Fire Investigation 13
Fire Investigation 13 : (5) Conducting Investigations: Fire investigators conduct their investigations using a systematic approach utilizing the scientific method, including the following: (a) The investigator: Receives the assignment and responsibilities; Plans the investigation and assembles tools, equipment, and personnel; Examines the scene and collects data; Collects, tests, evaluates, and documents evidence; Applies the scientific method to analyze the information obtained. (b) Spoliation: Spoliation is the destruction or alteration of evidence through intention or ignorance. The mere act of extinguishing a fire can destroy potential evidence of arson or what is also known as an "Incendiary fire". Firefighters are educated that the stream of their fire hose or the use of a Pike Pole can destroy evidence and efforts are made to do what is required to extinguish the fire, while not destroying clues to the fires' origin. A fire investigation was once compromised by a fire fighter turning off the knobs on a gas stove in the interests of safety after a house fire was knocked down. In the following investigation the homeowners daughter was accused by her father of leaving the stove on after she left the house but there was then no way to accurately determine the position of the burner knobs on the stove. Though there were no criminal issues involved in this fire, this incident of spoliation created a lack of closure for the family and feelings of distrust and animosity within the family members. -FIRE INVESTIGATION by Russell Chandler. Delmar Cengage Learning - Publishers
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