If a fire spreads, flares up or re-kindles when water is applied is a sign of?
possible use of an ignitable liquid was used.
A fire caused by a person falling asleep with a lit cigarette is an example of a(n) __________ fire
accidental
A pathological fire setter is termed a(n)
pyromaniac
A pot left unattended on a stove that catches fire is an example of an act of
omission
A tiny quantity of physical evidence that is conveyed from one place to another is __________ evidence
trace or transfer
According to NFPA 921, what is the term for an arsonist who sets three or more fires at separate locations with no emotional cooling-off period between fires
Spree
According to NFPA statistics, what was the leading cause of fire in residential occupancies in 2011
Cooking equipment
After investigators have left a fire scene, what is required for them to reenter the site
A warrant
An arson investigation must determine which item
Sequence of events
Approximately how many agents are on an ATF team that would respond to assist in fire-cause determination on large-scale incidents
15
At which point should the fire department hand over control of a fire scene to the property owner
After the investigator is finished collecting evidence
Combustible materials positioned to spread fire are known as
trailers
During a fire investigation, which type of search pattern is used to examine a burned area
Grid
Information used to prove a theory, based on facts observed directly is called __________ evidence
circumstantial
Fifty-year-old deteriorating wiring is an example of which subtype of electrical fire cause
Worn-out or defective equipment
Fires that occur without criminal or malicious intent are classified as
accidental
a fire investigation can provide many ______ , even if the cause and origin are never determined.
1. lessons
2. victims
3. facts
4. pieces of evidence
1. lessons
The most important reason for investigating accidental fires is to determine cause to prevent future fires
True
False
True
A cause-and origin investigation determines where, why and how fire originated.
True
False
True
For how long can a fire department maintain control of a fire scene
As long as needed to complete an investigation of cause
Ideally, when should overhaul operations begin
After the fire investigator has examined the scene
In general, what is the primary responsibility of fire fighters in fire investigation
Preservation of evidence
Juvenile fire setters:
1. Under 8 yo
-Curiosity
-near/in home
2. 9-12 (pre-adolescent)
-not far from home
-spite/revenge, disruptive behavior
- readily available fuel/acelerants
schools/churches
3. 13-17 (adolescent)
- similar to adults
Placing an electric heater too close to combustible materials is an example of which subtype of electrical fire cause
Improper use
Prior to any official statement by his or her department, how should a fire fighter response to an inquiry about the cause of a fire
"The fire is under investigation"
Removal and inspection of the layers of debris from a fire will most likely result in
determination of the sequence of items burned
The flow of heated gases from the point of origin is usually
up and out
The location where an ignition source comes into contact with a fuel supply is the
point of origin
Two thirds of fires set in vacant buildings are initiated by
adolescents
Using a light-duty extension cord to connect a heavy-duty appliance is an example of which subtype of electrical fire cause
Defective installation
What determines when is a fire investigator dispatched to a fire
Local policy
What does depth of char most reliably indicate
Intensity and duration of burning
What is indicated by a fire that flares up when water is applied to it
Presence of an ignitable liquid
What is suggested by an inverted cone burn pattern on a wall
Ignitable liquid poured along the base of the wall
What is the goal of fire-cause investigation
To identify how the fire started
What is the primary indicator of the point of origin in a structure fire
Burn pattern on a wall
What is the term for an ignition source that has enough heat energy to ignite the fuel and remains in contact with it long enough to cause ignition
Competent
What is the term for materials used to start a fire
Incendiary device
What is the term for the particular set of circumstances that brought the ignition source into contact with a fuel
Cause
What is the term for the process of maintaining continuous possession and control of evidence from the time it is discovered until it is used in court
Chain of custody
When moving inside the building to continue the fire investigation, where should the investigator begin
The area with the lightest damage
When should a fire building be turned over to the owner
After the investigation is complete
When should fire fighters begin making observations for use in a fire investigation
During dispatch and response
When should possible evidence be moved
When necessary to protect it from damage
Where do most structure fires occur
Residences
Where does the fire investigation process usually begin
Exterior
Which action should be taken with the clothing removed from a victim of a fire
Preserved as evidence
Which agency can provide technical expertise on a fire investigation
Insurance company
Which federal agency makes individual agents available to assist local jurisdictions with fire investigations
ATF
Which is the least common cause of residential fire
Smoking
Which kind of evidence includes facts that can be observed or reported firsthand
Direct
Which kind of evidence is used to validate a theory or show how something could have occurred
Demonstrative
Which pattern of char on a wall suggests that the fire spread upward from the base
V
Which task should be performed first when conducting a fire investigation
Identify the point of origin
Which term means the process of carefully looking for evidence in the debris following a fire
Digging out
Which term refers to all of the information gathered and used by an investigator in determining the cause of a fire
Evidence
Which type of evidence is an empty gasoline can
Physical
Who has the legal responsibility to determine the cause of fires in most jurisdictions
Fire chief
Why should fire fighters understand the basic principles of fire investigation
It will help them to observe and preserve evidence
Why do children younger than 8 years old typically set fires