SOP 207.11 FIRE CAUSE INVESTIGATION

It is the responsibility of Command to provide for cause investigation of every fire incident causing injury or property damage. This must be accomplished after fire control activities and before taking salvage and overhaul actions that could hinder the investigation. There is a responsibility to attempt to determine fire cause in all cases, not only when arson is suspected. The lessons learned in cause determination of accidental fires will be related back to our property management data base and will be used to prevent future fires.

When a fire investigator is on the scene or responding, companies shall delay non-essential overhaul until the investigator has time to survey the area. Salvage activities that stop further property damage should continue if they do not interfere with the area of origin and any possible evidence.

When delay in response by an investigator is indicated, Command shall assign personnel to protect the f ire scene and maintain custody until the arrival of an investigator. If the incident is of a minor nature (no injuries, slight damage), and the cause can be readily determined, units on the scene will gather the information and contact the investigator by telephone.

After achieving fire control, Command will release companies not required to complete investigation and overhaul. In some cases involving lengthy investigation times, companies can return to quarters and later return to the scene to complete overhaul activities.

Command will turn over jurisdiction of the fire area to the investigator as soon as possible after the fire is stabilized. The investigator retains jurisdiction until he releases it back to Command. The investigator may inform Command that he intends to maintain custody of the scene for further investigation.

The investigator will request from Command any manpower or equipment needed to assist in the investigation. Command will respond to such requests to the extent possible under the prevailing circumstances.

All personnel will cooperate with the investigator. Protection of the fire scene and preservation of physical evidence will be a primary concern once life safety is secured and fire control is achieved.

DESTRUCTION OF EVIDENCE: The misconception that evidence is destroyed in a fire has been the reason many incendiary fires have never been brought to the attention of the courts.

EVIDENCE IS NOT DESTROYED IN FIRES, EXCEPT IN RARE CASES: The form shape, color, size, and weight are certainly altered, but it can still be identified and placed in proper perspective.

FIRE DEPARTMENT MUST PROTECT THE SCENE FROM DAMAGE DURING FIRE FIGHTING:

Extinguishment - Evidence can be washed out the door with misuse of fire streams.

Overhaul - The most damaging time for evidence to be used by the fire investigator and police department in court cases.

Salvage - This operation should not be too thorough until the investigation is completed, except to diminish the eventual loss.

The fire scene is the investigator's laboratory. He must:

Search it carefully and thoroughly.

Photograph everything, in place.

Diagram carefully.

Collect and preserve all evidence.

EVIDENCE

GUARD THE SCENE

Post a guard.

Maintain custody until release of the scene.

No unauthorized persons enter; Fire Department has the authority to close the scene, even to the owner.

Prevent personnel from unnecessarily walking through fire area. Avoid walking on evidence.