1402 Hybrid Firefighter II
6th Edition
Chapter 19 — Fire Origin and
Cause Determination
Learning Objective 1
Describe types of evidence used to
indicate the area of origin or fire
cause.
19–1
The three types of evidence are
used to support testimony.
Direct
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Circumstantial
Physical
1–2
REVIEW QUESTION
What types of evidence are used to
indicate an area of origin or a fire’s
cause?
19–3
Learning Objective 2
Recognize fire cause evidence.
19–4
Fire investigators decide what
evidence and information is collected.
Separate
fires
Timing devices
Trailers
(Cont.)
19–5
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Fire investigators decide what
evidence and information is collected.
Matches
Ignitable
liquids
Chemicals
19–6
(Cont.)
Fire investigators decide what
evidence and information is collected.
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Bottles
Rubber or latex items
(Cont.)
Containers
19–7
Fire investigators decide what
evidence and information is collected.
Glass
Lighters
Electrical
sources
Modified
equipment
19–8
(Cont.)
Fire investigators decide what
evidence and information is collected.
Items
• That should not be
present are
• That should be present
are not
Oily rags
Fire patterns
19–9
REVIEW QUESTION
How can a Firefighter II recognize
fire cause evidence?
19–10
Learning Objective 3
Explain the roles and responsibilities
of responders and investigators
involved in fire investigations.
1–11
The roles and responsibilities of
responders and investigators vary.
Fire chief
Trained firefighters
• Determine fire origin
and cause
• Recognize, collect
important information
First-arriving
firefighters
• Take mental notes
During operations
• Be aware
• Be open minded
• Perform careful
overhaul
• Refrain from
expressing personal
opinions
(Cont.)
19–12
The roles and responsibilities of
responders and investigators vary.
Fire or criminal
investigator
Insurance
investigator
• Conduct detailed
investigations, analysis
• Firefighters role
• Hired to determine
cause, amount of loss
• Firefighters may be
interviewed
19–13
Insurance adjustors
• Responsibilities
• Upon notification of loss
• Independent
investigation
REVIEW QUESTION
Who are the types of responders
and investigators that may be
involved in a fire investigation?
19–14
Learning Objective 4
Tell what legal issues impact location
and collection of evidence during a
fire investigation.
19–15
Location and collection of evidence is
based on a variety of laws.
Be familiar
with
Laws
Change
constantly
Collection of
evidence
Vary by
jurisdiction
Entry into
private
property
19–16
There are several important legal
issues you should be aware of.
Right of entry
Search and
seizure
Chain of custody,
continuity of
evidence
19–17
Statements and
the Miranda
Warning
Spoliation
REVIEW QUESTION
What legal issues impact the location
and collection of evidence during a
fire investigation?
1–18
Summary
• When the area of origin is known a
more thorough investigation can be
conducted to determine cause.
• Firefighters may be assigned to assist
with an investigation.
• When origin and cause reveal
incendiary fire property becomes a
crime scene.
1–19
Learning Objective 5
Protect evidence of fire cause and
origin.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 19-II-1.
1–20