CFPS CFPS - Certified Fire Protection Specialist Fire Investigation Principles Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

In fire investigation, 'spoliation of evidence' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The loss, destruction, or material alteration of evidence that may be needed in litigation

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS)

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Fire investigators

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Use of an accelerant poured on the floor or a near-floor ignition source

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Overall orientation views first, then mid-range, then close-up detail

Answer

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.

CFPS (Certfied Fire Protection Specialist) Practice Test

CFPS (Certfied Fire Protection Specialist) Practice Test

CFPS CFPS - Certified Fire Protection Specialist Fire Investigation Principles Questions and Answers 2