetary loss of $50,000 Signup and view all the answers

What defines a juvenile-related incident that requires a fire investigator?

Direct involvement of a person under 18 in ignition Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes valid monetary fire loss according to the criteria provided?

Loss solely from fire or explosion damage Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is NOT part of the criteria for accidental fires requiring investigation?

Presence of multiple fire investigators on scene Signup and view all the answers

For which type of incident is a fire investigator response mandatory, regardless of the dollar value involved?

Suspected crime-related incidents Signup and view all the answers

What determines whether a fire investigator should be notified regarding a juvenile's direct involvement in a fire incident?

Eyewitness identification of the juvenile suffices. Signup and view all the answers

In what situation is immediate fire investigator response required, regardless of property damage assessment?

In any incident involving explosives. Signup and view all the answers

What criteria are established to define a 'fire cause' for investigation?

The combination of fuel, ignition source, and oxidizer. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a loss of life incident in Fire Rescue terminology?

An incident with no signs of life or a declared deceased individual. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following triggers a mandatory request for a fire investigator?

High potential for property loss or life. Signup and view all the answers

What additional factor must be considered when determining the need for a fire investigator response in the context of property damage?

The percentage of property loss relative to total value. Signup and view all the answers

Which option correctly defines a casualty within the context provided?

Any incident resulting in an injury requiring any type of medical treatment. Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition can a fire investigator exercise discretion regarding the necessity of their presence?

When property damage is assessed below a certain threshold. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a juvenile-related incident?

An incident where a person under 18 is directly involved in causing a fire. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of incident requires a fire investigator request regardless of certainty about the cause?

Overcrowding issues at assembly occupancies. Signup and view all the answers

In which situation is it mandatory to request a fire investigator?

If there are signs of foul play or loss of life. Signup and view all the answers

Which explosive device is explicitly mentioned in the provided content?

Molotov Cocktail Signup and view all the answers

In cases of minor property damage, what threshold prompts the fire investigator's involvement?

When there are circumstances beyond accidental causes. Signup and view all the answers

What must occur for an injury to be classified under the casualty definition?

The injury must result from a fire or burn. Signup and view all the answers

What is a necessary action when a fire or explosion incident suggests arson?

Request a fire investigator through the alarm office. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT included in the definition of explosive devices?

Non-flammable chemicals Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for notifying a fire investigator?

When a significant life safety issue exists Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for requesting a fire investigator through the Alarm Office?

The incident commander (IC) Signup and view all the answers

What must be ensured while waiting for the arrival of the fire investigator?

A fire rescue unit remains on scene Signup and view all the answers

What action is NOT permitted regarding the request for outside law enforcement agencies?

Operational personnel may request law enforcement for an investigation Signup and view all the answers

If a fire investigator determines additional resources are necessary, what should they do?

Contact the supervisor of investigations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the correct response when a need for the PBSO Bomb/Arson Squad arises?

The fire investigator should make the request Signup and view all the answers

What is not a reason for contacting law enforcement at a fire scene?

Assisting in the fire investigation Signup and view all the answers

Who is NOT allowed to request outside law enforcement agencies for fire investigations?

Operational personnel Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Investigator Call Out Procedure Overview

Policy established for determining the need for and requesting Fire Investigators in Palm Beach County.
Effective from October 13, 2022, following the issue on September 15, 2022.
Managed by the Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction (CRRD) and the PPM Committee.
Governed by Fire Rescue Administrator authority and relevant legal cases.

Responsibilities and Definitions

Incident Commanders (IC) responsible for assessing the need for a Fire Investigator at fire or explosion scenes.
Fire Rescue personnel to maintain scene security until the investigator's arrival.
Fire Investigator briefed with a situation report by the IC upon arrival.
Key definitions include:
- Crime-Related: Violations affecting federal, state, or local laws.
- Loss of Life: Incident where individuals exhibit no signs of life or are declared deceased.
- Casualty: Injuries resulting from fire or burn incidents requiring medical treatment.
- Juvenile-Related Incident: Involvement of individuals under 18 in fire ignition.
- Explosive Devices: Items causing violent energy release.

Criteria for Fire Investigator Response

Crime-Related Incidents: Any suspected arson, explosive devices, or foul play necessitates a fire investigator's response.
Loss/Injury: Fires leading to loss of life or requiring Advanced Life Support for the injured demand an investigator.
Firefighter Incidents: Line of Duty Death (LODD) protocols require special procedures for fire-related injuries or casualties involving firefighters.
Accidental Fires: Incidents with financial losses exceeding $70,000 or significant structural damage prompt investigation.
Juvenile Involvement: Fires involving individuals under 18 necessitate a response.
Explosive Device Explosions: Investigators are required for incidents with property damage or casualties due to explosives.
Indeterminate Causes: Investigators requested when fire causes cannot be determined, or where significant loss of life or value is at risk.

Procedure for Requesting an Investigator

IC requests a Fire Investigator via the Alarm Office, ensuring a Fire Rescue unit remains until the investigator arrives.
Law Enforcement engagement is required for security on incident scenes needing investigations.
Fire Investigators can call for additional law enforcement or resources as needed.
No unauthorized personnel may request law enforcement for investigation purposes; operational personnel can request only for scene security.

Supersession and Updates

Historical revisions of the procedure were implemented from January 2007 to September 2022.
The most recent policy update incorporates clarifications and expansions of responsibilities and criteria.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the Investigator Call Out Procedure implemented for Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel. Understand the protocols outlined in PPM FR-B-101, effective since September 15, 2022. Test your knowledge on the responsibilities and procedures that ensure effective response strategies.