Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to navigate between flashcards;
Use UP and DOWN arrow keys to flip the card;
H to show hint;
A reads text to speech;
33 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
The general location where the ignition source and the material first ignited actually came together for the first time |
Area of origin |
|
Exact physical location where the heat source and fuel come in contact with each other and a fire begins |
Point of origin |
|
The sequence of events that allow the ignition source and the material first ignited to come together |
Fire cause |
|
Crime of willfully, maliciously, and intentionally starting an incendiary fire or causing an explosion to destroy one's property or the property of another. Precise legal definitions vary among jurisdictions |
Arson |
|
Continuous changes of possession of physical evidence that must be established in court to admit such material into evidence. In order for physical evidence to be admissible in court, there must be an evidence log of accountability that documents each change of possession from the evidence's discovery until it is presented in court |
Chain of custody |
|
The apparent and obvious design of burned material and the burning path of travel from a point of fire origin |
Fire pattern Previously known as a burn pattern |
|
Sufficient temperature and energy and be in contact with the fuel long enough to raise it to its ignition temperature |
Competent Ignition Source |
|
History of the fire, beginning when the ignition source and the first fuel ignited meet at the area of origin, and proceeding through the entire duration of fire spread through the scene |
Ignition Sequence |
|
Combustible material, such as rolled rags, blankets, newspapers, or flammable liquid, often used in intentionally set fires in order to spread fire from one area to other points or areas |
Trailer |
|
Material or chemicals designed and used to start a fire |
Incendiary Device |
|
General term referring to anything that can taint physical evidence |
Contamination |
|
Term that refers to evidence that is destroyed, damaged, altered, or otherwise not preserved by someone who has responsibility for the evidence |
Spoilation |
|
Chain of custody |
A way to control evidence
|
|
Identify witnesses Secure scene Note initial scene |
Critical to overall success |
|
Determine point fire started, fire cause Protect or collect evidence |
Incident Commander or Fire/Criminal Investigator |
|
From outside to least burnt then most burnt |
Order to search for point of origin |
|
Delay overhaul beyond locating, extinguishing fires Protect scene Establish scene security |
Actions to take until point of origin can be determined |
|
Cameras, tire or foot tracks, discarded containers |
Items to document and preserve |
|
May indicate intentionally set Unintentional may give same appearance |
Multiple areas of origin |
|
Materials in fire's path Building features, layout Ventilation openings Fire load Fire suppression tactics Activation of suppression systems |
Factors affecting fire spread |
|
Call investigator if there is a question |
Be aware of general patterns |
|
Stored materials Debris Trash Rubbish Ground cover or vegetation |
Several different types of materials that may be involved in an exterior fires
|
|
Basic fire behavior Effects of winds Topography Natural fuels on fire spread Burns outward in all directions |
Understanding of these concepts is required for ground cover fire investigation |
|
Ensure undeployed air bags inoperable Ensure shock absorber bumpers inoperable Hybrid, electric car considerations Don't cut posts that contain restraint systems Know where large capacity or multiple fuel cells may exist Hydraulic system considerations Check truck area for flammable/combustibles |
Safety guidelines for vehicle fires |
|
Document causes of fire Indicate trends in unsafe behavior Indicate defective equipment, design flaws Indicate malicious, illegal behavior |
Things that determining fire cause can establish |
|
NFIRS |
The National Fire Incident Reporting System |
|
Accidental Natural Incendiary Undetermined |
Four types of fire cause classifications |
|
Time of day Weather, natural hazards Manmade barriers People leaving the scene |
Information needed to provide if an incendiary or undetermined initial cause is indicated |
|
Time of arrival and extent of fire Wind direction and velocity Doors or windows locked or unlocked Location of fire Containers or cans Burglary tools Familiar faces |
Additional information that should also be gathered to assist investigators |
|
Type of evidence provided by a witness who obtained it through his or her senses |
Direct Evidence |
|
Evidence presented in a trial that tends to prove a factual matter through inference by proving other events or circumstances |
Circumstantial Evidence |
|
Tangible or real objects that are related to the incident |
Physical Evidence |
|
Right of entry stating that the fire department does not require a warrant to enter a property to suppress a fire, or remain on the property for a reasonable amount of time afterward in order to determine the origin and cause of the fire |
Exigent Circumstances |