CFI Fire Investigation & Documentation Flashcards

What information must be included in a fire inspection report?

Answer: Date, location, violations found, and corrective actions required

A fire inspection report must document the date, location, specific violations, and required corrective actions with deadlines for legal defensibility.

How should photographs be used in fire investigation documentation?

Answer: To document the scene before evidence is disturbed or collected

Photographs document the fire scene in its original condition before evidence collection, providing visual support for investigative findings.

What does 'spoliation of evidence' mean in fire investigation?

Answer: Destruction or alteration of evidence that could be used in legal proceedings

Spoliation is the destruction, loss, or material alteration of evidence, which can compromise legal cases and result in sanctions against the responsible party.

Which type of report documents findings when a fire is determined to be incendiary?

Answer: Cause and origin report

A cause and origin report documents investigation findings, including the determination that a fire was intentionally set (incendiary).

What is the purpose of a fire scene diagram in investigation documentation?

Answer: To provide a visual representation of the fire scene and evidence locations

A fire scene diagram visually documents the layout, evidence locations, and burn patterns to supplement written and photographic documentation.

When witnesses provide conflicting accounts of a fire, what should the investigator prioritize?

Answer: Comparing witness statements against physical evidence to determine the most probable scenario

Physical evidence is the most reliable indicator; witness statements are compared to physical findings to develop the most scientifically supportable scenario.