fs301 – fire investigation and analysis
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Unit 1 – Investigators and the Role of First Responders. FS301 – Fire Investigation and Analysis. Unit 1 Seminar Topics. A brief history of the investigation of fires An account of some of the standards that apply to fire investigations Actions of the first responders. Investigation of Fires. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Unit 1 – Investigators and the Role of First Responders
Unit 1 Seminar Topics
A brief history of the investigation of fires
An account of some of the standards that apply to fire investigations
Actions of the first responders
FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders
FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders
• The history of fire investigation helps us to understand how investigations were handled in the past.
• It also explains past failures and why we have the current code and regulations improvements today.
• We learn from the past how we can improve codes or regulations for the future.
Investigation of Fires
The London Fire of 1666
Picture 2
The London Fire of 1212
Picture 1
The Great Chicago Fire of 1871
Our Lady of the Angels School Fire 1958
MGM Grand Hotel Fire 1980
Modern Fires that changed codes and influenced how we conduct investigations
Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire 1977
Coconut Grove Fire 1942
Formation of the National Fire Protection Association
• The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) was formed in 1896 .– It now has more than 75,000 members
representing almost 100 nations. – The association produces 300 standards and
guides.• The NFPA maintains the Professional Qualifications
Project.
FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders
National Professional Qualifications
• In 1972, the National Professional Qualifications Board (NPQB) was created to administer accreditation.– The NFPA created standards in conjunction with the
NPQB for Fire Marshals which eventually were divided into three parts:
• NFPA 1031, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner
• NFPA 1035, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Public Fire and Life Safety Educator
• NFPA 1033, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator
FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders
Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Marshal
• NFPA 1037 was created in 2006 and adopted in 2007 to help define the duties of a fire marshal position.
• The standard addresses inspections programs, plans review, public education, and investigations.
FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders
Importance of Standards for Investigators
• Established standards ensure a certain level of knowledge and skills.
• Without standards, there is justifiable concern that science will be inconsistently and inappropriately applied.
FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders
Standards vs. Guides
NFPA uses both standards and guides
• Standards– Established by an authority or something to
serve as a model
• Guides– Can lead or direct but not necessarily mandate
FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders
• An incident starts with the first report of the incident .
– Usually, the first public safety personnel involved are in the Emergency Communications Center (Dispatch)
• Hierarchy of each type of responder may be different from jurisdiction to jurisdiction – Overall operational tasks remain somewhat consistent– Protection of the scene and evidence is of utmost
importance– Deny entry
First Responders’ Role in an Investigation
FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders
• Ultimate responsibility of first responders: – If unable to make a determination of the origin and cause
of the fire, call for assistance– Call for an investigator if there is suspicion that fire is
incendiary
• Before the arrival of the investigator:– Ensure the protection of any evidence.– Establish a safer environment by reducing toxic gasses and
smoke.– Monitor structure for stability to reduce collapse potential.
First Responders’ Responsibility
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FS301- Unit 1: Investigators and Roles of First Responders