Firefighter IICTC Program

Chapter 19 Fire Origin and

Cause Determination

South Carolina Fire Academy

•Physical

The three types of evidence are used to support

testimony

19–2

•Direct

•Circumstantial

• Timing devices

Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is

collected

19–3

(Cont.)

•Separate fires

•Trailers

•Chemicals

Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is

collected

19–4

(Cont.)

•Matches

•Ignitable liquids

• Bottles• Rubber or latex items

• Containers

Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is

collected

19–5

(Cont.)

• Glass

• Lighters

• Electrical sources

• Modified equipment

Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is

collected

19–6

(Cont.)

Fire investigators decide what evidence and information is

collected

19–7

•Fire Patterns

•Oily Rags

• Fire chief• Determine

fire origin and cause

• Trained firefighters

• 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

The roles and responsibilities of responders and investigators

vary

19–8

(Cont.)

•Fire or criminal investigator

• Conduct detailed investigations, analysis

• Firefighters role

• Insurance investigator

• Hired to determine cause, amount of loss

• Firefighters may be interviewed

• Insurance adjustors• Responsibilities• Upon notification

of loss• Independent

investigation

The roles and responsibilities of responders and investigators

vary

19–9

•Laws

•Change constantly

• Vary by jurisdiction

Location and collection of evidence is based on a variety

of laws

19–10

•Right of entry

• Search and

seizure

• Statements and the Miranda Warning

• Chain of custody,

continuity of evidence

•Spoliation

There are several important legal issues you should be aware of

19–11

• 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.

Summary

19–11