Fire Investigation - Management Concerns and Arson Prevention Measures - Coursework Example

Fire Investigation Hazards Over the last ten years, there has been a considerable amount of scientific and technological developments in the area of fire investigations. However, the area is still evolving and there is room for continued improvement. This is said because even in a climate of improvement, fire investigators continue to encounter obstacles and hazards in the investigation of post fire details. There are many unforeseen hazards which can arise in a post fire environment and they are prone to cause physical injury, illnesses, misjudgment, and as we have witnessed, such as in the WTC fire, the hazards resulted in the death of multiple firemen. Fire investigators enter situations where there can be a substantial amount of instability, ever for the very well trained, and most experienced individuals. In spite of precautions, and knowledge, there always exist the possibility of the unknown which can present itself during an investigation. These unknowns can result in minor injuries, to disabilities, and even to death. The primary focus of the fire investigator is to determine the cause and origin of the incident. There are also hazards in making this determination. A fire can be caused by any number of things, and these are things most of us see and use on a daily basis. Because of this reality, a fire investigator must be multi- disciplined ( electricity, construction, vehicles, human behavior etc,) is particularly helpful. If a gas appliance is suspected as the origin, the fire investigator should possess enough knowledge about appliances to be able to include or exclude it as a point of origin of the blaze. Additionally, the investigator should also be aware of their individual talents, and recognize the need to consult experts to assist them in their investigations when the need arises. The point of origin and the cause is vital in coming to a suitable conclusion of the fire investigation. If these points are missed, then the conclusion will also be subject to collapse.There is mythunderstanding which is associated with the precise area of origin,.which is commonly said to be,The area of greatest damage and the lowest point of burning is always the area of origin. According to Mark A. Teufert, “This isn’t necessarily true.” “There are too many variables to make this blanket statement.  But, it’s what we all hear in training as a methodology: trace the fire back from least to most damage and that’s your area of origin.  So, in the fire investigation courses at the ATF National Academy, we set up a compartment burn that challenges this statement, making it clear that it’s a method, not an absolute truth.” (Teufert) The job of the fire investigator is as dangerous of a job, as fire fighting itself. As a consequence, fire investigators are required to wear personal protective equipment, which will consist of a broad spectrum of clothing and equipment, which is designed to protect their bodies from the many hazards that they may encounter during the course of the work.In accordance with work regulation agencies,” personal protection equipment is obligatory for any work environment for the security and health of the employees of the institution” (National Fire Protection Association, 2001). The personal protective equipment worn by the fire investigator is protective equipment and clothing which has been designed for them. The specific type of clothing and equipment which a fire investigator will dorn at a post fire location, is dependent upon an initial survey which should be conducted (Thatcher and Kelleher, 2000a), that must contain all the information related to probable perils at the fire scene. Chances of all possible stresses and pressure situations should also be highlighted in the survey (Thatcher and Kelleher, 2000a). Gathering of Information A fire investigator must sort through what is left behind after a fire has been extinguished, and sort through pieces of information in an attempt to determine the events which occurred prior to the start of the incident.The investigations of fires by investigators is based on a systematic approach ((NFPA) This approach is known as the scientific method.(NFPA). Functioning under the guideline of the NFPA, the systematic approach has five components comprising its methodology, they are:.: The assignment is received and the investigator is notified of his/her responsibilities (NFPA 2004) The investigator plans the investigation and assembles tools, equipment, and personnel. (NFPA 2004) The scene is examined and data is collected.(NFPA 2004) Physical evidence is collected, documented, tested, and evaluated.(NFPA 2004. The scientific method is used to analyze the information obtained.(NFPA 2004). All of the information obtained from the various interviews should be duly recorded, either in written form or by way of a recording. This information will in most instances be beneficial post inspection of the premises in assisting to putting together the various pieces which will be collected along the way. The fire investigator is required to accomplish material safety data sheets, this information is crucial in the development of a safety plan for the specific site. According to Ide 2000e, “structuring of a safety plan is compulsory, as it highlights all the working procedure of the fire investigator”(Ide 2000e). The site plan is a comprehensive compilation of all the security measures which are likely to be encountered, and it is imperative for the fire investigator to be aware of them, and to make the necessary adjustments to deal with them accordingly.. Previously I mentioned the method which is used for collecting fire investigation information, now we will explore the specific types of information which must be collected..According to Thatcher (2000b), The personnel who are responsible for the security and management of the fire site need to be identified in the collected information; (Thatcher 2000b) The risks and perils related to the site management that were identified before the fire accident, need to be included in the collected information (Thatcher 2000b) The personal protective equipment including the clothing and respiratory masks should be highlighted in the collected information. (Thatcher 2000b) The therapeutic and medicinal needs and requirements related to the fire site should also be included in the collected information.(Thatcher 2000b).Photographs should be taken of the fire scenes in order to investigate thoroughly about the fire origin and nature. The photographs should be pasted along with the documentation.(Thatcher 2000b) Interview details should be included in the information collection procedure as they play a crucial role in the investigation procedure. .(Thatcher 2000b) Future risks and hazards related to the fire site should be identified and relative measures should be suggested in order to control future accidents related to fire. .(Thatcher 2000b) A site map should be developed for the fire scene to judge the causes and nature of the fire. .(Thatcher 2000b) All the assessment details should also be documented to inform higher authorities about the nature and cause of fire. .(Thatcher 2000b) According to Corbitt-Dip 2008, .”the investigator must observe and take into account all the physical properties of the compartment, including ventilation, fuel load, configuration, the stage of the fire (and whether or not flashover was achieved)—and the interaction between all of these factors plus the unique characteristics of that environment”( Corbitt-Dip 2008) Indicators of fires which are deliberately set There is an entire process which is encountered by the fire investigator to determine if the fire was set deliberately. The problem in making the determination of arson is compounded, because fires due to their inherent nature, destroy evidence. The following is a list of things which may not have been destroyed and the skilled fire investigator must develop an eye and patience to locate them: Look for clues that the fire was set intentionally and should be considered arson. Canvas the entire fire scene beginning at the area suffering the least amount of damage. Also check the structure's exterior for signs of forced entry, footprints, gasoline containers and rags. Eliminate as many accidental causes as possible. The obvious ones include faulty electrical wiring, cigarettes left unattended, malfunctioning appliances and sparks from fireplaces or wood stoves. Determine the area of origin. Multiple sites indicate the fire was intentionally set. Identify any structural deformities caused by the fire, such as V-patterns on the walls, smoke patterns or charring. Search for remnants of combustible materials that may have been used to start the fire. Collect evidence, both trace and physical, from the fire scene to determine the fire's origin, identify accelerants, and connect an arsonist to the scene. Trace evidence is anything that can link the arsonist to the fire, including hair, traces of blood, clothing or fibers. Use your sense of smell to detect the odor of catalysts, such as paint, fuel, turpentine, chemical solvents or alcohol. Collect samples of any remaining accelerants and send them to the laboratory for analysis. Examine the fire scene for sources of ignition, such as matches, cigarette lighters, chemicals, fireplaces, chimneys and utility lines. Verify that all electrical appliances are in proper working order, thereby eliminating them as possible causes. Use an accelerant detection dog to help determine if a fire is arson. Because of their acute sense of smell, these dogs are able to identify minute amounts of liquid accelerants at a fire scene and on the clothes of onlookers and/or possible suspects. Interview any witnesses and first responding firemen and police for possible leads.( Arson 2004) Management Concerns and Arson Prevention Measures The management of any building should develop a strategy (National Institute of Justice, 2000) to manage all the probable risks and hazards. The risks and hazards should be identified in terms of the location of the building or premises, related people, business, ethos and other details concerning risk management (National Institute of Justice, 2000). There should also be a concerted effort by management to train all staff persons on fire prevention and evacuation techniques. Each employee should have knowledge of all points and areas of egress, in case of a fire.They should also be appraised of the location and proper procedures for using personal protective equipment. There are also certain assignments which should be assigned to specific persons within the organization i.e., designated person to contact the fire brigade, and designated persons who will assist others in the process of egress. Security personnel who are assigned in restricted areas of the building, must remain vigilant and not permit unauthorized persons to enter sensitive areas. These individuals should always be well trained, have a high sense of responsibility, and remain cognizant of the possibility of an arson incident. Conclusion Fire investigation is commonly referred to as cause and origin investigation, and it concerns the analyzing of incidents and circumstances which relate to fires. Subsequent to the extinguishing of a fire, the fire investigator after a careful analysis and documentation of the scene, enters to determine the cause and origin. These investigators embark upon their assigned task in a methodical manner and apply their trained and acquired knowledge of fire science. For any fire investigator, it is important for he/she to be aware of their limitations, and either rely upon those who have more experience in a particular area.. Given the nature of the devastation which can be incurred, or the nature of the cause, hazards, may or may not have been totally removed with the extinguishing of the flames. As a matter of course, fires usually produce additional hazards.Team efforts are encouraged and welcomed, as two heads are usually better than one, and someone watching your back, could sometimes prove to be a life saving combination. Arson is a menacing plaque, and the incidence is on the rise. It is growing in occurrence because there are so many motives which are attributed to the growing number of occurrences. Experts in the area associate some of the causes to be greed, jealousy, revenge, the covering up of other crimes, and the latest spoke in many arson related incidents are attributed to the problems which were created by the prime- mortgage interest rate debacle. Since some of the attacks are random, while others are premeditated, absolute vigilance, coupled with fire prevention orientations and fire action plans are of absolute importance. Bibliography Corbitt-Dip, C. E., Fire Investigations mythunderstandings, Examining long held truths about fire dynamics, physical indicators of incendiary fires, and fire investigation techniques, Retrieved on line on September 19, 2008, from http://www.interfire.org/features/indicators.asp National Fire Protection Association. (2001). NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations, 2001 Edition. Quincy (MA): National Fire Protection Association. Thatcher PJ and Kelleher JD. (2000a). Fire Investigation: Evidence Recovery at the Fire-Scene. Ed. Siegel JA, Saukko PJ and Knupfer GC. Encyclopedia of Forensic Science. London: Academic Press. pp. 905-911. (2004) NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations, 2004, National Fire Protection Association. ISBN 0-00-653937-8 (2004) NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations, 2004, National Fire Protection Association. ISBN 0-00-653937-8 NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations (2004) NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations, 2004, National Fire Protection Association. ISBN 0-00-653937-8 NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations (2004) NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations, 2004, National Fire Protection Association. ISBN 0-00-653937-8 NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations (2004) NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations, 2004, National Fire Protection Association. ISBN 0-00-653937-8 NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations (2004) NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations, 2004, National Fire Protection Association. ISBN 0-00-653937-8 NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations (2004) NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations, 2004, National Fire Protection Association. ISBN 0-00-653937-8 NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations Ide, RH. (2000a). Fire Investigation: Fire-Scene. Ed. Siegel JA, Saukko PJ and Knupfer GC. Encyclopaedia of Forensic Science. London: Academic Press. pp. 911-916. Thatcher PJ. (2000b). Fire Investigation: Chemistry of Fire. Ed. Siegel JA, Saukko PJ, Knupfer GC. Encyclopaedia of Forensic Science. London: Academic Press. pp. 900- 905. Thatcher PJ. (2000b). Fire Investigation: Chemistry of Fire. Ed. Siegel JA, Saukko PJ, Knupfer GC. Encyclopaedia of Forensic Science. London: Academic Press. pp. 900- 905. Thatcher PJ. (2000b). Fire Investigation: Chemistry of Fire. Ed. Siegel JA, Saukko PJ, Knupfer GC. Encyclopaedia of Forensic Science. London: Academic Press. pp. 900- 905. Thatcher PJ. (2000b). Fire Investigation: Chemistry of Fire. Ed. Siegel JA, Saukko PJ, Knupfer GC. Encyclopaedia of Forensic Science. London: Academic Press. pp. 900- 905. Thatcher PJ. (2000b). Fire Investigation: Chemistry of Fire. Ed. Siegel JA, Saukko PJ, Knupfer GC. Encyclopaedia of Forensic Science. London: Academic Press. pp. 900- 905. Thatcher PJ. (2000b). Fire Investigation: Chemistry of Fire. Ed. Siegel JA, Saukko PJ, Knupfer GC. Encyclopaedia of Forensic Science. London: Academic Press. pp. 900- 905. Corbitt-Dip, C. E., Fire Investigations mythunderstandings, Examining long held truths about fire dynamics, physical indicators of incendiary fires, and fire investigation techniques, Retrieved on line on September 19, 2008, from http://www.interfire.org/features/indicators.asp Thatcher PJ. (2000b). Fire Investigation: Chemistry of Fire. Ed. Siegel JA, Saukko PJ, Knupfer GC. Encyclopaedia of Forensic Science. London: Academic Press. pp. 900- 905. Thatcher PJ. (2000b). Fire Investigation: Chemistry of Fire. Ed. Siegel JA, Saukko PJ, Knupfer GC. Encyclopaedia of Forensic Science. London: Academic Press. pp. 900- 905. Thatcher PJ. (2000b). Fire Investigation: Chemistry of Fire. Ed. Siegel JA, Saukko PJ, Knupfer GC. Encyclopaedia of Forensic Science. London: Academic Press. pp. 900- 905. Thatcher PJ. (2000b). Fire Investigation: Chemistry of Fire. Ed. Siegel JA, Saukko PJ, Knupfer GC. Encyclopaedia of Forensic Science. London: Academic Press. pp. 900- 905. Corbitt-Dip, C. E., Fire Investigations mythunderstandings, Examining long held truths about fire dynamics, physical indicators of incendiary fires, and fire investigation techniques, Retrieved on line on September 19, 2008, from http://www.interfire.org/features/indicators.asp What is Arson? Bush fire Arson Bulletin, ISSN 1832 – 2743 9 November 2004, Retrieved on line on September 20, 2008, from aic.gov.au/publications/bfas/bfabool.html How to determine if a fire is arson, E How Legal Editor, Retrieved on line on September 20, 2008, from http://www.ehow.com_2062703_determine-fire-arson National Institute of Justice. (2000). Fire and Arson Scene Evidence: A Guide for Public Safety Personnel. Washington (DC): NIJ Research Report. Read More