1
Q
The Fire Service Specialist Fire Investigator will liaise with the designated Police Fire Investigation Liaison Officer or other member of Police in relation to four specific matters. What are these matters?
A
- Handover of the fire scene
- Access to the fire scene
- Process for examination and investigation
- Identification and collection of evidence at the fire scene
2
Q
Legally you are allowed to set fire to or damage your own property. However there are exceptions to this general rule. What are these exceptions?
A
- Intend to cause loss to someone else as a result of the fire
- Know or ought to know that the fire will endanger life
- Know that the fire is likely to destroy or damage someone else’s property as a consequence
3
Q
In determining the seat of the fire, list some of the matters the specialist fire investigator should consider.
A
- Witness reports
- When they first noticed the fire and where they were at the time
- Weather, Wind direction and speed
- Direction of the spread
- Depth of charring
- Colour of the flames and smoke
4
Q
List five examples where carelessness may cause a fire.
A
- Burning rubbish
- Burning off paint
- Children playing with matches or cigarette lighters
- Leaving clothes near heating
- Setting off fireworks
- Vagrants lighting fires to keep warm
5
Q
A Fire Investigation Liaison Officer (FILO) have a responsibility for:
A
- Attending every fire that results in serious injury or death
- Coordinating fire investigations in their designated area or district
- Arranging police attendance at fire scenes where required
- Maintaining effective working relationships between fire and police
6
Q
List five examples of material used to start a fire.
A
- Candles
- Chemical igniters
- Electric matches
- Matches and cigarettes
- Molotov cocktails
- Timing devices
7
Q
List five examples where faults can cause a fire
A
- Appliances
- Chimneys and flues
- Dust extractors
- Electrical wiring
- Heating systems
- Televisions left on standby mode
8
Q
List four examples where fire can be caused naturally by combination of fuel, heat source and air.
A
- Chemical reactions
- Lightening
- Rodents eating through wiring or building nests out of flammable material
- Static electricity
- Suns rays
9
Q
Detail the Police responsibilities at a fire scene examination and investigation.
A
- Conduct the criminal investigation or coronial enquiry
- Collection and removal of material from a fire crime scene
- Preservation, analysis and subsequent disposition of any such material
- Undertake responsibility for the protection, collection and recording of forensic evidence
10
Q
What are the scene security considerations for Police?
A
- Ensuring the scene is not interfered with
- Exclusion and control of on-lookers, property owners and other interested parties
- Preserving evidence
- Preventing looting
11
Q
- Describe the powers conferred by section 42 of the FENZA on the person in charge of the fire service at the fire site.
A
- Enter any building, land or structure
- Break into any building or structure that may be on fire, endangered or near the emergency
- Take or send any equipment or machine into, through, or upon any building, land or structure
- Remove any flammable, combustible, explosive or dangerous material from any building, land or structure that is on fire, endangered, or near the emergency
- Cause any building or structure to be pulled down or shored up at the time of the emergency or within a reasonable time afterwards
12
Q
- What clothing protection must be worn by an on scene investigator?
A
- A suitable helmet
- Safety glasses
- Nose and mouth filter
- A pair of overalls
- Gloves
- Heavy duty footwear with steel soles and caps
13
Q
- Initial action on arrival
A
- Briefly interview informant.
- Secure and control the scene
- Initial interview of Specialist fire investigator and OC of first fire person to attend the scene
- Interview incident controller
- Ensure safety of the scene before initial conference and preliminary examinations are conducted
- If suspicious, hold a briefing conference
- Deploy staff to guard and control scene, identify and interview witnesses and conduct local enquiries
- Contact comms and organize fire investigation liaison officer, police photographer and fingerprint technicians.
14
Q
- What information should you obtain when interviewing the incident controller at the scene of a fire?
A
- The time and date of the call and the manner in which it was received
- What emergency responders attended
- The state of the fire when fire service arrived
- What action the service has taken
- What alterations have been made to the scene
- Whether they think fire is suspicious
15
Q
- Other than a Specialist fire investigator, who else might you require at a fire scene?
A
- Fire investigation liaison officer
- ESR
- Rural fire investigator
- Photographer
- Fingerprint technician
- Pathologist
16
Q
- Evidence of the use of accelerants include:
A
- Containers
- Uneven burning
- Smell
- Traces in debris
- Unusually rapid spread or intensity of fire
- Multiple seats of fire
17
Q
- Conferences must be held during the scene examination to assist you with:
A
- Assessing information obtained
- Reconstructing
- Identifying suspects
- Planning further enquiries
- Establishing possible motives
18
Q
- Who attends these conferences?
A
- OC CIB
- Crime scene coordinator
- Fire Investigation liaison officer
- Specialist fire investigator
- Police photographer
- Fingerprint technician
- Other specialists as required
19
Q
- Circumstantial evidence from which an offenders intent may be inferred can include:
A
- the offenders actions and words before during and after the event
- The surrounding circumstances
- The nature of the act itself
20
Q
- Initial action if a fire involves explosives:
A
- Remember there may be a secondary device anywhere at any scene. Do not handle or interfere with anything unfamiliar
- Do not use cellphones, portable radios or other transmitting devices
- Evacuate scene to at least 100m distance.
- Ensure people leaving the scene bring their personal possessions with them. This will limit the amount of items to be cleared.
- Consider using an explosives detector dog.
- Once scene is declared safe, conduct scene examination.
21
Q
- Characteristic damage caused by explosives includes:
A
- Cratering
- Spread of debris
- Shredding of materials
- A smell peculiar to the exploded material
- An overlay of dust
- Shrapnel marks
22
Q
- List four items in the Suspicious Fire Sampling Kit
A
- 1x 4litre tin
- 1x 2 litre tin
- 1x 500ml tin
- 2x nylon bags
- 1x tissues
- 2x latex gloves
23
Q
- Definition of intent according to criminal law context
A
Intent means that act or omission must be done deliberately. The act or omission must be more than involuntary or accidental.
The second type of intent is an intent to produce a specific result. In this context result means aim, object or purpose.
24
Q
- Cameron v R
A
Recklessness is established if the defendant recognised that there was a real possibility that his or her actions would bring about the proscribed result and or that the proscribed circumstances existed and having regard to that risk those actions were unreasonable.
25
25. Social utility
Supreme court in Cameron held that if the actions of the defendant have no social utility the running of any risk subjectively appreciated is unreasonable and thus reckless. Where there is some social utility in the actions of the defendant, whether those actions were unreasonable will depend on whether a reasonable or prudent person would have taken the risk.
26
26. Example of no social utility
A game of Russian roulette or personal violence with a risk of serious injury or death
27
27. Example of high social utility
Surgeon undertaking a risky but potentially lifesaving surgery.
28
28. Proving recklessness. When recklessness is an element in an offence the following must be proved:
That the defendant consciously and deliberately ran a risk (a subjective test)
That the risk was one that was unreasonable to take in the circumstances as they were known to the defendant (objective test – based on whether a reasonable person would have taken the risk).
29
29. According to Semester and Brookbanks suggest knowing means
Knowing or correctly believing. The defendant may believe something wrongly but cannot know something that is false.
30
30. Nature of belief required
First the belief must be a belief in a proprietary or possessory right in property.
Secondly the belief must be about rights to the property in relation to which the offence is alleged to have been committed.
Thirdly the belief must be held at the time of the conduct alleged to constitute the offence.
Fourthly the belief must be actually held by the defendant.
31
31. What is considered to be immovable property?
Immovable property will be considered if it is currently fixed in place and unable to be moved even though it may be possible to make it movable.
32
32. What is not included under the definition of a vehicle?
* A pushchair
* A wheelbarrow
* A hand trolley
* A pedestrian controlled lawnmower
* A wheelchair not propelled by mechanical power
* Any rail vehicle.
33
33. Interest in property
The courts have held that tenancy of a property constitutes an interest in it.rv Wilson.
34
34. R v Morley states:
Loss is assessed by the extent to which the complainants position prior to the offence has been diminished or impaired.
35
35. Reckless disregard:
It must be proved that the offender intended to damage some property, recognizing that there was a risk of damaging other property as a consequence, but proceeding regardless of that risk.
36
36. To be guilty of an attempt to commit an offence a person must:
* Intend to commit the offence and
* Take a real and substantial step towards achieving that aim.
37
37. Attempts section 72 CA61
Everyone who having an intent to commit an offence does or omits an act for the purpose of accomplishing his object is guilty of an attempt to commit the offence intended whether in the circumstances it was possible to commit the offence or not.
38
38. In regards to an intent to commit the offence, the crown must prove:
That the defendant intended to commit the full act of arson and acted as he or she did for the purpose of achieving that aim.
39
39. To be guilty of an attempt the defendant must:
Have progressed past the stage of preparation and commenced a process intended to lead to the commission of the full offence. His conduct must be sufficiently proximate to the offence.
40
40. In R v Harpur it was discussed that:
The court may have regard to the conduct viewed cumulatively up to the point when the conduct in question stops the defendants conduct may be considered in its entirety. Considering how much remains to be done is always relevant though not determinative.
41
41. Engine or Instrument have a special meaning:
In the nature of a device intended to explode or cause fire or emission of noxious things. It is further suggested that the word thing must be read in a restricted but similar fashion.
42
42. R v Archer states:
Property may be damaged if it suffers permanent or temporary physical harm or permanent or temporary impairment of its use or value.
43
1. Benefit
Benefit means any benefit, pecuniary advantage, privilege, property, service or valuable consideration.
44
2. Claim of right
Claim of right in relation to any act means a belief at the time of the act in a proprietary or possessory right in property in relation to which the offence is alleged to have been committed although that belief may be based on ignorance or mistake of fact or of any matter of law other than the enactment against which the offence is alleged to have been committed.
45
3. Property
Property includes real or personally property and any estate or interest in any real or personal property, money, electricity, and any debt, and anything in action, and any other right or interest.
46
4. Reckless
A person is reckless if he or she has a conscious appreciation of the danger or risk of damage if he continues with the course of conduct but proceeds nevertheless.
47
5. Point of origin
Exact location where a component failed, a fire was maliciously lit or an accidental fire originated.
48
6. Fire
Fire is the result of the process of combustion, a chemical reaction between fuel and oxygen, triggered by heat. For fire to start or continue, each of the three elements – fuel, oxygen and heat – must be present in the correct proportions.
49
7. Immovable (property)
Immovable is not defined. It relates to buildings and land and things growing on land such as forests.
50
8. Benefit
Benefit means any benefit, pecuniary advantage, privilege, property, service or valuable consideration.
51
9. Explosive
Explosive means any substance or mixture or combination of substances which in its normal state is capable either of decomposition at such rapid rate as to result in an explosion or of producing a pyrotechnic effect and
includes gunpowder, dynamite and blasting powder and ammunition of all descriptions and
includes any device, contrivance, or article, which uses any substance or mixture or combination of substances for the purposes of producing an explosion or a ballistic or pyrotechnic effect
but does not include a firearm or any firework.
52
10. Vehicle
Vehicle means contrivance equipped with wheels, tracks or revolving runners on which it moves or is moved and includes a hovercraft, a skateboard, inline skates and roller skates.
53
11. Ship
Ship means every description of vessel used in navigation however propelled and includes any barge, lighter, dinghy, raft, or like vessel, and also includes any ship belonging to or used as a ship of the armed forces of any country.
54
12. Aircraft
Aircraft means any machine that can derive support in the atmosphere from the reactions of the air otherwise than by the reactions of the air against the surface of the earth.
55
13. Person
Person, owner and other words and expressions of the like kind, include the crown and any public body or local authority and any board, society or company and any other body of persons, whether incorporated or not and the inhabitants of the district of any local authority, in relation to such acts and things as it or they are capable of doing or owning.
56
What are the powers under Section 44 Fire and Emergency NZ Act 2017?
(a) may, subject to section 48, cause water to be shut off from, or turned into, any main or pipe in order to obtain a greater pressure and supply of water:
(b)may cause any road or railway in the vicinity of the emergency to be closed to people or traffic during the emergency:
(c)may - (i)remove any vehicle impeding personnel; and
(ii) use force or break into the vehicle if the authorised person considers it reasonably necessary:
(d)may remove, using reasonable force if necessary, any person—
(e)may shut off or disconnect, or order any person able to do so to shut off or disconnect, the supply of gas, fuel oil, or electricity to any building or structure that is on fire or otherwise endangered or that is in the vicinity of the emergency:
(f) May require the owner or occupier of the property, or the owner’s agent, to provide any information
(g) Any other reasonably necessary acts— protect and preserve life; prevent or limit injury; prevent or limit damage to property and land; to prevent or limit damage to the environment.
57
What is the Memorandum of Understanding between Police and Fire Service?
Include an agreement to share information, and details the roles for both organisations in fire investigation.
In particular, both agencies want to ensure that in determining the origin and cause of fires:
‐ investigations of fire scenes by the Fire Service and the Police are efficiently coordinated, and expertly and independently conducted; and
‐ any relevant evidence is protected and collected for potential criminal prosecutions or coronial
enquiries.
58
What will the Fire Service notify Police of?
-a fire results in serious injury or death;
or
‐ a fire is considered suspicious.
59
Fire Investigation Liaison Officers (FILOs)
FILOs have responsibility for:
‐ attending every fire that results in serious injury or death;
‐ co‐ordinating fire investigations in their designated area or district;
‐ arranging Police attendance at fire scenes where required;
‐ maintaining effective working relationships with the relevant Fire Service Investigation Liaison
Officer (FSILO) and Fire Service Specialist Fire Investigators;
‐ assisting areas or districts with fire investigation‐related queries;
‐ ensure communication is maintained with the Police National Fire Investigation Co‐ordinator, Police
District Intelligence Manager and District Manager Criminal Investigations, where appropriate;
‐ co‐ordinating fire investigation training for any Police employees within the area or district, where
needed
‐ providing other advice and expertise as required.
60
What is the Police responsibility at an Arson?
‐ Conduct the criminal investigation or coronial enquiry
‐ Undertake responsibility for the protection, collection and recording of forensic evidence.
61
What is the process for a hand over from Fire to Police?
1. The Fire Service has authority of the scene, until the fire is extinguished and no threat to life or property.
2. Fire will notify Police if they believe the fire has been deliberately lit, or 1C, death or serious injury.
3. Police will attend, liaise with the Fire Incident controller, seek authority over the fire scene and confirm the hand over process.
4. Fire will not hand over until the scene is deemed ‘safe’ and risks are minimised.
5. If multiple agencies are involved, all agencies will consult with each other prior to any investigation or scene examination.
6. The investigation plan will include an outline of how the investigation will proceed, and respective roles.
62
What will you consider when at an Arson scene in relation to health and safety? How do you assess these risks?
To identify the best method of protection, you must consider:
‐ an assessment of each of possible hazards, for example, inhalation of toxic substances, tripping on fire debris, items falling down
‐ a strategy to prevent an occurrence or to mitigate its impact.
63
What are common methods of lighting fires?
Candles
-Chemical igniters
-Electrical apparatus
-Electrical matches
-Matches and Cigarettes
-Molotov cocktails
-Timing devices
-Trailers
64
What are the non-intentional causes of fire?
Carelessness - Misusing electricity / industrial processes / smoking
Faults - TVs / Fans or ventilation systems / electrical wiring
Natural causes - chemical reactions / sun rays / lightning
65
Who are the main witnesses you want to speak with at an Arson scene?
‐ the person(s) who found the fire, raised the alarm and informed Police or Fire
‐ fire fighters
‐ occupants and their visitors
‐ employees, including cleaners and casual staff
‐ owners
‐ neighbours
‐ spectators
‐ passers‐by
‐ local Police
‐ patrols
‐ other Police and security staff
‐ vendors and delivery people
‐ reporters and photographers.
66
What can you do to preserve and secure an Arson scene?
Scene security considerations for Police are:
‐ ensuring the scene is not interfered with
‐ exclusion and control of on‐lookers, property owners and other interested parties
‐ preserving evidence
‐ preventing looting.
Attending Police should also:
‐ be aware of re‐ignition from hotspots after the fire is extinguished
‐ be vigilant and watch for possible suspects
‐ identify any witnesses among onlookers and passers‐by
‐ report all matters of significance to the O/C investigation and/or scene co‐ordinator.
67
What is a common approach path into a scene? What can we do to mitigate the destruction of evidence in the common approach path?
A common approach path should be limited to corridors to limit destruction of evidence, ideally you will examine these before use. Although this is not always possible.
68
What does an external examination take into account?
‐ Adjoining premises which often reveal:
‐ accelerant containers
‐ attempts at forced entry
‐ broken windows
‐ forced doors
‐ Nearby alleyways/streets/driveways
‐ The yards and outbuildings of the fire effected property
‐ The periphery of the structure itself
‐ What distance debris was scattered, particularly if drums or cylinders have exploded.
The surrounding area of the involved premises may also reveal:
‐ accelerant containers
‐ contents of outbuildings missing
‐ property run‐down
‐ business appears to be struggling.
The damaged structure itself may reveal:
‐ jemmy marks or other signs of forced entry on windows or doors
‐ window glass broken before the fire was ignited
‐ burn patterns above doors and windows and "V" shaped burn patterns on external cladding.
69
Where do you begin your internal examination?
You will begin at the location of the least damage and make your way towards the are of the most damage.
70
When you are conducting a prelim internal examination, what will take note of?
‐ low stock levels in commercial premises
‐ building areas in need of repair
‐ signs of hardship (empty flats, shops to let, etc.)
‐ missing family photographs, furniture and personal items
‐ lack of clothing in wardrobes and drawers
‐ rifled premises
‐ position of clothes if not in wardrobe or drawer
‐ open filing cabinets or missing files
‐ forced entry into an empty till
‐ presence of accelerant containers or trails
‐ separate unrelated seats of fire
‐ owner/occupier attitude during walk through (if access is permitted)
‐ unusual odours
‐ burn patterns.
71
When conducting a detailed internal examination, what will you note? You will be accompanied by a Specialist Fire Investigator.
‐ smoke deposits and burn patterns
‐ spalling (the cracking or chipping of concrete as a result of being heated and cooled)
‐ damage to wall studs
‐ damage to roofing timbers
‐ damage to windows sills and door edges
‐ soot deposits on window glass and craze patterns
‐ floor areas burned through
‐ skirting board damage
‐ elimination of false low burns
‐ removal of fire debris, and
‐ under floor inspection.
72
When a Fire Specialist investigator has completed a scene examination, what will they be able to determine?
‐ area of origin
‐ point of origin
‐ the seat of the fire.
73
What will the Fire Specialist Investigator consider when drawing their final conclusion?
‐ witness' reports
‐ when they first noticed the fire, and where they were at the time
‐ the state of the fire at that time
‐ wind direction and speed, and the weather
‐ the direction of spread
‐ the colour of the flames and smoke (this may also point to the cause; for example, black smoke may
indicate a petroleum product based fire)
‐ the severity of the damage (because fire and heat usually rise, the area at the lowest level of burning
with the most severe damage is often the place where the fire started. Remember that lateral and
downward burning can occur with some materials and in the presence of accelerants or draughts)
‐ the depth of charring (probing may indicate where the fire has been burning or smouldering the
longest)
‐ the presence of 'starting devices'
‐ the reports and opinions of other specialists.
74
What is the three step process when dealing with Exhibits?
1. Photograph in situ, label and preserve them in containers.
2. Use approved arson kits, if not, use any suitable containers
3. Take these control samples ‐ charred timber and ashes or debris from the seat of the fire for examination and comparison with samples from other points ‐ any accelerants found near the scene ‐ soil from the surrounding area.
Photo - Label - Preserve in container - Control Samples
Place exhibit into the ‘tin’ seal the tin then place into a Nylon Arson Bag and goose neck the top. Tag and seal.
75
How do you deal with a liquid exhibit?
Use a bottle from the Arson Kit, ensure the lid is tightly fastened, clean the exterior and secure in a polystyrene box. Hand deliver.
76
How do you uplift a liquid exhibit?
Uplift residue with a clean dropper pipette and treat them as a liquid sample. You can also absorb into a tissue and place into a tin.
77
What can conferences assist you with?
‐ assessing information obtained
‐ reconstructing
‐ establishing possible motives
‐ identifying suspects
‐ planning further enquiries.
78
Who generally attends these conferences?
O/C CIB
‐ crime scene co‐ordinator
‐ Fire Investigation Liaison Officer
‐ O/C Investigation
‐ investigating officers
‐ Specialist Fire Investigator
‐ Police photographer
‐ fingerprint technician/SOCO
‐ other specialists as required.
79
What is the best practice when packaging a body from an Arson scene?
Ensure the body / body parts are cooled, then placed into bubble wrap. Ensure to label the parts correctly.
80
When you are dealing with a fire involving explosives, what is your initial action plan?
-Always be aware of a secondary device.
-Do not use cell phones, radios or transmitting devices.
-Evacuate all people at least 100m from the scene. Take belongings with them to prevent further items to be cleared. Use bomb dog to assist with search for explosive.
-Seek specialist assistance, if a IED is located
-Provide regular SITREPs.
81
What are key indicators at a scene that an explosive has been used?
‐ cratering
‐ spread of debris
‐ shredding of materials
‐ a smell peculiar to the exploded material; for example, the smell of almonds is often associated with
explosive or exploded material
‐ an overlay of dust
‐ shrapnel marks.
82
What is your 12 step approach to suspect enquiries for an Arson?
1. You may identify suspects
2 Possible suspects may include:
‐ the owner or occupier, for insurance fraud
‐ an employee, to cover theft, forgery or false pretences
‐ a criminal, to cover the traces of a crime such as burglary or homicide, or to intimidate other
victims of a protection racket
‐ an aggrieved person suffering from jealousy, hatred, rage, prejudice or a desire for revenge
‐ a pyromaniac suffering from mental illness
‐ in the case of school buildings, a pupil or ex‐pupil
‐ a member of the Fire Service, for excitement or personal recognition
‐ a business competitor, to disadvantage a rival
3. Investigate suspects thoroughly.
4 Consider surveillance.
5 Complete enquiries to establish the suspect's:
‐ opportunity
‐ motive
‐ mens rea ('guilty mind')
‐ connection with the scene and the crime
‐ character, mental background, history, movements and behaviour.
6 Consider a search warrant. When executing the warrant:
search the suspect's clothing, residence, motor vehicle and work‐place, and in any other place where
evidence may be found. Evidence could include:
‐ accelerants
‐ containers
‐ igniters
‐ wick fabric
‐ traces of debris from the scene
‐ photograph evidence in situ before it is seized (take care not to destroy any fingerprints)
‐ ask for and note the suspect's explanation regarding the evidence. Be alert for signs that the
suspect has been at the scene of a fire; for example, burnt facial hair, the smell of smoke, and
residues of fuel or the products of combustion on the skin
7 Interview the suspect.
8 Consider a photo montage.
9 Complete enquiries to corroborate or negate the suspect's explanation.
10 Discuss with supervisor, authority to prosecute.
11 Arrest the suspect and obtain:
‐ fingerprints
‐ photographs
‐ consider medical examination for injuries
‐ offender report details
‐ Consider getting the suspect to do a reconstruction ‐ if co‐operative.
12 Complete the correspondence by preparing the prosecution file and issuing the offender report.
83
What combination is needed to start fire?
Oxygen, heat, fuel
84
What are the powers conferred by section 28 of the Fire Service Act 1975 on a person in charge of the fire service?
Enter private property when it is on fire or endangered, or when entry is essential to performing a necessary duty
Close Roads
Remove vehicles impeding the Fire Service. If necessary, they can break into vehicles for that purpose.
Remove people who are in danger or interfering with operations, using reasonable force if necessary.
Do anything else that is reasonably necessary for the protection of life and property
85
The fire service SFI (specialist fire investigator) will liaise with the Police FILO (Fire investigation Liaison officer) in relation to 4x specific matters. What are they?
1 Hand over of the scene
2 Access to the fire scene
3 Process for examination and investigation
4 Identification and collection of evidence at the fire scene
86
What should Police consider when guarding and controlling a fire scene
E Ensure the scene is not interfered with
E Exclusion & control of on-lookers, property owners and other interested parties
P Preserving evidence
P Preserving looting
B Be aware of re-ignition from hot spots after fire extinguished
B Be vigilant and watch for possible suspects
I Identify any witnesses among on-lookers and passers by
R Report all matters of significance to the O/C investigation and/or scene co-ordinator
87
Who are the three people you should interview at on initial action at a fire scene?
1 The Informant
3 Specialist Fire Investigator (if present) or the O/C of the first fire appliance to attend the scene
4 Incident controller at the scene
88
Who MUST you liaise with at the fire scene?
F Fire Service Incident Controller
89
Initial Action: First speak with the Fire Incident Controller. What questions do you ask them?
T The time and date of the call and the manner it was received
W What appliances attended
T The state of the fire when the fire service arrives
W What action the fire service has taken, particulary in entering the building and ventilating it after the fire
W What information the fire service has about the buidlings security
W What alterations they have made to the scene, for example, they may have had to force doors or windows
W Whether they think the fire is suspicious, and why
T Their opinions of the informant (for example a person who regulary attends or reports fires may have lit it themselves
D Details of people or vehicles acting suspiciously in the vicinity.
90
What should be done during/after a conference?
R Record all decisions made and the reasons made
C Complete a detailed plan of action (including timings and specific roles)
R Risk Assessment
91
What may the surrounding area of the premise reveal?
A Accelerant containers
C Contents of outbuildings missing
P Property run-down
B Business appears to be struggling
92
What may the damaged structure itself reveal?
J Jemmy marks or other signs of forced entry on windows or doors
W Window glass broken before the fire was ignited
B Burn patterns above doors and windows and “V” shaped burn patterns on external cladding
93
What are some indications of a deliberately lit fire:
E Evidence of accelerant – such as: containers, traces in debris, smell, unusually rapid spread or intensity of fire, uneven burning, burning behind boards where liquid has run through cracks, multiple seats of fire
E Evidence of intentional interference – such as: tampering with the alarm or sprinkler system, hindering access, misdirecting firefighters
E Evidence of intentional removal of valuable property, or substitution of property
S Signs that furniture was rearranged to create a fire base
S Signs that windows and skylights were opened to create a draught
F Foreign material and objects, such as screws/batteries, that might be part of a device
S Signs a crime had been committed. The property may have been burned to destroy evidence. Even when a building has been burnt to the ground, the state of the recovered locks and fasteners may show whether it was secure at the time of the fire
S Signs that a heater, souldering iron or other electrical appliance has been left on
I Inconsistencies (for example, that a fire is rapid burning but there is no obvious cause)
U Unusual burn patterns or unusual time factors (For example that the fire started after the building was secured)
94
List some general enquiries that should be undertaken for a suspicious fire investigation:
S Submit articles to ESR
E Enter stolen items into NIA
O Obtain reports from SFI
S Stimulate flow of information to identify suspects (media releases
P Plan enquiries and interviews (owner/occupier, person that last secured, Fire finder, Fire alarmer)
A Area canvas
T Think about possible motives
C Contact the insurance company
C If similar fires suggest a fire-bug – organise special patrols, prevention methods
I Inform local intel and FILO about similar fires and suspects
4 Weather conditions at the time
M Maintain contact with owner
95
What 3 steps should a scene guard take on arrival at an explosion scene?
1 Remember there may be a secondary device anywhere. Do not handle or interfere with anything unfamiliar
2 Do not use cellphones, portable radios or other transmitting devices
3 Evacuate the scene to a distance of at least 100metres
96
Characteristics of an explosion. What to look for?
C Cratering
S Spead of Debris
S Shredding of materials
S Smell peculiar to the exploded material. Eg. Almonds
O Overlay of dust
S Shrapnel Marks
96
What must you do when a fire has been started by an explosive?
Clear the scene in case a secondary device is present
97
Describe the ‘Clean Path Method’
C Creating a path to the centre of the explosion for experts to retrieve explosive residues, by laying a clean unused roll of plastic or by using approved stepping plates.
H Have the ESR analyst start swabbing the area immedietly (work outwards from the seat of the explosion
V Vertical sheets of iron adjacent to the blast, such as street signs and fencing, are often good sources of residue.
98
What is the difference signs between a gas explosion and someone setting an explosive
E Explosions caused by gas generally cover a wider area than those caused by an explosive and do not leave a crater.
A Also medical evidence to show that the suspect/victim inhaled gas prior to the explosion.
99
What questions should you ask the owner in a preliminary interview?
W When the premises were last secured
W Whether s/he knows the cause of the fire
T The details of any suspects and any insurance
T Type of business
A Actions leading up to the fire
100
What enquiries should be made with the Insurance companies?
S Services of an assessor, to value the building and the damage
P Particulars of the insurance on the premises and their contents
C Copies of insurance policies
I Information on prior claims
D Details of any:
- Recent increase in cover
- Over-insurance
100
Attempted Arson: To be guilty of an attempt to commit an offence what must be proved?
T That the person intended to commit the offence
T That the person took a real and substantial step toward achieving that aim
101
If a tenant in a house is cooking, and the food burns the house down, what offence are they liable for? State case law.
N No criminal liability because 267(1)(b) R Wilson applies, tenancy means there is an interest in the property
DDP
flashcards
Decks in class (10)
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