L4C6
THE INSTITUTION OF FIRE ENGINEERS
Founded 1918 • Incorporated 1924
IFE Level 4 Certificate in Fire Investigation
(603/6616/3)
Friday 12 March 2021
10:30 – 13:30
Instructions to Candidates
1. The time allowed for this examination is THREE hours.
2. Candidates must answer SIX questions from the total of EIGHT questions set for
this examination.
3. All questions carry equal marks and may be answered in any order. Candidates
should follow the instructions provided in the question when composing their
responses.
4. Candidates should record all of their answers in the answer book provided.
5. The question paper must be handed in with the answer book.
L4C6 March 2021 1
Question 1
A fire investigator must have a basic understanding of fire science so that they can
interpret fire patterns and accurately determine a fire’s origin.
a) Describe in detail the process of a smouldering fire.
(12 marks)
b) Explain in detail the term “heat release rate” and explain how it influences a fire.
(8 marks)
Question 2
a) Describe in detail a “diffuse-phase explosion”.
(10 marks)
b) Describe in detail a “mechanical explosion”.
(10 marks)
Question 3
a) If a body is found at a fire scene, it is vitally important to establish the cause of
death. Describe the causes, other than burns, that can lead to the death of person
in a fire.
(8 marks)
b) Fire victims can display varying severities of burning. Describe how burns are
classified.
(8 marks)
c) Describe the tests that can be carried out on a fire fatality’s blood sample.
(4 marks)
Question 4
Self-heating of drying oils is a frequent cause of fire. Using linseed oil as an example,
describe its properties in detail and explain how the self-heating of drying oil can cause
a fire.
(20 marks)
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Question 5
a) Describe in detail the way in which the nature of fuels in a wildland fire affects the
spread of the fire and its intensity.
(15 marks)
b) In relation to a wildland fire, explain what is meant by the “area of transition” and
state how this is useful to a fire investigator.
(5 marks)
Question 6
a) With regards to fires involving electricity, define the term “arcing” and explain how
arc tracking can result in ignition.
(8 marks)
b) “Arc mapping” can be a useful tool for the fire investigator to determine where a
fire may have originated. Describe in detail the limitations of this method.
(12 marks)
Question 7
Spalling is an effect often found at fire scenes.
a) Define “spalling”.
(2 marks)
b) Explain the causes and extent of spalling at a fire scene.
(9 marks)
c) Discuss the likelihood of a burning pool of petrol/Gasoline resulting in spalling of a
concrete floor.
(9 marks)
Question 8
Explain how the fire investigator can use an assessment of char depths on timber
within a fire compartment to assist in determining the origin and spread of a fire.
(20 marks)
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