Policy Quiz #28 Fire-Explosion Cause Investigation

State statute mandates that “The Chief of the Fire Department in each fire protection district shall investigate or cause to be investigated the cause, origin, and circumstance of every fire occurring within his jurisdiction by which property is destroyed or damaged and, so far as is possible, determine whether the fire was the result of carelessness or design.

It shall be the responsibility of the ________ to determine the origin, cause and circumstances of all fires and unauthorized releases of hazardous materials or to request an on-call investigator to respond and accept the responsibility of determining the origin, cause and surrounding circumstances.

It is the responsibility of OCI to provide for fire cause investigation on the following fire-related emergencies: structure fires, explosions, fire code-related situations and of every fire incident causing serious injury/death or property loss/damage.

When shall fire cause investigation shall occur?

In addition to one investigation supervisor, how many investigators will be on call at all times to respond to incidents?

For safety purposes at most incidents, two investigators shall respond.

The IC SHALL consult with and/or request an Investigator for any of the following situations: Select all that apply.

Additional situations when the IC SHALL consult with and/or request an Investigator. Select all that apply.

The IC is expected to complete the investigation for the following situations:

Traffic accident fatalities involving fire subsequent to collision are investigated by the appropriate police agency.

All reports involving fire shall identify the ignition source, fuel ignited, and circumstances that brought them together.

Fire investigators can be contacted through Metcom for response to the scene or phone consultation with command ______?

If the incident is determined to be of a minor nature (e.g. accidental with no injuries and slight fire damage) and the cause can be determined easily by IC on scene, what steps are necessary for investigation?

When an investigator is not yet on scene, companies must delay non-essential overhaul and secure the scene until an investigator arrives.

No other personnel are permitted in the scene (owner, occupant, insurance, etc). IC will turn over jurisdiction of the fire area to the investigator as soon as possible after the incident is stabilized.

Companies assigned to the ________ should incorporate evidence preservation into their plan to stop the loss.

When the IC chooses to request an investigator to conduct the fire / explosion investigation the IC will: notify Metcom to have the OCI paged to respond, secure the scene and deny access, and Protect and preserve any physical evidence.

When the IC chooses to request an investigator to conduct the fire / explosion investigation the IC will: attempt to identify victims and witnesses, have them complete written statements, juveniles contacted shall be documented only by using a Juvenile Contact Card, and Limit overhaul operations to a minimum.