FS301 – Fire Investigation and Analysis

Unit 1 – Investigators and the Role of First Responders FS301 – Fire Investigation and Analysis

Unit 1 Seminar Topics • A brief history of the investigation of fires • An account of some of the standards that apply to fire investigations • Actions of the first responders FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders

Investigation of Fires • The history of fire investigation helps us to understand how investigations were handled in the past. • It also explains past failures and why we have the current code and regulations improvements today. • We learn from the past how we can improve codes or regulations for the future. FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders

The London Fire of 1212 The London Fire of 1666 Picture 2 Picture 1 The Great Chicago Fire of 1871

Coconut Grove Fire 1942 Our Lady of the Angels School Fire 1958 Modern Fires that changed codes and influenced how we conduct investigations Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire 1977 MGM Grand Hotel Fire 1980

Formation of the National Fire Protection Association • The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) was formed in 1896 . • It now has more than 75,000 members representing almost 100 nations. • The association produces 300 standards and guides. • The NFPA maintains the Professional Qualifications Project.

National Professional Qualifications • In 1972, the National Professional Qualifications Board (NPQB) was created to administer accreditation. • The NFPA created standards in conjunction with the NPQB for Fire Marshals which eventually were divided into three parts: • NFPA 1031, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner • NFPA 1035, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Public Fire and Life Safety Educator • NFPA 1033, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders

Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Marshal • NFPA 1037 was created in 2006 and adopted in 2007 to help define the duties of a fire marshal position. • The standard addresses inspections programs, plans review, public education, and investigations. FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders

Importance of Standards for Investigators • Established standards ensure a certain level of knowledge and skills. • Without standards, there is justifiable concern that science will be inconsistently and inappropriately applied. FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders

Standards vs. Guides • Standards • Established by an authority or something to serve as a model • Guides • Can lead or direct but not necessarily mandate NFPA uses both standards and guides FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders

First Responders’ Role in an Investigation • An incident starts with the first report of the incident . • Usually, the first public safety personnel involved are in the Emergency Communications Center (Dispatch) • Hierarchy of each type of responder may be different from jurisdiction to jurisdiction • Overall operational tasks remain somewhat consistent • Protection of the scene and evidence is of utmost importance • Deny entry FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders

First Responders’ Responsibility • Ultimate responsibility of first responders: • If unable to make a determination of the origin and cause of the fire, call for assistance • Call for an investigator if there is suspicion that fire is incendiary • Before the arrival of the investigator: • Ensure the protection of any evidence. • Establish a safer environment by reducing toxic gasses and smoke. • Monitor structure for stability to reduce collapse potential. FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders

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FS301 – Fire Investigation and Analysis