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33863

Managing fire investigation scenes

• This research project explored the feasibility of creating a comprehensive fire investigation procedure to be prepared to provide an adequate response to the need of establishing the cause and origin of all fires. The procedure will assist Douglas County Fire District No. 2 (DCFD#2), the members of the Fire Investigation Team (FIT), and all fire suppression personnel during the fire investigation process, and in those instances when responsibilities have to be coordinated with other organizations to successfully resolve a fire under investigation. The problems to overcome were the lack of a clearly defined policy to assist in determining the steps that must be taken to conduct a fire scene investigation in the most efficient and thorough way possible. The lack of adequately trained staff capable of carrying out the actions necessary to ensure that all aspects surrounding a fire investigation are carried out in a professional and meticulous manner. The lack of knowledge of the protocols and standards that need to be observed to properly conduct the investigation of a fire scene. The lack of measures in place to support the members of the FIT and assist them in dealing adequately with the different phases of a fire investigation. The lack of preparation and resources to adequately investigate large incident scenes, as well as, death or serious injuries resulting from fires. The lack of formal cooperation agreements with any other agencies that can provide professional or technical support in a diversity of disciplines related to fire investigation to assist DCDFD#2 fire investigatiors in managing fire scenes in a proficient manner. The purpose of this research project was to identify the need for the implementation of a fire investigation procedure. Moreover, it also evaluated the personnel needs to implement the procedure efficiently, The training needs of the personnel in charge of overseeing or applying the different areas of the procedure, and the operational criteria needed for the procedure to be successful. It was also the purpose of this research project to identify any other agencies that may have access to resources or expertise not currently available to DCFD#2 to assist in the management of the investigation of fire scenes. The pursuit of cooperation agreements with these agencies would enable DCFD#2 to have access to the resources that can better serve the needs of the department throughout the different steps of a fire investigation. Descriptive research, including the literature review, was conducted to determine the need for a fire investigation procedure, and the extent and scope of the procedure. The research questions addressed were: 1. What is our past-experience with the investigation of fire incidents? 2. What are the benefits and limitations of a fire investigation procedure? 3. What should be the scope and purpose of a fire investigation procedure? 4. What should be the key elements of a fire investigation procedure? The procedures used for this research project included a review of fire service literature, DCFD#2 documents and records, documents from the United States Fire Administration (USFA), and other fire agencies that have fire investigation procedures in place. The results of this research showed the benefits of implementing a fire investigation procedure. Moreover, it demonstrated that interagency cooperation is a must for the success of any comprehensive procedure designed to realistically serve the needs of any fire agency in this area. Recommendations included the adoption of a fire investigation procedure with a comprehensive scope. The definition of the authority and responsibliities that need to be carried out to adequately manage fire scene investigations. Directives for the actions that sould be taken by fire suppression crews during the different stages of a fire to assist fire investigators. A description of the actions that need to be takenj by the members of the FIT after assuming responsibility for the investigation of a fire scene. A description of the actions to be taken to properly investigate large incide scenes, and deaths or serious injuries resulting from fires. Minimum training or expertise needed by those individuals charged with implementing certain parts of the procedure. Directives for the initiation and maintenance of interagency participation agreements, along with development and adoption of interagency notification guidelines.

• c.1: DOCUMENT ROOM - ROOM 209 [Status: IN]