Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter...

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Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I
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Transcript of Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter...

Page 1: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5th Edition

Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence

Firefighter I

Page 2: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–2

Chapter 18 Lesson Goal

• After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to identify indicators of an incendiary fire and protect and preserve evidence after a fire following the policies and procedures set forth by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).

Page 3: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–3

Specific Objectives

1.Describe signs and indications of an incendiary fire. 2.Summarize important observations to be made en route, after arriving at the scene, and during fire fighting operations. 3.Discuss firefighter conduct and statements at the scene. (Continued)

Page 4: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–4

Specific Objectives

4.Explain firefighter responsibilities after the fire. 5. Discuss protecting and preserving evidence.

Page 5: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–5

Determining Cause

• In most jurisdictions the fire chief has the legal responsibility for determining the cause and origin of a fire.

• Delegates this authority to the fire officers and firefighters at the scene

(Continued)

Page 6: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–6

Determining Cause

• Proper training enables firefighters to recognize and collect important information

• First-arriving firefighters are in a position to observe unusual conditions that may indicate an incendiary fire

Page 7: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–7

First-arriving Firefighters Should Note

• Vehicles and people present in the area

• Status of doors and windows • Evidence of forced entry by

anyone other than firefighters• Contents of the rooms• Indications of unusual fire behavior

or more than one point of origin

Page 8: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–8

Observations En Route

• Time of day • Weather and

natural hazards • Barriers • People leaving the

scene

Page 9: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–9

Observations Upon Arrival

• Time of arrival and extent of fire

• Wind direction and velocity

• Doors or windows locked or unlocked

• Location of the fire (Continued)

Page 10: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–10

Observations Upon Arrival

• Containers or cans • Burglary tools • Familiar faces

Page 11: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–11

Observations During Fire Fighting Operations

• Unusual odors • Abnormal behavior

of fire when water is applied

• Obstacles hindering fire fighting

(Continued)

Page 12: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–12

Observations During Fire Fighting Operations

• Incendiary devices • Trailers • Structural alterations • Fire patterns

(Continued)

Page 13: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–13

Observations During Fire Fighting Operations

• Heat intensity • Availability of

documents • Fire detection and

protection systems • Intrusion alarms • Location of fire

(Continued)

Page 14: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–14

Observations During Fire Fighting Operations

• Personal possessions • Household items • Equipment or

inventory • Business records

Page 15: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–15

Conduct and Statements at the Scene

• Firefighters should obtain as much information as possible

• Owners or occupants of the property should be allowed to talk freely

(Continued)

Page 16: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–16

Conduct and Statements at the Scene

• Firefighters should not attempt to interrogate a potential arson suspect unless trained and authorized

• Firefighters should refrain from expressing personal opinions

(Continued)

Page 17: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–17

Conduct and Statements at the Scene

• After the investigator arrives, firefighters should make statements only to this individual

(Continued)

Page 18: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–18

Conduct and Statements at the Scene

• Public statement regarding fire cause should be made only after– The investigator and ranking fire

officer have agreed to its accuracy and validity

– Have given permission for it to be released

Page 19: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–19

Responsibilities After the Fire

• Firefighters should report their observations to their supervisor

• Firefighters should not discuss their observations with other crew members

• Improperly done overhaul operations can be detrimental to the investigation

Page 20: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–20

Securing the Fire Scene

• Fire department has the authority to deny access to any building– During fire fighting operations – For a reasonable length of time after

fire suppression is terminated

(Continued)

Page 21: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–21

Securing the Fire Scene

• If an investigator is not immediately available, the fire department or other lawful authority should keep control of the premises until all evidence has been collected

(Continued)

Page 22: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–22

Securing the Fire Scene

• Once all fire personnel leave the scene, a search warrant or written consent to search will be required to reenter the premises

(Continued)

Page 23: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–23

Securing the Fire Scene

• Fire personnel should not allow anyone to enter a fire scene without the investigator’s permission

• The premises can be secured and protected in several ways

(Continued)

Page 24: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–24

Securing the Fire Scene

• Cordoning can be accomplished with rope or specially designed fire and police line tape

Page 25: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–25

Protecting and Preserving Evidence

• Protect evidence by keeping it untouched and undisturbed until an investigator arrives

• Do not gather or handle evidence unless it is absolutely necessary in order to preserve it

(Continued)

Page 26: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–26

Protecting and Preserving Evidence

• If firefighters handle or procure evidence, they then become a link in the chain of custody for that evidence

• Evidence must remain undisturbed except when absolutely necessary for the extinguishment of the fire

(Continued)

Page 27: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–27

Protecting and Preserving Evidence

• Firefighters must avoid trampling over possible evidence and obliterating it

• The same precaution applied to the excessive use of water may help avoid similar unsatisfactory results

(Continued)

Page 28: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–28

Protecting and Preserving Evidence

• Human footprints and tire marks must be protected; use cardboard boxes

(Continued)

Page 29: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–29

Protecting and Preserving Evidence

• Protect completely or partially burned papers found in a furnace, stove, or fireplace by immediately closing dampers and other openings

• Leave charred documents found in containers

(Continued)

Page 30: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–30

After Evidence Has Been Collected

• After evidence has been properly collected by an investigator, debris may be removed

• Remove charred materials to prevent the possibility of rekindle and to help reduce smoke damage

(Continued)

Page 31: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–31

After Evidence Has Been Collected

• Unburned materials can be separated from the debris and cleaned

Page 32: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–32

Summary

• Before an investigation into the origin and cause of a fire can be conducted, there must be evidence to evaluate.

(Continued)

Page 33: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–33

Summary

• As a firefighter, one of the most important responsibilities is to avoid disturbing or destroying evidence while fighting the fire. In the area of origin appropriate caution must be used when spraying water, moving debris, and even walking around. (Continued)

Page 34: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–34

Summary

• Once the area of origin is known, a more thorough investigation can be conducted to determine the exact cause of the fire.

(Continued)

Page 35: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–35

Summary

• As a firefighter, it may be necessary to determine the cause of the fire; more likely, firefighters may be assigned to assist their supervisor or a fire investigator in making that determination.

(Continued)

Page 36: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–36

Summary

• If the fire origin and cause investigation reveals evidence of arson, the property becomes a crime scene and must be treated as one. Firefighters must cooperate fully with whoever is assigned to investigate the crime.

Page 37: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–37

Review Questions

1.What observations should be made en route? 2.What observations should be made upon arrival? 3.What observations should be made during firefighting operations?

(Continued)

Page 38: Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition Chapter 18 — Protecting Fire Scene Evidence Firefighter I.

Firefighter I18–38

Review Questions

4.What actions should firefighters take after a fire? 5.Why is protecting evidence important?