Fire Protection Module 18

FIRE AND ARSON INVESTIGATION

(ORIGIN DETERMINATION)

Policy

The Fire Bureau shall have the power to investigate all causes of fires and, if necessary, file the proper complaints with the city or provincial prosecutor who has jurisdiction over the case. (Section 54, RA 6975)

Purpose

Identify the Origin of Fire Basic concepts, principles, and guideposts The origin of a fire is one of the most important hypotheses that the investigator needs to develop and test during the investigation. Generally, if the origin cannot be determined, the cause cannot be determined and if the correct origin is not identified, the subsequent cause determination will also be incorrect.

If hazardous materials/suspected illegal or regulated chemicals and/or contraband are found in the fire scene, immediately report to the proper office/authority concerned (e.g. HAZMAT, PDA). Make an inventory of the confiscated items.

Scope

Fire Arson Investigation Team

Responsibilities

Composition Of Investigation Team and Their Designated Responsibilities:

• 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 FAl at the fire scene.

• Team Security Personnel - ensures the overall security/safety of the investigating team.

• Incident Command Post (IC) - the designated area for planning and communication point for members of the Fire Arson Investigation

• Fire Spread - the movement of fire from one place to another.

• Fire Pattern - the visible or measurable physical changes, or identifiable shapes, formed by a fire effect or group of fire effects.

• Point of Fire Origin / Base of Fire - exact physical location where a heat source and a fuel encountered each other and where the fire begins.

• Methodical Examination - the systematic approach in all relevant details found at the fire scene during the actual conduct of investigation.

• Scientific Method - the analytical process necessary in a successful conduct of investigation.

• Evidence Spoliation - loss, destruction or material alteration of an object or document which can be used in a legal proceeding by a person who has the responsibility for its preservation

General Procedures

A. Pre/Before First Responder Performs Initial Actions

1. Fire Arson Investigator (FAI) receives assignment from the unit commander.

2. The Fire Arson Investigation Team responds immediately and proceeds to the fire scene.

   2.1 Size up / assess fire scene.

   2.2 Cordon and secure the fire scene to prevent entry of any unauthorized person. 2.3 Conduct initial interviews with available witnesses within the immediate vicinity of the fire scene.

3. Fire Scene Photographer documents the fire scene using camera / video.

4. FAl preserves and protects the evidential value of the identified focal point of fire (evidence spoliation), and prepares inventory of the items.

5. FAI prepares the Fire Investigation Response Form (FIRP).

6. Team Leader / Lead Fire Arson Investigator reports to superior or higher investigating unit officer about the incident, and if necessary, turns over the conduct of investigation according to the Level of Authority.

B._Actual/During Conduct On-Scene / On-Site Investigation

7. Team Leader / Lead Fire Arson Investigator establishes Incident Command Post (IC).

8. The Fire Arson Investigation Team performs a preliminary survey by conducting a walkthrough to have an initial assessment of the fire scene.

9. FAI establishes the pre-fire condition of the fire scene by theoretically reconstructing the burned structure.

10. FAI determines the external and internal degree of damages caused by the fire.

11. FAI conducts thorough analysis of the Fire Spread Patterns to identify the Point of Fire Origin.

12. Fire Scene Photographer documents the fire area using any verifiable means or source of recording.

13. Fire Scene Sketch Preparer diagrams or sketches the immediate area of the fire scene.

C. Post/After Submit Mandatory Report

14. Fire Arson Investigation Team submits Spot Investigation Report (SIR) within 24 hours to MFM/CFM copy furnished DFM, PFM, RD, Chief, BFP thru IID, BFP-NHQ.