Podcast
Questions and Answers
What type of fire does the term 'accidental fire cause' refer to?
What type of fire does the term 'accidental fire cause' refer to?
- Fires that occur in assembly occupancies
- Fires caused by electrical malfunctions or natural disasters (correct)
- Fires that intentionally involve youth under 18 years
- Fires resulting from deliberate human actions
What qualifies as an 'assembly occupancy' by the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department?
What qualifies as an 'assembly occupancy' by the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department?
- An occupancy used for gatherings of 50 or more people (correct)
- Any occupancy used for entertainment purposes
- An occupancy used for gatherings of 30 or more people
- Occupancies exclusively used for special amusement activities
Which of the following describes an 'illegal burn'?
Which of the following describes an 'illegal burn'?
- Controlled burns conducted during emergencies
- Burning without the necessary permits or violating permit conditions (correct)
- Burning materials in a controlled environment with a permit
- Burning materials that spontaneously combust
Which type of fire incident is classified as 'youth firesetting incident'?
Which type of fire incident is classified as 'youth firesetting incident'?
What is classified as an 'incendiary device'?
What is classified as an 'incendiary device'?
What does 'undetermined fire cause' mean?
What does 'undetermined fire cause' mean?
When investigating fires, what is the role of the Incident Commander (IC)?
When investigating fires, what is the role of the Incident Commander (IC)?
Which of the following accurately defines 'intentional fire cause'?
Which of the following accurately defines 'intentional fire cause'?
What should be documented on the NFIRS regarding the Fire Investigator's involvement?
What should be documented on the NFIRS regarding the Fire Investigator's involvement?
What step should the FAO take if no MDFR Fire Investigator is available?
What step should the FAO take if no MDFR Fire Investigator is available?
What action must be taken regarding scene security when a Fire Investigator is requested?
What action must be taken regarding scene security when a Fire Investigator is requested?
Which of the following should NOT be done with a postmortem body prior to the Fire Investigator's arrival?
Which of the following should NOT be done with a postmortem body prior to the Fire Investigator's arrival?
What is the primary responsibility of the IC concerning firefighting activities?
What is the primary responsibility of the IC concerning firefighting activities?
When documenting information about witnesses and bystanders, which detail is most important?
When documenting information about witnesses and bystanders, which detail is most important?
What must be included in the NFIRS report concerning fire scene observations?
What must be included in the NFIRS report concerning fire scene observations?
In cases of fire-related injuries, what should NOT delay patient transport?
In cases of fire-related injuries, what should NOT delay patient transport?
Who is responsible for approving mutual aid requests for a Fire Investigator?
Who is responsible for approving mutual aid requests for a Fire Investigator?
What information should the IC provide to the Fire Investigator during the investigation?
What information should the IC provide to the Fire Investigator during the investigation?
What is the primary reason for establishing a fire scene perimeter?
What is the primary reason for establishing a fire scene perimeter?
What should be the limit of overhaul operations on a fire scene?
What should be the limit of overhaul operations on a fire scene?
What type of incidents require the immediate presence of a Fire Investigator?
What type of incidents require the immediate presence of a Fire Investigator?
Which of the following should NOT be moved at a fire scene?
Which of the following should NOT be moved at a fire scene?
What is an appropriate action when discovering a clandestine drug lab during firefighting?
What is an appropriate action when discovering a clandestine drug lab during firefighting?
What action should be taken during a preliminary investigation before calling a Fire Investigator?
What action should be taken during a preliminary investigation before calling a Fire Investigator?
In which scenario is it permissible not to request a Fire Investigator for a vehicle fire?
In which scenario is it permissible not to request a Fire Investigator for a vehicle fire?
What is critical to note during the preliminary investigation of a fire?
What is critical to note during the preliminary investigation of a fire?
Which type of fire necessitates a Fire Investigator due to malicious activity?
Which type of fire necessitates a Fire Investigator due to malicious activity?
What should you do if a fire incident results in a civilian's injuries that require advanced care?
What should you do if a fire incident results in a civilian's injuries that require advanced care?
What constitutes suspicious behavior that should be documented during a fire scene investigation?
What constitutes suspicious behavior that should be documented during a fire scene investigation?
Which of the following scenarios does NOT require immediate involvement from a Fire Investigator?
Which of the following scenarios does NOT require immediate involvement from a Fire Investigator?
What must be checked before allowing any open burning at a scene?
What must be checked before allowing any open burning at a scene?
In which case should evidence at the fire scene always remain untouched?
In which case should evidence at the fire scene always remain untouched?
Study Notes
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) Responsibilities
- MDFR investigates all fires resulting in loss of life, injury, or property damage within its jurisdiction.
- Investigations also cover life safety hazard complaints and accidental fire causes.
Key Definitions
- Accidental Fire Cause: Fires ignited without deliberate human act (e.g., electrical failures, natural disasters).
- Assembly Occupancy: Buildings accommodating 50+ people for various gatherings, including entertainment and worship.
- Clandestine Drug Labs: Locations where illegal substances are manufactured or stored, posing contamination risks.
- Illegal Burns: Any fire without a proper permit or violating permit conditions.
- Incendiary Device: An object specifically designed to start a fire.
- Intentional Fire Cause: Fires resulting from deliberate heat source misuse.
- Undetermined Fire Cause: Fires without a proven cause, pending further investigation.
- Youth Firesetting Incident: Any unauthorized use of fire by individuals under 18 years, regardless of fire occurrence.
Incident Commander (IC) Duties
- Ensure awareness of firefighting activities and establish a secure fire scene perimeter to protect evidence.
- Limit overhaul to necessary activities to avoid evidence destruction.
- Request police assistance for case number and scene security as needed.
- Conduct preliminary investigations, focusing on origin inspection, noting surroundings, and interviewing witnesses.
Fire Investigator Request Criteria
- Required when fire cause is undetermined, appears intentional, involves injuries requiring advanced life support, or results in fatalities.
- Mandatory when a youth firesetting incident is suspected, regardless of damage extent.
- For clandestine drug lab fires, a Fire Investigator is always needed.
Specific Fire Incident Procedures
- Kitchen Fires: Note occupant statements; seek Fire Investigator if inconsistencies or "red flags" arise.
- Assembly Occupancies: Request Fire Investigator for immediate life safety hazards like blocked exits.
- Open Burns: Verify permit status through the Fire Alarm Office (FAO), and consult a Fire Investigator if needed.
Undetermined Vehicle Fires
- Exceptions for single motor vehicle/vessel incidents include lack of witnesses or suspects and no physical evidence at the scene.
- If significant fire exposure damages other property, a Fire Investigator is still required.
Fire Investigator Call-Out Protocol
- FAO will contact investigators when on-duty personnel are unavailable or additional assistance is needed.
- If no MDFR Fire Investigator is available, the State Fire Marshal will be requested for response.
Documentation and Communication
- The IC must maintain scene integrity and share fireground observations with the Fire Investigator.
- Document all findings, including witness contact information, in the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS).
- Medical operations must not delay patient transport, and deceased victims must remain undisturbed until the investigator arrives.
Mutual Aid Requests
- Any requests for Fire Investigator assistance from other jurisdictions must be routed for approval and availability assessment.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz covers the investigation protocols of the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) Department, focusing on the causes, origins, and circumstances surrounding accidental fires. It also addresses how MDFR handles life safety hazard complaints. Test your knowledge on fire investigation procedures and safety measures.
