Last month we discussed how fire investigation has evolved and how today's experts rely more on science and less on myth than their predecessors. Advances in technology and education have increased the standards in conducting a thorough fire scene investigation.

This month we will start taking a look at the specific steps to "Fire Investigations and The Scientific Method."

RECOGNIZING THE NEED

Recognizing the need for a fire investigation may be overstating the obvious. Anytime a public agency responds to a fire, an insurer receives a claim for a fire loss, or an injury or death is the direct result of a fire, the need exists for an investigation as to the cause and origin on some level.

DEFINE THE PROBLEM

Having recognized the need, the problem defined is, how did the fire (problem) start and where. This is commonly referred to as the origin (where) and cause (what) of the fire. In most cases, additional questions also exist that will need to be addressed. They include; who may be responsible, what acts, events, or omissions were instrumental in the start of the problem, when did these events occur to create the problem and why did this problem occur. A multitude of other questions exist and will arise as one progresses through the scene, and the scientific method.

Rob Howell, with The Hartford relies on fire investigators for insight into all aspects of his investigations. Howell says, "In this way I can make informed decisions as well as keeping those folks looking over my shoulder in the loop as developments take place and information is gathered. Even though I am instructed to give fairly specific assignment instructions going in, those instructions are easily modified as results warrant. Typically, specific instructions are a cost containment effort I expect to modify when necessary. I've had subrogation files, in particular, where we were looking to verify or prepare to defend our insured against one fire source where it turned out the original investigative team missed a more likely source and failed to preserve that evidence. At the start of a loss, we are moving very quickly. I also rely on an expert to recommend the items of evidence to preserve and to have the facilities available to remove and preserve that evidence almost immediately."

Many of you will recognize the who, what, when, where, and why, of effective interviewing applied to fire scene analysis. In addition, the problem also exposes other needs of the investigative team. Estimating needs for equipment and personnel for the scene investigation, as well as future analysis and examinations will be defined by the problem. The anticipation and quick response to the problem is best dealt with before the need arises. Preplanning and preparing for an investigation of any size can greatly increase the efficiency and likelihood of success of the overall investigation.

COLLECTION DATA

Empirical data, data that is based on observations, experience and is capable of being verified, is now gathered. A typical fire scene may include all or some of the following:

  • Scene inspection
  • Scene documentation
  • Photography
  • Diagramming
  • Video taping
  • Evidence
  • Recognition
  • Preservation
  • Documentation
  • Collection
  • Interviews
  • Witnesses
  • Victims
  • Owners
  • Insured
  • Suspects
  • Review and analysis of other investigative reports or data
  • Recognition and collection of other appropriate data sources
  • Government resources
  • Manufacturers
  • Financial institutions

Additional data resources exist and will be exposed as the investigation dictates.

Copyright 2001 Professional Investigative Engineers. All rights reserved.