Unit 1 – Investigators and the Role of First Responders

Unit 1 Seminar Topics

A brief history of the investigation of fires

An account of some of the standards that apply to fire investigations

Actions of the first responders

FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders

FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders

• The history of fire investigation helps us to understand how investigations were handled in the past.

• It also explains past failures and why we have the current code and regulations improvements today.

• We learn from the past how we can improve codes or regulations for the future.

Investigation of Fires

The London Fire of 1666

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The London Fire of 1212

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The Great Chicago Fire of 1871

Our Lady of the Angels School Fire 1958

MGM Grand Hotel Fire 1980

Modern Fires that changed codes and influenced how we conduct investigations

Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire 1977

Coconut Grove Fire 1942

Formation of the National Fire Protection Association

• The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) was formed in 1896 .– It now has more than 75,000 members

representing almost 100 nations. – The association produces 300 standards and

guides.• The NFPA maintains the Professional Qualifications

Project.

FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders

National Professional Qualifications

• In 1972, the National Professional Qualifications Board (NPQB) was created to administer accreditation.– The NFPA created standards in conjunction with the

NPQB for Fire Marshals which eventually were divided into three parts:

• NFPA 1031, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner

• NFPA 1035, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Public Fire and Life Safety Educator

• NFPA 1033, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator

FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders

Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Marshal

• NFPA 1037 was created in 2006 and adopted in 2007 to help define the duties of a fire marshal position.

• The standard addresses inspections programs, plans review, public education, and investigations.

FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders

Importance of Standards for Investigators

• Established standards ensure a certain level of knowledge and skills.

• Without standards, there is justifiable concern that science will be inconsistently and inappropriately applied.

FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders

Standards vs. Guides

NFPA uses both standards and guides

• Standards– Established by an authority or something to

serve as a model

• Guides– Can lead or direct but not necessarily mandate

FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders

• An incident starts with the first report of the incident .

– Usually, the first public safety personnel involved are in the Emergency Communications Center (Dispatch)

• Hierarchy of each type of responder may be different from jurisdiction to jurisdiction – Overall operational tasks remain somewhat consistent– Protection of the scene and evidence is of utmost

importance– Deny entry

First Responders’ Role in an Investigation

FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders

• Ultimate responsibility of first responders: – If unable to make a determination of the origin and cause

of the fire, call for assistance– Call for an investigator if there is suspicion that fire is

incendiary

• Before the arrival of the investigator:– Ensure the protection of any evidence.– Establish a safer environment by reducing toxic gasses and

smoke.– Monitor structure for stability to reduce collapse potential.

First Responders’ Responsibility

See You Next Week

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FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders