CFPS CFPS - Certified Fire Protection Specialist Fire Investigation Principles Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In fire investigation, 'spoliation of evidence' refers to:
- The collection and cataloging of physical evidence at the scene
- The loss, destruction, or material alteration of evidence that may be needed in litigation (Correct answer)
- The chemical analysis of accelerant residues
- The photographic documentation of burn patterns
Correct answer: The loss, destruction, or material alteration of evidence that may be needed in litigation
Spoliation occurs when physical evidence is lost, destroyed, or significantly altered — intentionally or negligently — before all interested parties have had an opportunity to examine it.
Question 2: Which laboratory technique is most commonly used to detect and identify ignitable liquid accelerants in fire debris samples?
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
- Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) (Correct answer)
- Infrared thermography
- X-ray fluorescence (XRF)
Correct answer: Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
GC-MS separates and identifies chemical compounds in fire debris extracts with high sensitivity and specificity, making it the standard method for accelerant detection.
Question 3: NFPA 1033 establishes minimum professional qualifications for:
- Fire protection engineers
- Fire investigators (Correct answer)
- Fire sprinkler designers
- Emergency response coordinators
Correct answer: Fire investigators
NFPA 1033, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator, defines the job performance requirements for fire and arson investigators.
Question 4: A 'low burn' pattern at a fire scene — char or burning damage that extends to or near the floor level — may indicate:
- Structural collapse from above
- Use of an accelerant poured on the floor or a near-floor ignition source (Correct answer)
- Roof ventilation failure
- Suppression system overpressure
Correct answer: Use of an accelerant poured on the floor or a near-floor ignition source
Low burn patterns, especially irregular patterns on flooring, can indicate pooled ignitable liquids, though investigators must rule out other low-burn causes such as furnishings or drop-down debris.
Question 5: In documenting a fire scene, investigators should photograph evidence in what order?
- Close-up first, then mid-range, then overall
- Overall orientation views first, then mid-range, then close-up detail (Correct answer)
- Evidence is collected before any photographs are taken
- Only the area of origin needs to be photographed
Correct answer: Overall orientation views first, then mid-range, then close-up detail
The standard documentation sequence moves from overall orientation photographs, to mid-range context shots, to close-up detail images to establish context before capturing fine detail.
Question 6: Which of the following is an example of a 'natural' cause of fire?
- A cigarette left unattended on upholstery
- Lightning strike igniting a structure (Correct answer)
- An electrical short circuit in faulty wiring
- A child playing with matches
Correct answer: Lightning strike igniting a structure
A natural fire cause is one produced by natural forces without human action — lightning is the classic example recognized in NFPA 921 classifications.
CFPS CFPS - Certified Fire Protection Specialist Fire Investigation Principles Questions and Answers 2
In fire investigation, 'spoliation of evidence' refers to: