III-B-05 Fire Investigator Response Criteria 11/02/2022

Questions and Answers

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?

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'?

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'?

Any unsanctioned use of fire involving individuals under 18 years Signup and view all the answers

What is classified as an 'incendiary device'?

An object intended to start a fire Signup and view all the answers

What does 'undetermined fire cause' mean?

The cause cannot yet be ascertained and may be investigated further Signup and view all the answers

When investigating fires, what is the role of the Incident Commander (IC)?

To be aware of all firefighting activities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately defines 'intentional fire cause'?

Deliberate misuse of a heat source to ignite a fire Signup and view all the answers

What should be documented on the NFIRS regarding the Fire Investigator's involvement?

The name and unit number of the Fire Investigator Signup and view all the answers

What step should the FAO take if no MDFR Fire Investigator is available?

Request a State Investigator from the Florida State Fire Marshal's Office Signup and view all the answers

What action must be taken regarding scene security when a Fire Investigator is requested?

Request police response for additional security Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should NOT be done with a postmortem body prior to the Fire Investigator's arrival?

Move the body to a different location Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the IC concerning firefighting activities?

To inform the Fire Investigator about fireground tactics used Signup and view all the answers

When documenting information about witnesses and bystanders, which detail is most important?

Their contact information for follow-up Signup and view all the answers

What must be included in the NFIRS report concerning fire scene observations?

All relevant observations by the IC and witness statements Signup and view all the answers

In cases of fire-related injuries, what should NOT delay patient transport?

Arrival of the Fire Investigator Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for approving mutual aid requests for a Fire Investigator?

The Fire Investigations Bureau OIC or designee Signup and view all the answers

What information should the IC provide to the Fire Investigator during the investigation?

Tactics used by operations units including forcible entry Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for establishing a fire scene perimeter?

To prevent unauthorized entry and protect evidence Signup and view all the answers

What should be the limit of overhaul operations on a fire scene?

Only those activities necessary to extinguish hidden fires Signup and view all the answers

What type of incidents require the immediate presence of a Fire Investigator?

Intentional fires or incidents involving serious injury or death Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should NOT be moved at a fire scene?

Evidence, such as burned materials Signup and view all the answers

What is an appropriate action when discovering a clandestine drug lab during firefighting?

Request a Fire Investigator immediately, regardless of the fire's cause Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken during a preliminary investigation before calling a Fire Investigator?

Inspect surrounding areas and question witnesses Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is it permissible not to request a Fire Investigator for a vehicle fire?

If no suspects are in custody and there is no physical evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is critical to note during the preliminary investigation of a fire?

Observations from bystanders and potential red flags Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fire necessitates a Fire Investigator due to malicious activity?

Fires intentionally started in public spaces Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if a fire incident results in a civilian's injuries that require advanced care?

Request a Fire Investigator to assess the scene Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes suspicious behavior that should be documented during a fire scene investigation?

Bystanders leaving the area quickly Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios does NOT require immediate involvement from a Fire Investigator?

A kitchen fire with no injuries and no suspicious activity Signup and view all the answers

What must be checked before allowing any open burning at a scene?

If proper permits or state authorizations exist Signup and view all the answers

In which case should evidence at the fire scene always remain untouched?

If potential criminal activity is suspected Signup and view all the answers

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.

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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.