Fire Investigation and Hazards Faced by Fire Investigators - Coursework Example

FIRE INVESTIGATION Table of Contents Executive Summery Introduction Date collection and Execution Approach and Execution Questioning with witness Scene examination Fire behavior indicators Preservation and Recording of evidence Documentation of information Indicators of structural collapse Analysis of Firefighter role Firefighting Firefighters Firefighter’s duties Hazards faced by Fire Investigators Fire examination scene Heat Factor Explosions Burns Collapse of Structure Cardiovascular disease Psychological Hazards Arson Investigation Indicators of Arson Observation of Firefighter Management action Recommendations for Management The arson risk assessment Security measures Passive Fire Protection Active Fire Protection Conclusion Executive Summery The report describes the data collection approach and execution of findings. It informs about the diverse role of investigator. It also analyzes the indicators of a structure collapse, fire behavior and arson. It is a brief and objective account of the issues mentioned. This report suggests the management to take appropriate steps in order to avoid arson and build good relationship with company members. Introduction Fire investigation is referred to origin and cause investigation. It is analysis and evaluation of fire incidents. A systematic approach is adopted to identify and analyze the situation and reasons causing the fire or explosion. The firefighting is dynamic and challenging task. It has changed drastically over the years involving fire prevention, public education safety inspection; rescue calls computer simulations and technical detailing. Date collection and Execution Data collection is the most important part of investigation. Future predictions and results depend on properly recorded and documented information. Approach and Execution Systematic approach is used for observation, recording, documentation and preservation of the information gathering which is; Determination of origin point, securing the scene, preserving the evidence, determination of cause and chain of events, making documentation, interviewing witness, searching and collecting for evidence, analyzing the fire flow ,eliminating all potential and accidental causes. The whole process may be prioritized according to need as it depends on the firefighter’s arrival. Questioning with witness Witnesses are people who are present on the fire scene, as it starts or before the arrival of firefighters. They may be the people who reported the incident to the fire brigade. Immediate recording of witness is inevitable to get to the right conclusions. Witness views are important as they have seen the fire at an early stage and can provide information about physical evidence, presence of arsonist, starting point of fire and direction of fire. In addition to the early stage witness there may be other people in the vicinity of fire situation and events which surrounds the fire. Scene examination Examination and recording of the happening on the fire scene is to be done as soon as possible. It is due to the fact that scene can be destroyed by collapse or some other reasons like flames, heat, smoke can destroy the critical evidences. Inspection and evaluation of the scene include; Determination of area/point of origin Sources of ignition Materials ignited Act or activity which brought the source or materials together Assessment of subsequent progression of fire Extinguishment Contaminant of fire Fire behavior indicators Determination of fire origin is very crucial for further investigations. It is a process of tracking back the fire. Fire behavior often helps in this regard, it provides numerous indicators of how and from where it started and spread. Investigator has to seek pattern of indicators and evidence provided by fire and other sources. All the facts, strong observation and experience of investigator lead him to the real cause of fire. Preservation and Recording of evidence It includes; Organizing the recorded data and information Identify the linkage between events Evaluation of investigation file Reconstruct the whole scene Testing System analysis Documentation of information Documentation includes; Photographing fire patterns Photographing all evidence items on scene Diagrammatic record filing Sampling locations Evidence log maintenance On the basis of analysis and findings an investigative report is prepared. It is a concise and objective report which reflects the observations, findings, witness recordings from the fire scene. Indicators of structural collapse Building structures are posing greater challenges today. Each occupancy or building dictates the tactical principles and strategies adopted, which can be evolved an modified according to come basic construction types; Fire Resistive Non-Combustible Heavy Timber Wood Frame Ordinary; in which only exterior is protected These fundamental structures are further classified as well. Irrespective of construction type, each building and occupancy can be effected adversely due to; Heat/Flames Weather and environment conditions Improper construction techniques Substandard material Improper system assemblies A fire-based structure can be collapsed due to many possible causes. Strong observation and awareness about the causes can assist firefighters in determining these factors. There are some of the indicators which are considered when working around a burning structure. These indicators can assist firefighters in analyzing the situation and decision making. Considering these factors firefighters determine, whether they are suppose to take offensive or defensive move; Building construction type Age of building Structure remodeling Occupancy type Cracks in interior and exterior of walls Walls out of plumb/bulging/bowing Mortar joints and masonry (deteriorated) Water or smoke coming out of cracks Sagging floor Truss construction Increasing volume of fire Fire striking on the dead load structure Impact of suppression activates on structure Length of interior operation Significant fuel load Multiple fires in the same structure Damage from the previous fire Sounds of cracks and groans Firefighters decide about the approach considering total on-scene resources, time and ability required to control the fire according to the available resources. The decisions should be based on; Resources requires for the task Projection and behavior of the fire Time line should be managed properly Analysis of Firefighter role Firefighting “It is the process of extinguishing destructive fires, to prevent; loss of life, destruction of property and environment.” Firefighters They are extensively trained and highly professional people who put off fires which threaten civilian populations and their property. Firefighter’s duties Save Life/Property/Environment Fire Control Public Education and Awareness Fire Inspections Basic Life Support (Emergency medical technicians) Advanced Life Support (Licensed Paramedics) Hazards faced by Fire Investigators Fire examination scene Firefighters are exposed too much greater health and life hazards than the general public. They often risk their own lives to save the life of others. It has always been dangerous to operate inside a burning building, regardless of building construction, structure or material. Firefighter needs to continuously evaluate, examine and assess the potential risks involved. Potential risks can be caused due to injection, ingestion and absorption. Primary risk fire investigators face is; Smoke Inhalation Heat Factor Smoke inhalation is very crucial risk and it cause most of the firefighter’s deaths. Smoke inhalation includes; Breathing in smoke causes most of the deaths Suffocation because of fire consumption and evacuation of oxygen from air Poisonous gasses produced by burning of fuel and other vapors like carbon monoxide Heated smoke which can cause burns inside the lungs Heat Factor Heat cause come of the very obvious risks to the health and safety of firefighters.Heat can cause serious problems even without contact; Burns from the radiated heat Hot object contact Hot gasses contact Steam/Hot or toxic smoke Firefighters are equipped with personal protective equipment(PPE).It include fire resistant clothes,halmets and gloves which limit the transmission on heat to the body,but still there is risk involved. Explosions Explosions which are called BLEVE(Boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion) can occure due to; Pressurized gas cylinders and tanks Chemical Products Fertilizers Explosions can cause serios physical aur mental trauma or other injuries. Burns Heat and fire can cause burns in fraction of seconds.It not only burn the skin but if the degree of burn is higher,it cause; Extreme Pain Shoke Infections Dehaydration Nerve damage Death It burns and expose the muscles and internal systems of skin.It needs to be treated quickly because if left untreated,the problem can aggravate, germs can make things worse which can even leads to death. Collapse of Structure Another leading hazards for firefighters is structural collapse of the whole building or a part of it;ceiling,roof,truss system,floorwall or doors. Structures are very important for firefighting process. In many cases it not only claims the lives of inhabitants but limited understanding and knowledge of structure can take firefighter’s life as well. It all happens without any warning and to avoid in advance is not possible as such.It often results in; Disoriantation of firefighter Lost vision/crippled Firefighter can be trapped Killed by smoke or fire. The statistics on death among firefighters, as well as the chemical and physical factors associated with the risks. The management of these risk factors health safety initiatives that are being taken. Greatest risk to firefighters is getting burned by the fire itself or falling through a roof or weak flooring, fire fighters die from heart attacks at a rate significantly higher than the general population ("Fire Fighter Fatality," 2000; Mitchell, 2001; "Responder Group," 2005). Cardiovascular disease Cardiocascular deaths are most common in firefighters.Respiratory problems and cardiovascular diseases are also common among them.It is because of the exposure to toxics which leads to heat and lungs injuries. Psychological Hazards Noise pollution can cause hypertension and ischemic heart disease.Investigational fatigue,stress,heat stress and heavy physical exertion can make the situation worse. Arson Investigation It is a significant factor of fire loss in industrial and commercial structures. Normally people perceive it to be a crime against property and that the insurer will pay. Infect losses involve more then money most of the times. Indicators of Arson Arson is considered to be the easiest crime to commit. On the other hand it is one of the most difficult and challenging crime to investigate and identify. It requires a lot of experience and strong observation to sense and determine if the fire is arson. Investigation of Arson starts as the fire itself. Arson fire can involve the introduction of a heat source that can be as simple as a match, or complex as chemical with very low ignition temperatures Fire is considered to be arson when all other accidental causes have been ruled out. Investigator must have sufficient knowledge and evidence to prove the fire, a deliberate effort ( Brenden Battle). For Arson three factors should be present. Fire Triangle Consist of Oxygen Fuel Source and Heat In most of the cases of arson there should be 16% oxygen concentration. The source of heat only needs to match the ignition temperature of the fuel (John Peige). The arsonist may increase the oxygen content of a structure by opening windows or punching holes in ceilings and walls. Fire behaves in a manner which can be predicted, it flows to the highest of oxygen to its source. Ventilation of a structure can cause the fire to race upward through the structure. As a result fire doesn’t confine itself to one room but involve the complete building (Harvey French). Observation of Firefighter An experienced firefighter can sometimes determine about Arson on the basis of his observation. He may not record some obvious causes of arson; fire behavior may tell them that something is not normal. There can be other certain obvious signs which initiate suspicion, thus, investigation; Multiple Points of Origin Presence of Accelerants As something different is observed, investigation diverts to typical criminal one. In which Interviewing witnesses and firefighters is most important. Interviewing witnesses after the evidence is processed. In an investigation of a fire where arson is suspected, the investigator starts the interviewing of witnesses and firefighters immediately, notes John Kennedy in “Fire, Arson and Explosion Investigation (James O & Richard W). Firefighter’s interview is crucial as fire or chemical foam used during fire extinguishing, often destroys evidence of arson. Specific things investigators should consider; Color of Smoke can determine the specific things burning in the structure. Existence of inoperative hydrants, standpipes, alarms or sprinkler systems Signs of forced entry or attempt to ventilate the building Fire burning behavior Were there any familiar faces; there may be some habitual arsonist. The kind of equipment household or structure holds Management action Recommendations for Management Management can avoid arsons by identifying potential threats and taking timely and effective actions. Arson attacks are common, management can plan against arson by integrating specific programs to avoid and control such activities. The following elements are included in management plan; Risk Assessment Security Measures Passive and active fire protection measures Fire safety management The arson risk assessment Arson risks should be considered in a logical and structural manner. A senior and reliable person should be responsible for the issue, who periodically asses and review assessment. Security measures Management should consider and revise security measures for the reduction and control of threat. Following actions should be considered; Perimeter Protection Access Control CCTV System Detection of Intruders Strength of Structure Improved Staff Relation Security Lighting Pressure Group Activities Awareness Occupiers of building must be award of the premises completely, so that they can trace and may avoid arson to be happening. Intruders should be kept away and entrance points of the building should be secured. Public access should be limited. Weak entry points should be protected. Security people must be accountable for keys and other authorization issues A register should be maintained for each period of work. Use and follow proper building codes Alarms should be installed and monitored by an approved central monitoring station in order to inform police or fire brigade against any kind of destruction. CCTV installation has the high deterrent effect. It should contain proper and high quality recording equipment. Building construction information should be placed outside. Information about floor, roof type, and roof loads; heating, ventilation and air conditioning should be displayed. Contact numbers, sprinklers systems, utilities and chemicals in the structures should be mentioned. In case of less than 24 hours security, irregular but frequent security patrols can be very helpful against arson. Only trusted staff should be hired as sometimes arsonist are from inside. The most cost effective and efficient method to avoid arson is to have an alert and self motivated workforce. Entry to isolated parts should be monitored and prohibited. Professional help and advice should be hired for training and workshops. Passive Fire Protection It includes the measures to be taken in order to protect the building from accidental fires. Division of structure in individual fire compartments and provision of the suitable fire protection material is called Passive fire protection. It is done in order to keep the fire in confined area and prevent it from prevailing. Active Fire Protection Provision of proper and cost-effective equipment to detect and fight fire is referred as active fire protection. Properly trained staff can be a blessing. Everyone should be familiar with the sound of alarms, use of fire fighting equipments, fire brigade/police calling methods and escape routes Staff is in need to be informed about arson threat and potential threat to their lives and jobs. Good relationship with staff not only ensure co-operation from the employees but will also reduce the risk of arson attack from an employee. Conclusion Fire investigation practice is considered the most difficult forensic science.An investigator reconstruct the whole scene on the basis of the evidences which may be burnt or simply don’t exist.The bigger challenge is to determine if the fire is normal or an arson as it is very different than other criminal investiation.An investigator’s job is of multi-disciplinary nature.He should have a sound knowledge of not only basic fire science but other areas;electricity,human psychology,construction and vehicals.Arson is the fire which is deliberately set.It can have different motives and adverse effects on business and human lives.Proper,timely ,and sustained management efforts can not only avoid arsons but also maintain a trusted relationship with employess. Bibliography Delmar.2000,The firefighter’s Handbook:Essentials of firefighting and Emergency Response,Delmar. Paul,L.K. 1969,Fire Investigation:Including Fire-Related Phenomena:Arson and explosion,Wiley. Vincent,D. 1988,Collapse of Burining Buildings:A Guide to fireground safety,PennWell. eHOW 2008,How to Do just about everything,Available at:http://www.ehow.com/how_2062703_determine-fire-arson.html Tony Cafe 2007, Basics of Fire Investigation, Available at: http://www.tcforensic.com.au/docs/article12.html Read More