1. Investigative Resources
Chapter 17
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

2. Objectives
• Describe the various resources to keep the
investigator safe
• Describe various investigative tools that are
necessary to work a fire scene
• Describe two types of cameras that can be used
on the fire scene
• Describe the benefits of creating a local fire
investigative association
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

3. Case Study
• An entire city block was burned
• This fire was a great example of the use of
outside resources
– Within hours, specialized units and personnel
showed up from federal, state and surrounding
localities, including a K-9 accelerant dog from the
ATF
• Next morning’s meeting revealed that the
sample was positive for gasoline
• The perpetrator was never identified
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

4. Introduction
• It is important for the fire officer to know about
the tools and resources available to the
assigned investigator
• Teamwork is more productive if the first
responder understands all aspects of the full
investigation
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

5. Protecting the Investigator
• Fire suppression officer safety resources are
limited to full turnout gear
• Assigned investigator should have several
levels of protection available
– From coveralls to fully encapsulated suits
• To ensure that all guidelines and regulations are
met, best to approach those who enforce OSHA
regulations
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

6. Gloves
Figure 17-1 Every
investigator should
have an ample
supply of gloves at
each investigation.
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

7. Testing the Environment
• Suppression forces should have been testing
the environment before leaving the scene
• Best for the investigator to obtain a three or
four-gas monitor/detector
– Detector needs to measure at least available oxygen
and the carbon monoxide levels
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

8. Tools
• Safety Tools
– It may be necessary to enter a hazardous
environment involving potential ignitable vapors
– Any metal tool is capable of creating a spark
– Non-sparking tools are usually made of brass,
bronze, or other metal compounds
– All tools need to be thoroughly cleaned and dried
• Do not use any oil-based lubricants
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

9. The Investigator’s Toolbox
• Standard tools are needed
– Assortment of screwdrivers and pliers
– Socket along with extenders and handles
– Various saws and cutting tools
– Hammer, hatchet, and a small maul
– Multi-tool containing knife
• Battery-operated tools are also a great
assistance
• The best tools of all: mason’s trowels
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

10. Larger Tools
• Shovels: Flat blade, pointed blade, and a large
scoop shovel
• A fire axe is necessary for larger tasks
• A hux bar, or similar tool, can be handy for
prying and forcing
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

11. Lighting
• A good, strong, dependable flashlight is
absolutely essential
– Generator with floodlights also useful
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

12. Location
• Technology can help identify the exact location
of each piece of evidence discovered
– Specialized tools can give an exact latitude and
longitude of each point at a fire scene
– Create a computerized report showing the location
• A compass is essential to make sure the
investigative diagrams are oriented correctly to
magnetic north
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

13. Camera
• Suppression personnel can make use of a good
quality point-and-shoot camera
– Minimum of 8-megapixel photos and at least 3x optics
– Memory disc should be at least 1.0 gigabyte
– Most limiting factor for any point-and-shoot camera is
the flash
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

14. Camera (cont’d.)
• Assigned investigator should have a digital
single-lens reflex (SLR) camera
– With a larger flash attachment that accepts various
lenses
– Manual settings that allow the photographer to
change the depth of field and shutter speed
• Depth of field is important
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

15. Incident Management
• National Incident Management System is a
template for all aspects of emergency services
– Including the investigative scene
• Accountability process is essential to safety
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

16. Additional Expertise
• An association should be created with
neighboring jurisdictions
– Purpose of most fire investigation associations is the
sharing of information
– Creation of mutual aid between the jurisdictions
– Training opportunities
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

17. Forensics
• Specialized tools for the discovery and
collection of latent prints
• Many other forensic tools and processes at the
investigator’s disposal
– Collection of residual blood for serology
– Tool mark impression examination
– Paint chip examination
– Debris examination for trace residue of a petroleum
distillate
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

18. State and Federal Resources
• State may have resources that can be of benefit
– Investigators from the state police or state fire
marshal’s office may be able to assist on the scene
• Federal Bureau of Investigation has a great
laboratory and personnel
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and
Explosives is an outstanding resource
– Field agents, national response team, and laboratory
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

19. Other Resources
• Many states have environmental agencies with
enforcement divisions
– Can assist with identification of unknown chemicals or
substances
• Chemistry teaching staff at a college can be a
wealth of knowledge
• Local building contractor can provide training
opportunities
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

20. Detecting Accelerants
• Accelerant is something that accelerates the fire
– Presence of an accelerant is not proof of an
intentionally set fire
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

21. Hydrocarbon Detector
• Device that can discern the presence of a
hydrocarbon fuel at a minute level
– Gives an alert or provides a metered display
• Needs calibration on a regular basis
• Advantageous to use a multi device
– Scan for the presence of hydrocarbons
– Read the atmosphere for the lower explosive limit
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

22. Accelerant Dogs
Figure 17-3 The
accelerant dog is a
great resource for
locating the best
sample to send to
the laboratory.
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

23. Insurance Companies
• Insurance company may send one of its own
investigators
• Insurance fire investigator may determine that
the fire was incendiary in nature
– Can then deny the insurance claim based on the
terms of the policy
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

24. Insurance Companies (cont’d.)
• Insurance investigator and assigned public
investigator may work together
– Arson immunity act usually provides ability of
insurance company to share information with public
investigator without fear of civil liability
– Public investigator can share information but may
need to keep criminal information confidential as per
the jurisdictions investigative policy
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

25. Specialized Investigations
• Bomb devices or postblast scenes may require
the assistance of the bomb unit from police
departments
• Wildland fires create unique scenes
• Hazardous materials also provide unique
situations
– Local or regional Hazardous Materials Response
Team could be of great value
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

26. Specialized Information
• Even specialists may need to look up
information that is not readily available in their
resource manuals
– The Internet is the next valuable resource
investigators have at their disposal
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

27. Summary
• The first resource to consider are those that
help protect the fire investigator on the scene
– Policies and procedures must be created to ensure
that proper equipment is available
• Setting up a local fire investigation association
allows neighboring jurisdictions to band together
• State and federal resources (such as ATF
support) can also be a great help
© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning