What is fire and arson investigation?

What is fire and arson investigation?

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.

What are the steps in an arson investigation?

What are the Preliminary Steps to an Arson Investigation?

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

What is iaai CFI?

The IAAI-CFI® qualification is a standardized evaluation of a fire investigator’s training and expertise.

How is arson evidence collected?

Arson evidence is usually collected in air-tight, clean metal cans. Only large quantities of dry powder should be collected and stored in plastic bags. Moist or wet evidence (blood, plants, etc.)

What is the most important step in conducting an arson investigation?

Determining the point of origin is a critical first step in fire investigation. There are many factors to consider in this process of conducting a systematic investigation, while attempting to reconstruct the fire scene from the area of least damage to the area or point of most damage.

What are the 3 kinds of arson?

Types of Arson

  • First-Degree Arson – considered a violent crime and occurs when the fire is set to an occupied home or building.
  • Second-Degree Arson – when the fire is set to an unoccupied building.
  • Third-Degree Arson – when the fire is set to a vacant area of space like a forest or field.

How many duties are defined in NFPA 1033?

THERE ARE SIX GENERAL DUTIES, TWENTY-NINE SPECIFIC DUTIES AND TWENTY-NINE CORRESPONDING KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS PREREQUISITES FOR A FIRE INVESTIGATOR TO BE QUALIFIED UNDER NFPA 1033.

What is the lowest and highest salary range an arson investigator should expect to make?

The lowest 10 percent earn $53,000, and the highest 10 percent earn $79,000 based on 49 salaries. In addition, some positions include bonuses of up to $3,000. These salaries vary based on years of experience and levels of education.

What is the difference between fire and arson?

Arson – The crime of maliciously and intentionally, or recklessly, starting a fire or causing an explosion. Incendiary – A fire intentionally ignited under circumstances where the person knows the fire should not be ignited. Combustible – Capable of burning in air under normal conditions of temperature and pressure.

What is RA of arson?

— Any person who burns or sets fire to the property of another shall be punished by Prision mayor. The same penalty shall be imposed when a person sets fire to his own property under circumstances which expose to danger the life or property of another.

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.

How do NFPA 921 and NFPA 1033 differ from each other?

NFPA 1033 lays out the minimum qualifications for a fire investigator, while NFPA 921 contains the basic knowledge base and methodologies required to comply with the NFPA 1033 requirements. The standards making process that regulates their ongoing development adds to their reliability.

What does a fire and arson investigator do?

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.

What do arson investigators look for during an investigation?

They look for evidence of the use of accelerants, such as gasoline and other flammable materials, and work to identify the source, starting point and spread of fires. A fire and arson investigator salary varies based on the level of experience, geographical location, and other factors.

How can you tell if a fire is arson?

How can you tell if a fire is arson? Common Signs of Arson. A large amount of damage. No “V” burn pattern present, unsual burn patterns and high heat stress. Lack of accidental causes. Evidence of forced entry. Absence of valuable items. The same person shows up at unconnected fires. Low burning point with unidentifiable point of origin.

How to become an arson and fire investigator?

Gathering and analyzing evidence from explosions and fire scenes

  • Reconstructing an arson or fire scene
  • Testifying in criminal and civil legal proceedings
  • Determining the cause and origin of a fire
  • Carrying a weapon and using his power of arrest
  • Interviewing potential witnesses
  • Making detailed documentation of fires