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1. Identify the laws applicable to fire investigation.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of fire behavior as it relates to fire investigation.
3. Describe the methodologies used to investigate structure fires.
4. Describe the common indicators found at fire scenes.
5. Identify the common causes of accidental fires.
6. Identify the indicators unique to arson fires.
7. Describe the conditions that lead to electrically caused fires.
8. Describe the methodology used to investigate vehicle fires.
9. Describe the additional steps and considerations taken in fatal fire investigations.
10. Identify the components of a comprehensive investigation report.
11. Describe the different types of explosions and their impact on fire investigation.
12. Describe the methodology used to investigate wildland fires.
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I. Introduction to Fire Investigation
A. Terminology
B. Arson trends and statistics
II. Legal Aspects of Fire Investigation
A. Constitutional law
B. Arson laws
C. Search and seizure
1. Reasonable times to search
2. Consent
3. Plain view
D. Courtroom testimony
E. Case law
1. Michigan vs. Tyler
2. Michigan vs. Clifford
III. Fire Behavior
A. Combustion
B. Pyrolysis
C. Fire chemistry
D. Heat transfer
E. Phases of fire
F. Effects of accelerants
IV. Investigation Methodology
A. National Fire Protection Association Standard (NFPA) 921
B. The scientific method of investigation
V. Fire Scene Examination
A. Fire scene indicators
B. Accidental fire causes
C. Arson fires
1. Motive
2. Indicators
3. Accelerants
a. Types
b. Characteristics
4. Structural damage/irregularities
5. Fire location and damage
6. Incendiary devices
D. Fire effects
E. Fire movement and pattern analysis
F. Recognizing fire indicators
G. Tracking the fire course
H. Point of origin determination
VI. Electrical Fire Investigations
A. Types of current
B. Electrical calculations and formulas
1. Wiring systems
2. Over current protection devices
C. Ignition by electrical means
D. Testing of electronic devices
VII. Vehicle Fire Investigations
A. Accidental vehicle fires
B. Vehicle fire prevention devices
C. Vehicle arson fires
D. Vehicle fire scene examination
VIII.Fire Fatality Investigation
A. Identification and preservation of the body
B. Effects of fire on bodies
C. Coordination with the corner and law enforcement
IX. Documenting Fire Scenes
A. Report narrative
B. Witness statements
C. Evidence
D. Photographs
E. Diagrams
X. Explosions and Explosive Combustion
A. Terminology
B. Types of explosions
1. Mechanical explosions
2. Chemical explosions
3. Diffuse vapor explosions
C. Explosive types
1. Low explosives
2. High explosives
3. High and low order
D. Investigation of explosions
XI. Wildland Fire Investigation
A. Fire causes
B. Fire behavior
C. Fire scene examination
1. Indicators
2. Incendiary devices
3. Evidence collection
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1. Reading 20-30 pages weekly from textbook and state-supplied student supplement
2. Research paper (Minimum 500 words)
3. Fire analysis paper (Minimum 500 words)
4. Fire dynamics group presentation
5. Fire investigation report
6. One site investigation/field trip
7. Four to six quizzes, a midterm and a state exam
Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing. | Writing 40 - 50% |
Fire analysis paper, research paper and fire investigation report | |
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills. | Problem Solving 20 - 30% |
Fire analysis paper | |
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams. | Skill Demonstrations 10 - 20% |
Field investigations, group presentation | |
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams. | Exams 20 - 30% |
Quizzes, multiple choice midterm, and state exam | |
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories. | Other Category 0 - 0% |
None | |
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Kirks Fire Investigation, 6th Ed.; by John D. DeHaan, Publ. Prentice Hall, 2007
CFSTES Manual Fire Investigation 1A, California Fire Service Training and Education System, Sacramento, CA 2003