SOP’s ON FIRE ARSON INVESTIGATION & BFP CITIZENS CHARTER

BFP-SOP No. IID 2008-01 (September 18, 2008)

The official Standard Operating Procedure of the Bureau of Fire Protection governing fire arson investigation, which took effect on September 18, 2008.

Testimonies Before the Court of Law

The duty of Fire Arson Investigators to appear and provide sworn testimonies during court proceedings.

Section 10 of Republic Act 7659 (Heinous Crime Law)

The law that amends provisions on arson under the Revised Penal Code together with Presidential Decrees 1613 and 1744.

Prosecution

The party that has the burden of proof and must establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

Evidential Value

The importance of preserving the area of origin and focal point of the fire to protect evidence from destruction during suppression operations.

Suspected Hazardous Materials

Illegal or regulated chemicals discovered during investigation that must be immediately reported to proper authorities.

Fire Out Declaration

The official declaration by the Fire Ground Commander that the fire is extinguished, after which the FAI assumes control of the scene.

Explanation (Under Oath)

A sworn statement obtained from witnesses during formal interview conducted by an authorized officer.

Invitation Letter

A formal written document inviting witnesses to appear at the fire station or investigation office.

Thorough Analysis

A detailed examination of the fire scene to determine ignition source, materials ignited, and contributing factors.

Fire Spread and Fire Pattern Examination

The analysis of thermal effects such as charring, soot deposits, melting, and structural damage to determine fire behavior.

Proper Documentation, Sealing and Packaging

The correct procedure of handling evidence prior to submission for laboratory examination to preserve integrity.

Affidavit of Loss

A notarized document executed by the owner or victim indicating the amount of fire damage.

Formal Written Request

A document submitted by the fire victim requesting permission for removal, demolition, reconstruction, or rehabilitation of the fire scene.

Property Recovery and Clearing Permit (PRCP)

A permit authorizing the recovery of property and clearing of the fire scene after investigation.

Spot Investigation Report (SIR)

A report prepared during the actual response containing basic information about the fire incident.

Progress Investigation Report (PIR

A report prepared within 7 to 15 days after follow-up investigation.

Final Investigation Report (FIR)

The report prepared upon completion of investigation, signed by the investigator and approving authority, which closes the case.

30 to 45 Days Period

The maximum allowable time for submission of the Final Investigation Report from the start of investigation.

Fire Incident Investigation Report (FIIR)

A report used when the investigation cannot be completed due to circumstances beyond the control of the investigator.

Municipal Investigation and Intelligence Unit (MIIU)

The office authorized to investigate fire incidents with damages not exceeding ₱20,000,000.

City Investigation and Intelligence Section (CIIS)

The office authorized to investigate fire incidents with damages not exceeding ₱30,000,000.

District Investigation and Intelligence Branch (DIIB)

The office authorized to investigate fire incidents with damages above ₱30,000,000 but not exceeding ₱40,000,000.

Provincial Investigation and Intelligence Branch (PIIB)

Responsible for investigating fire incidents involving damages exceeding ₱30 million but not more than ₱40 million

PIIB Authority in Municipal Level

The authority of provincial investigators to assume investigation in municipal areas when damages exceed ₱20,000,000.

Regional Investigation and Intelligence Branch (RIIB)

The office authorized to investigate fire incidents with damages above ₱40,000,000 but not exceeding ₱60,000,000.

Investigation and Intelligence Division (IID), BFP National Headquarters

The office authorized to investigate fire incidents with damages exceeding ₱60,000,000.

Fire Clearance Certificate (FCC)

A document issued to fire victims for insurance and legal purposes when the fire is determined to be accidental.

Fire Incident Certification (FIC)

A document issued to affected occupants in multiple occupancy fires for record and legal purposes.

Issuance of FIR

The release of the Final Investigation Report is allowed only when there are relevant legal issues and must be requested in writing.

Copy Furnished Requirement

All requests for FIR must furnish a copy to the Chief, BFP through the Investigation and Intelligence Division.

Endorsement

The formal transfer of investigation to the proper office when the case exceeds the investigator’s authority.

Non-Interference Rule

Other government agencies cannot intervene in fire investigation without proper authority and coordination.

Elevation of Cases

Fire cases involving controversy or conflict must be elevated to the next higher investigating office.

Fire Arson Investigator (FAI)

The duty officer who has jurisdiction over the location of the fire incident and is required to immediately respond and conduct initial inquiry through interviews with available witnesses at the fire scene.

Restricted to Entry

The condition imposed on a fire scene where all persons, occupants, and management are prohibited from entering until the investigation conducted by the Bureau of Fire Protection is completed or terminated.

Team Leader

assumes overall control of the fire scene

 Lead Fire Arson Investigator

coordinates with the Team Leader regarding appropriate investigation approach.

Fire Scene Photographer

photographs the fire scene prior entry of the investigation team and during walk-through.

Fire Scene Sketch Preparer

diagrams and illustrates the immediate area of the fire scene.

Evidence Recovery Personnel and Custodian

conducts actual exhaustive search of probable pieces of evidence with the direct guidance of the Team Leader and Lead FAI at the fire scene.

Team Security Personnel

ensures the overall security/safety of the investigating team.

Incident Command Post (ICP)

the designated area for planning and communication point for members of the Fire Arson Investigation