Unit 8 - Investigating and Documenting a Fire Scene

Unit 8 Seminar Topics Resources utilized during an

investigation

Documenting the scene

Use of photography by the investigator

FS 301 - Unit 8: Investigating and Documenting a Fire Scene

It is important for the fire officer to know about the tools and resources available to the assigned investigator.

Teamwork during an investigation is productive because the additional expertise may help to expedite the process.

Fire Investigation Resources

FS 301 - Unit 8: Investigating and Documenting a Fire Scene

State and Federal Resources

• The state may have resources that can be of benefit in an investigation.

• Investigators from the state police or state fire marshal’s office may be able to assist on the scene

• Federal Bureau of Investigation has a great laboratory and personnel.

• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is an outstanding resource.

• Field agents, national response team, and laboratory.

FS 301 - Unit 8: Investigating and Documenting a Fire Scene

Documenting the Scene Every fire scene must be adequately documented to

allow recall for the investigator To test your hypothesis, you must document all the

facts of the caseAll the facts of the case include all notes

gathered, reports written, photographs taken, and diagrams created

FS 301 - Unit 8: Investigating and Documenting a Fire Scene

Taking Notes Notes are an essential part of any investigation It is important to document information such as

interviews otherwise the information gathered will be of limited use.

Writing the report is much easier and more efficient if written notes to recall specific information compiled

Two theories on keeping and destroying notes: Some departments destroy their written notes once they

have typed their report.Other departments keep their notes in the file.

Notes must be legible!

Using specialized tools can give an exact latitude and longitude of each point at a fire scene

Suppression personnel can make use of a good quality point-and-shoot camera

Assigned investigator should have a digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera

Specialized tools for the discovery and collection of latent prints

Many other forensic tools and processes at the investigator’s disposal for-Collection of residual blood or Paint chip and Debris examination

Documenting the Scene

FS 301 - Unit 8: Investigating and Documenting a Fire Scene

Photography for the First Responder Investigator The assigned investigator should take all photographs. As evidence is collected, it should be photographed. The first photo taken should depict the area where the

fire occurred. Next shot should show the structure and the

surrounding property All evidence found on the exterior should be

photographed. Inside the structure, the photos should be taken just as

the investigator work the scene. Any item identified as the first fuel ignited should be

photographed Any potential heat sources should be photographed.

FS 301 - Unit 8: Investigating and Documenting a Fire Scene

Photographs In the past, arguments have been made

against digital photography Digital photographs in the early days did not have

clarity or details○ Today, this is not the case

A major benefit of going digital is the fact that the photo can be reviewed immediately

FS 301 - Unit 8: Investigating and Documenting a Fire Scene

Specialized Photography

• Digital cameras can range from a simple pocket camera to SLR units with specialized lenses, filters, and flash units which can be of great benefit to the investigator.

• After purchasing a camera, make an investment in your photography by taking a class.

• Many camera shops can recommend or offer camera classes that can advance your skills. Many times the classes are free when you purchase certain cameras such as SLR’s.

See You Next Week Work on…

Contact me if you have any questions

FS 301 - Unit 8 Investigating and Documenting a Fire Scene