Report Writing & Case Presentation 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 Report Writing & Case Presentation flashcards as text
When documenting chain of custody for physical evidence in a fire investigation report, which element is LEAST critical to include?
Answer: Estimated replacement cost of the evidence item
Replacement cost is irrelevant to chain of custody; date/time, collector identity, and packaging details are essential to maintain evidentiary integrity.
In a fire investigation report, the term 'area of origin' refers to:
Answer: The general geographic region where fire started before spreading
The area of origin is the general location within a structure or outdoors where the fire began, which may contain the point of origin.
Which writing style is most appropriate for the narrative section of a fire investigation report?
Answer: Third-person passive voice with objective factual statements
Third-person passive voice maintains objectivity and professionalism expected in forensic reports submitted to courts and insurers.
During a deposition related to a fire investigation, an attorney asks you a question you do not understand. The best response is to:
Answer: Ask the attorney to rephrase or clarify the question
Asking for clarification ensures you answer the intended question accurately and prevents misunderstandings from entering the record.
A fire investigator is preparing a scene diagram for a report. Which scale is most commonly used for room-level floor plans?
Answer: 1 inch = 1 foot
A 1:12 scale (1 inch = 1 foot) is standard for interior floor plans, providing sufficient detail without requiring oversized paper.
Which section of a formal fire investigation report typically contains the investigator's professional qualifications and experience?
Answer: Curriculum vitae or qualifications section
A curriculum vitae or qualifications section establishes the investigator's credentials, which is particularly important when the report is used in litigation.
When referencing NFPA 921 standards in a fire investigation report, an investigator should:
Answer: Cite the edition used during the investigation
The edition of NFPA 921 in effect at the time of the investigation should be cited to accurately reflect the methodology standards applied.