Foundations of Fire Investigation

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Abstract

This subject introduces students to the concepts and principles of fire investigation which will be enlarged upon in later subjects. It will present the types of investigations to be carried out at fire scenes in order to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Emphasis is placed on fire scene preservation, examination and the early identification of fraud indicators, as well as exhibit handling. Students will be introduced to the behaviour of fire and the effects that fire has on materials and structures, in addition to workplace health and safety issues associated with working on a fire ground. The aim is to develop a world best-practice methodical scientific and professional approach to fire scene investigation.

Syllabus

Introduction to fire investigation Chemistry of combustion Gathering information Safety at the scene Scene preservation Photography and note-taking Fire patterns Fire origin and cause determination Passenger motor vehicular fires Electrical fires Explosives and explosions The investigation of death by fire Motives and human behaviour Human behaviour in fires Wildfire investigation … For more content click the Read More button below.

Introduction to fire investigation
Chemistry of combustion
Gathering information
Safety at the scene
Scene preservation
Photography and note-taking
Fire patterns
Fire origin and cause determination
Passenger motor vehicular fires
Electrical fires
Explosives and explosions
The investigation of death by fire
Motives and human behaviour
Human behaviour in fires
Wildfire investigation
Courtroom procedures and awareness

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to apply an understanding of fire ignition, combustion principles, fire dynamics and interpretation of fire patterns to conduct an initial investigation;

be able to apply a foundational/introductory understanding of the different types of fire events (structural fires, motor vehicle accidents and fires, electrical fires, explosions and wildfires) and human motivation and behaviour, to inform a fire investigation;

be able to analyse all the evidence to determine the fire origin and develop and test an hypothesis of the cause of the fire in order to prepare a brief and give evidence in a courtroom;

be able to apply investigative techniques such as observation, collection of evidence, and document the scene by note-taking and photography, to inform the production of final reports/statements;

be able to apply fundamental principles of scene and evidence preservation whilst establishing and maintaining a safe working environment; and

be able to recognise the differences between accidental, natural, incendiary/arson and undetermined fire cause classifications, with attention to fraud indicators.