Spotlight on Fire Investigations
Investigators Need to Know More Than Just Fire Science
After firefighters extinguish a blaze, a fire investigation is launched to determine the origin and cause of the fire and if was accidental or purposely set.
What is a Fire Investigation?
A Fire investigation is sometimes referred to as an origin and cause investigation. Fire origin and cause determination is a branch of causation forensics, which is the applied science of finding out where, how and why a fire has occurred. Causation forensics also very often involves an analysis of a fire's effects and damages on property and on life.
What do Fire Investigators Need to Know?
Fire investigators, also called fire scientists or fire engineers, need to know not only basic science of fire behavior, but also have extensive knowledge of many different topics like construction, electronics, human nature. If the fire’s origin, for example, seems to be a gas appliance, a fire investigator should know enough about appliances to either include or exclude it as a possible cause of the fire.
Recommended Practices for Fire Investigators
In the United States, fire investigators refer to a guide published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for codes, standards and suggested practices about conducting fire investigations. The most recent edition of this guide, titled NFPA 921 was published in 2004.
According to the NFPA there are five components that create a methodology with which fires are investigated, using a systematic approach:
- The assignment is received and the investigator is notified of his/her responsibilities
- The investigator plans the investigation and assembles tools, equipment, and personnel
- The scene is examined and data is collected
- Physical evidence is collected, documented, tested, and evaluated
- The scientific method is used to analyze the information obtained
Fire Investigation Qualifications and Accreditations – IAAI, NAFI
In the USA, some states require that fire investigators obtain certification as a Certified Fire Investigator (CFI). The AAI a professional group of fire investigators, grants CFI certification. The IAAI consists of approximately 9,000 fire investigation professionals from around the world, united by a strong commitment to the suppression of the crime of purposely setting fires, and conduct good quality fire investigations.The IAAI also has a UK Chapter.
The National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI), offers several National Board Certified fire investigation certifications, including Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (CVFI), and Certified Fire Investigation Instructor (CFII).
Private Fire Investigation Companies and Organizations
There are many private fire investigation companies as well as companies and organizations providing some kind of training in this field. One if them is interFIRE.org, which claims to be the complete resource for fire services, fire insurers, law enforcement and others whose duties involve fire investigations and safety and fire scene training. They have a very comprehensive resource center and interactive tutorials on critical fire investigation procedures on their website.
The Institute of Fire Science is a hands-on training facility that offers courses that range from Fire Investigations to Auto Fire Investigations.
Who Employs Forensic Fire Investigators?
Forensic fire investigators may be part of the public or private sector and may be employed by the prosecution, defense, court, insurance companies or by private individuals or organizations to investigate the cause of a fire.
These forensic specialists are usually independent contractors with an engineering or engineering-related background who analyze fires or a fire's effects. Their origin and cause determinations are typically conducted with the cooperation of the local fire department’s investigators.
Sources:
National Fire Protection Association
