FIRST IN
TRAINING NOTEBOOK
As you are dispatched for a structure fire, several questions come to your mind: Where is the location? What type of occupancy is it? Where is the nearest water supply? Where is the best placement for the truck company? As you respond to the scene, you can see from several blocks away that the fire has a head start on you; the adrenaline begins to pump. As the crew arrives, you automatically perform the tactics and strategies in which you have been trained. It is what you do best: putting the wet stuff on the red stuff. Once the fire is extinguished, you wrap up and return to quarters. It’s a scenario familiar to all of us.
Now, stop for a moment. How many stop to consider that the first company on scene is one of the most valuable tools of fire investigators? Without the heightened awareness and keen observation of the first responders on scene, it is difficult for fire investigators to validate their case.
As a preliminary source of information, the company officer and firefighters must be aware of the observations that can be critical and beneficial to a fire investigator.
Following is an outline of additional areas first responders should consider and observe at the incident site.
While en route:
Weather conditions: Rain, snow, temperature, wind direction, etc.
- Time of day: Morning, midday, or midnight? Are occupants at home, at work, at school, or sleeping?
- Traffic conditions: Were there barricades, a traffic jam, or vehicles blocking access? Observe vehicles leaving the area as you arrive—the type of vehicle, color, model, or any distinguishing features, such as a loud muffler.
On scene:
- Time of arrival.
- Spectators:Do they look like they belong there? Are they neighbors or tenants? What type of clothing were they wearing? Have you seen one or several of these faces before at an incident?
- Type and condition of building: Wood frame, masonry, fire-resistive, etc.? Singlefamily, duplex, apartment building, fire station, etc.? Was the house under repair? Was there a for-sale sign on the building?
- Location and extent of fire: Was it contained to a single room, such as a bedroom, living room, or kitchen? Were several rooms involved?
- Colors of flames and smoke: Color can sometimes indicate the kinds of materials, including accelerants, burning during the fire.
- Signs of forced entry’: Were any present? (Try before you pry.)
- Doors and windows: Were they locked, unlocked, covered, or blocked ?
Suppression activities:
- Were there unusual odors during entry?
- Were there any obstacles or booby traps?
- What was the fire’s behavior during water application? For example: Did the fire spread, or was it difficult to extinguish? Did the temperature appear to be more intense than usual?
- Were any incendiary devices noted (trailers or streamers, cigarette/match, lighter)? Were there pour patterns?
- Separate fire areas: Was there more than one fire? What were their locations?
- Were there any holes in the ceilings or walls to help the fire spread?
- Fire protection systems: Was the fire sprinkler system working? Was the smoke detector(s) operating?
- Contents of building: Are personal belongings such as pictures and clothing present or missing? Is the furniture consistent with the surroundings and decor of the residence?
- Secure and protect the scene: Preserve the scene in the same condition as it was when you fought the fire. Minimize salvage and overhaul operations that will destroy or disturb evidence.
After the fire:
Report your observations and findings to the officer in charge. Do not make accusations, give personal opinions, or make public statements with regard to the probable cause, and do not make careless remarks relating to the incident; they may reflect poorly on the department later.
The next time you respond to a fire, incorporate the fire-observation component into your thought process; and before long, this technique will become second nature. Everyone from the newest rookie to the highest ranking officer can master observing the items listed above; all are important to fire investigators when compiling a complete and accurate picture of the incident.
