Wildland Fire Investigation, FIâ210 Origin and Cause Determination
Wildland Fire Investigation, FIâ210 Origin and Cause Determination
Wildland Fire Investigation, FIâ210 Origin and Cause Determination
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physical evidence you find. Do not allow any suppression activity to disturb the origin area.<br />
Arrival at the Scene<br />
First priority – Identify <strong>and</strong> secure the general origin area:<br />
Use flagging or rope<br />
Post guards as necessary<br />
Keep suppression activity away<br />
Keep all unauthorized persons out<br />
5-38 First Responder – Identify Witnesses<br />
Your next priority is to identify any witnesses in the area. Write down their personal <strong>and</strong><br />
vehicle information, <strong>and</strong>, if possible, have them wait for the investigator who will conduct a more<br />
thorough interview. Write down the license number <strong>and</strong> description of any vehicles that drive by the<br />
scene more than once, <strong>and</strong> take extra note of people who seem unusually interested in the fire, or who<br />
try to assist with suppression or the investigation.<br />
Arrival at the Scene<br />
Next priority – Identify witnesses:<br />
Have them wait for the investigator if possible<br />
Obtain identification information -Name-Address<br />
-Phone number<br />
-Vehicle license number <strong>and</strong> description<br />
5-39 First Responder – Record Data<br />
Weather may be a critical factor in corroborating cause determination, so make sure to<br />
properly record as much data as you can.<br />
Do not touch any evidence unless it’s absolutely necessary to keep it from being destroyed. If<br />
you have to move something, try <strong>and</strong> get a photograph of its original position first. Finally, make notes<br />
on fire behavior at the time of your arrival <strong>and</strong> photograph the scene thoroughly.<br />
Arrival At the Scene<br />
Weather readings: -Take readings in an area consistent with origin conditions -Use a belt<br />
weather kit or digital weather instrument -Record data for investigators<br />
Physical evidence: -Tire impressions -Footwear impressions -Beverage containers -Any<br />
obvious cause of ignition -Do not pick up or touch unless absolutely necessary to prevent destruction<br />
General fire behavior conditions: -Wind direction -Wind Speed -Flame height <strong>and</strong> length -<br />
Overall fire intensity -Direction of spread -Suppression tactics<br />
Photograph the fire scene if possible<br />
Identify vehicles that drive by origin area more than once