Fire Investigation Reporting & Documentation Flashcards
7 cards from real CFI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Fire Investigation Reporting & Documentation flashcards as text
According to NFPA 921, which of the following best describes the 'hypothesis' stage of the scientific method in fire investigation?
Answer: Formulating a testable explanation for the fire's origin and cause
The hypothesis stage involves formulating a testable explanation based on collected data, which must then be tested against all known facts before being accepted as a conclusion.
When an investigator must testify about a fire report, the report serves primarily as:
Answer: A reference document that refreshes recollection and supports testimony
A fire investigation report serves as a reference document during testimony, allowing the investigator to refresh their recollection and providing a foundation for their expert opinions.
What is the significance of documenting 'negative corpus' evidence in a fire investigation report?
Answer: It documents the systematic elimination of accidental and natural causes
Negative corpus documents the systematic ruling out of accidental and natural fire causes through evidence and investigation, though it alone is insufficient to prove incendiary fire.
A fire investigator receives lab results indicating an ignitable liquid was found at the origin. How should this be documented in the report?
Answer: As physical evidence that an ignitable liquid was present, noting its specific location and the lab report findings
Lab-confirmed ignitable liquids must be documented as physical evidence with specific location and lab findings, but require contextual analysis to determine whether their presence is incendiary or explainable.
Which of the following is NOT typically included in the 'executive summary' section of a fire investigation report?
Answer: Detailed analysis of every piece of physical evidence
An executive summary provides a brief overview of the incident, key findings, and conclusions; detailed evidence analysis belongs in the body of the report.
When documenting witness interviews in a fire investigation report, the investigator should:
Answer: Summarize all witness statements objectively, noting any inconsistencies
All witness statements should be objectively summarized in the report, including inconsistencies, because witness accounts are data that must be analyzed along with physical evidence.
What is the purpose of an 'evidence log' in fire investigation documentation?
Answer: To create a systematic record of all physical evidence collected, including location and condition
An evidence log systematically records every piece of physical evidence collected, documenting its location, condition, collection date, and subsequent handling to support chain of custody.