How do investigators determine the cause of a fire?

Fire investigators try to determine how fires begin by applying the scientific method. Through observation and measurement, they can formulate a hypothesis, test it and form a conclusion about the fire’s origin and cause.

How would you assess the scene of fire accident?

Evaluating the Scene

1. Contact first responders and establish presence.
2. Define the scene’s boundaries.
3. Identify and interview witnesses at the scene.
4. Assess scene security at the time of the fire.
5. Identify the resources required to process the scene.

What is arson investigation procedure?

The steps listed are: arriving at the scene, evaluating the scene, documenting the scene, processing evidence at the scene, and finally completing the investigation (National Institute of Justice 2009).

What is the proper procedure for collecting suspected arson evidence?

What is the proper procedure for collecting suspected arson evidence? Collect and store arson evidence in airtight containers, leaving an airspace to remove samples. How is a piece of charred wood tested for the presence of accelerants? By using the olfactory detection.

Why arson investigation is the most difficult investigation?

Arson is also a difficult crime to investigate because of its destructive nature (Saferstein, 2004), and this also calls for a great deal of training and knowledge on the part of those who seek to research the act and catch the actor.

Is arson hard to investigate?

Arson is difficult to investigate for three main reasons: The arsonist can plan out the arson well in advance and bring all the tools needed to commit the act with him/her. The arsonist does not need to be present at the time of the act. The fire itself destroys evidence tying the arsonist to the crime.

How does an arson investigation work?

Fire and arson investigators examine the physical attributes of a fire scene and identify and collect physical evidence from the scene. This evidence is then analyzed to help determine if the cause of the fire was accidental or deliberate.

How can you consider that fire is arson?

It can be defined as the deliberate and malicious burning of property having three main elements. First, there has been a burning of property. Second, the burning is incendiary in origin, and finally, the burning was started with the intent of destroying the property.

How is arson evidence analyzed?

Fire and arson investigators examine the physical attributes of a fire scene and identify and collect physical evidence from the scene. During the scene examination, investigators may find evidence such as accelerants, tampered utilities, and specific burn patterns, which may indicate criminal activity.

What are the steps an investigator takes while investigating an arson scene?

What are the Preliminary Steps to an Arson Investigation?

• A preliminary examination of the scene (also known as a “size-up”).
• Witness interviews (including those who stand to gain, those who are victims, and those who may have observed a key detail to the case).
• A comprehensive scene examination and evidence collection.