Fire Investigation

Title
Author
Author Affiliation
Introduction.
Fire investigation or what is commonly known as the cause and origin is investigation of
incidences resulting from fires. After a fire is put off by the fire fighters, an analysis is
done to determine the fire origin and cause. Analyzing such fire scenes require a
systematic approach and fundamental fire science knowledge. (cove, ! " "# $AA%,
&'((). n a fire scene, multidisciplinary effort is applied to determine the cause of the fire.
A fire investigator and a member of the laboratory analysts are the two general teams in
fire sites. A more comple* site may also be inclusive of the civil inputs. They look into
the intentionality of the fire, spread factors and the role of fire protection systems.
Scientific method of fire investigation and its importance
The scientific method of fire investigation is a systematic process of enquiry that aims at
determining the origin and cause of a fire which is achieved by scene response, pattern of
fire observation, paying considerations to the circumstances that surrounded the fire event
and interviewing the possible witnesses. The process is documented with photographs of
the fire scenes, writing notes on the realized fire patterns and a reconstruction of the fire
scene. +ost fire investigations recommends the scientific method. t involves a
systematic way of looking into information around recognizing and formulating a
problem, collecting data through observing and e*perimenting and formulating and
testing a hypothesis. (cove, ! " "# $AA%, &'(().
This involves seven steps outlined below by (cove, ! " "# $AA%, &'((),
i.) Identification of the need
-onducting a fire investigation is of key value into preventing future fire. The results
obtained can be used for sensitization of the population as to how fires can start and how
to stay safe.
ii.) Defining the problem.
A problem is commonly defined on the basis of the need for determining where the fire
started and how. .esults obtained from this will be used to prevent future fires and
uncover the liable party.
ii.) Data collection
"ata collection primarily involves the study of fire dynamics. The process includes the
flow of the fire, its pattern and intensity. nformation derived will assist to determine the
location of the fire origin. nterviewing witnesses provides valuable information on how
the fire started and if a conclusion has not been arrived at by the end of the empirical data
collected, a follow/up investigation follows.(cove, ! " "# $AA%, &'(().
iv.) Analyzing data.
The empirical data gathered in the investigation is reviewed and evaluated. An inductive
method of reasoning is involved where particular observations and information from
follow/up investigation are assessed. A hypothesis is formulated at the end of this step.
v.) Hypothesis formulation.
The scene is reconstructed using the available supporting data and finding from
observations. 0everal hypotheses are possible, but they should narrow to one which is
correct. 1hen there are gaps in information supporting a hypothesis, it should be dropped
and an alternative hypothesis developed.
vi.) Hypothesis testing
The hypothesis is tested using the established data and information where cause is linked
to effect. An e*pected fire behavior pattern is considered from a suspected area of origin.
f there are multiple suspected area of origin that cannot be established, then they are
indicated possible, likely or undetermined. (cove, ! " "# $AA%, &'(()
vii.) Final hypothesis selection.
A final hypothesis is selected and taken to be a real scenario if t fits correctly into
inferences drawn from the empirical data collected and investigated. -ause scenario and
origin are tested and if they conform, then this becomes the real fire scenarios.
Controversial topics in the fire investigation industry
Cigarettes starting deadly fires
Flicking a burned out cigarette butt on the floor or into the ashtray is a nearly
unconscious action that many smokers do. The action has been demonstrated to have
lethal implications. A research conducted in %ew 2ersey revealed that 334 people had
died in blazes that had been caused by cigarettes from &''5 to &'(&. This translated to
(56 of all the fire deaths.
Fire retardants and fire safety.
Adding fire retardants to plastic is usually dismissed as an unacceptable dark art done by
chemists to make the materials pass in the regulatory test. 0cientists view them as
unnecessary misdeed that add pollution to the environment. The debate stands at the
environmental fitness of these substances and their business.
!posed flame heating.
#*posed flame heating is the ma7orly used method of heating. The method is widely used
even with a high risk it possesses of starting a fire. Alternatives of heating are not readily
available and are commonly e*pensive.
Importance of certification of the fire investigation industry.
8roper fire investigation often can establish the cause and the origin of most fires. This
requires proper investigating tools and personnel. 9verlooking these yields wrong
conclusions from a fire investigation. This may lead even to mistaken conviction of
innocent individuals. This raises the concern for certification of fire investigation teams.
They should have the necessary resources and reach the fire regulatory boards
requirements to be certified. (cove, ! " "# $AA%, &'((). 8eriodic assessment of these
firms should be carried to ensure maintenance of standards. a licence is revoked when
inadequacies are discovered
Daubert challenge
The "aubert challenge addresses an issue that debates whether finding of fire
investigations should only be based on the scientific findings. t insists on the witness
affirming that the theories were sub7ected to the scientific method of fire investigation
and tested to arrive at the cause and origin of the fire. 1hen confronted by such a
situation, it is important to ensure the witness participates in every stage of hypothesis
formulation and testing. Also use the art of fire investigation coupled to the scientific
method.
Summary and conclusion.
.igorous fire investigation is required to determine the cause and origin of a fire. Fire
investigators should, therefore, be equipped with the understanding of fire dynamics. This
calls for certification of fire investigators to affirm requirements to carry out fire
investigations are met. The scientific method is the most common approach in fire
investigation. Further research is welcome in this field to help prevent future fires.
"ibliography
2ohn, ". "e$aan ! "avid 2 cove. (&'((). :irks Fire nvestigation. 5
th
#dition..

Fire Investigation

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Fire Investigation

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Fire Investigation

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What are the steps involved in the scientific method of fire investigation?

What are some controversial topics in the fire investigation industry?

Title

You might also like