FINALS COVERAGE

MODULE 4
FIRE INVESTIGATION

FIRE INVESTIGATION
The totality of the process involving the determination of whether or not a fire
occurrence is accidental, incendiary or caused by natural causes.
ARSON INVESTIGATION
The art of probing and analyzing an incendiary/intentional fires which is intended
to identify, locate, and ultimately prosecute the perpetrator.
Conduct formal investigation to determine the following factors:
A. Legal owner of the burned property and estimated damages
B. Nature of business if commercial and its present financial ventures to include
insurance coverage
C. Legitimacy of Operation
D. Motives
E. Identity of the perpetrator/s
› Consult respective RFM/DFM/PFM/C/MFM for proper guidance
› Inform owners/occupants to secure necessary clearance before clearing the
fire scene.
› Submit necessary reports within the prescriptive period.
›
WHO IS A FIRE INVESTIGATOR?
Persons responsible to Conduct Fire and Arson Investigation Philippine Setting
(SOP No. 2001 – 01)
1. Regional Fire Marshal
2. Provincial Fire Marshal
3. District Fire Marshal
4. City Fire Marshal
5. Municipal Marshal
6. Fire/Arson Investigator

WHAT ARE THE SIX (6) CARDINAL POINTS OF INVESTIGATION?

Who
What
When
Where
Why
How

TOOLS OF INVESTIGATION

INFORMATION

It is the knowledge/ data which an investigator acquires from records and persons.
Regular source is acquired from open sources, records, files, Cultivated source are
information furnished by informants/ informers, Grapevine source are information given
by the underworld characters such as prisoners or criminals.

INTERVIEW

Is a conversation with a purpose, motivated by a desire to obtain certain

information from the person being interviewed as to what was either done, seen, felt,
heard, tasted, smell or known.
This is the questioning of a person believed to possess knowledge that is in
official interest to the investigator.

INTERROGATION

Interrogation is a questioning of a person suspected if having committed an

offense or a person who is reluctant to make full disclosure of information in his
possession which is pertinent to the investigation.

ARSON

What are basic lines of inquiry in Arson Investigation?

The arson investigator must have to inquire on the following a) point of origin of
fire b) motives of arsonist c) prime suspects d) the tell tale signs of arson.
1. Point of origin of fire
 Initially, the important point to be established is the point of origin of fire. In
other words, at what particular place in the building the fire started? This may be
established by an examination of the witness, by an inspection of the debris at the fire
scene and by studying the fingerprint of fire. The fingerprint of fire occurs during the free
burning stage of the fire when pyrolytic decomposition moves upward on the walls
leaving a bunt pattern.
How To Determine The Point of Origin:
1. Locate the point of origin
2. Begin in the area of heaviest damage.
3. Determine whether the fire is originated at the building’s exterior.
4. Examine the interior completely to locate the area/room of most severe
damage.
5. Check the ceiling to find the worst area of damage.
6. Find the lowest point of burning within the area of origin.
7. Look for the direction of the heat flow.
Witnesses must be questioned as to:
o His identity
o What attracted his attention
o Time of observation
o His position in relation to the fire at the time of observation
o Exact location of the blaze
o Size and intensity
o Rapidity of spread
o Color of flame and odor if he is in a position this
o Any other person in the vicinity beside the witness
Note fire setting mechanism
 matches
 candles
 electrical system
 mechanical means
 chemical methods
2. Motive of Arsonist
To understand the motives of arsonist, the arson investigator have to note the
following that fires are set by:
Persons with Motives
 o Those with desire to defraud the Insurer
o Employees or such other person who have a grievance (Fire revenge)
o Those with desire to conceal evidence of a crime
o Those who set fire for purposes of intimidation

People without motives

o Those who are mentally ill
o Pathological fire-setters
o Pyros and the Psychos

Motives of Arsonist
o Economic Gain
o Insurance fraud – benefiting
o Desire to dispose merchandise – lost of market value being out of
season, lack of raw materials, over supply of merchandise can be a big
reason for arson.
o Existing business transaction that the arsonist would like to avoid such
as impending liquidation, settlement of estate, need for cash,
prospective business failure, and increase rentals
o Profit by the Perpetrator other than the Assured like insurance agents
wishing business with the assured, business competitors planning to
drive others, person seeking job as personnel protection, salvagers and
contractors wishing to contact another building
o Concealment of Crime - When the purpose of hiding a crime or
committing a crime, arson was used as means.
o Punitive Measure - Committing arson to inflict injury to another due to
hatred, jealousy and revenge.
o Intimidation or Economic Disabling - Arsonist as saboteurs, strikers
and racketeers to intimidate management or employer.
3. The Tell Tale Signs of Arson

These signs maybe obvious that the first fireman at the scene will suspects arson
or they maybe so well concealed that moths of patient investigation to show that it is set
off will be required.
1. Burned Building – the type of the building may indicate a set fire under certain
circumstance. A fire of considerable size at the time the first apparatus arrive at
the scene is suspicious if it is a modern concrete or semi-concrete building.
2. Separate fires – when two or more separate fire breaks out within a building. The
fire is certainly suspicious.
3. Color of Smoke – some fire burn with little or no smoke but they are exception.
The observation of the smoke must be made at the start of the fire since once the
fire has assumed a major proportion, the value of the smoke is lost, because the
smoke will not indicate the material used by the arsonist
a) When white smoke appears before the water from the fire hose comes in
contact with the fire, it indicates humid material burning. Example –
burning hay, vegetable materials, phosphorus (with garlic odor).
b) Biting smoke, irritating the nose and throat and causing lacrymation and
coughing indicates presence of chlorine.
c) Black smoke indicates lack of air if accompanied by large flames it
indicates petroleum products and rubber.
d) Reddish-brown smoke indicates nitrocellulose, S1, H2, S04, HN03, or
HCI.
e) Meaning of color of Smoke and Fire:
 Black smoke with deep red flame – petroleum products, tar,
rubber, plastics, etc.
 Heavy brown with bright red flame – nitrogen products
 White smoke with bright flame – magnesium products
 Black smoke with red and blue green flame – asphalt
 Purple-violet flame – potassium products
 Greenish-yellow flame – Chloride or Manganese products
 IUI7• Bright reddish yellow flame – Calcium products
Combustibles Color of Smoke
Hay/vegetable compounds, White
phosporous
Benzine White to Gray
Nitro-cellulose, sulphur Yellow to brownish-yellow
Nitric and Hydrochloric acid Yellow to brownish-yellow

Gunpowder Yellow to brownish-yellow

Chlorine gas Greenish-yellow

Wood, paper, wood Gray to brown

Iodine Violet

Cooking oil Brown

Naptha, Lacquer thinner Brownish black

Turpentine Black to brown

Acetone, Kerosene, Gasoline, Black

Tar,
 Lubricating oil, Rubber, Coal, Black
Plastics

4. Color of flame – The color of the flame is a good indication of the intensity of
the fire, an important factor in determining incendiarism.
Flame Color Temperature

Faint Red 975 degrees F - 525 degrees C

Red – visible in daylight 1050 degrees F- 565 degrees C

Blood red 1175 degrees F- 635 degrees C

Dark Cherry red 1250 degrees F- 675 degrees C

Medium cherry red 1365 degrees F- 740 degrees C

Bright red 1555 degrees F- 845 degrees C

Salmon red 1650 degrees F- 900 degrees C

Orange 1725 degrees F- 940 degrees C

Lemon 1825 degrees F- 995 degrees C

Light yellow 1975 degrees F- 1080 degrees C

White 2200 degrees F- 1205 degrees C

Blue White 2550 degrees F- 1400 degrees C

5. Amount of Heat – A reddish glow indicates heat of 5000 degrees centigrade, a

real bright read about 100 degrees centigrade. Red flames indicate of petroleum.
Blue flame indicates use of alcohol as accelerant.
Heat Colors Temperature
Yellow 450 degrees F - 230 degrees C

Brown to Purple 550 “ F - 290 “ C

Blue 600 “ F - 320 “ C

Faint Red 900 “ F - 480 “ C

 Dark Cherry 1100 “ F - 590 “ C

Full Cherry 1400 “ F - 760 “ C

Salmon 1600 “ F - 870 “ C

Lemon 1800 “ F - 980 “ C

White 2200 “ F - 1200 “ C

Sparkling White 2400 “ F - 1320 “ C

6. Smoke Marks – An experience investigation will determine the volume of smoke

involved at a fire and the character as residue deposited on walls or elsewhere.
Smoke in marks have often been of assistance in determining the possibility of a
fire having more than one place of origin.
7. Size of Fire – This is important when correlated with the type of alarm, the time
received and the time of arrival of the first fire apparatus. Fires make what might
be termed a normal progress. Such progress can be estimated after an examination
of the material burned the building and the normal ventilation offered of the fire.
The time element and the degree of headway by the flames become important
factors to determine factors to determine possible incendiarism.
8. Direction of Travel – While it is admitted that no two fires burn in identical
fashion, yet it can be shown that fire makes normal progress through various types
of building materials, combustibility of contents, channel of ventilation and
circumstances surrounding the sending of alarm, an experienced investigator can
determine whether a fire spread abnormally fast.
9. Intensity – The degree of heat given off by a fire and the color of its flame
oftentimes indicate that some accelerant has been added to the material normally
present in a building and the investigator must look for further evidence pointing
to use of such accelerant. Difficulty in extinguishing the fire is often a lead to
suspect presence of such fluid as gasoline and kerosene.
10. Odor – The odor of gasoline, alcohol, kerosene and other inflammable liquids
which are often used as accelerant is characteristics and oftentimes arsonist are
trapped because of this telltale sign. Most of fire – setters are inclined to use
substance which will make the blaze certain and at the same time burn up any
evidence of their crime.
Item/Substance Odor

Nitro-cellulose Pungent, similar to camphor

Phosphorous Wet match heads
Carbon disulfide Rotten Cabbage
Gunpowder Burned firecrackers
 Sulphur candles Chocking odor
Ammonia Pungent
Insect sprays Sweet or perfumed
Cyanide or hydrochloric acid gas Peach pit

11. Condition of Content – Persons tending to set their house on fire frequently
remove objects of value either materially or sentimentally. Store and other
business establishments oftentimes remove a major portion of their content or
replace valuable merchandise without of style articles.
METHODS OF PROOF OF ARSON

Physical evidences in arson are often destroyed. To prove arson was committed,
Corpus Delicti must be shown and identify of the arsonist must be established.
Corpus Delicti (body of the crime) is the fact of that crime was committed. The
following must show it:
1. Burning – that there was fire that may be shown by direct testimony of
complaint, firemen responding to the crime, other eyewitnesses. Burned parts
of the building may also indicate location.
2. Criminal Design – must show that it was wilfully and intentionally done. The
presence of incendiary devices, flammables such as gasoline and kerosene
may indicate that the fire is not accidental.
3. Evidence of Intent – When valuables were removed from the building before
the fire, ill-feeling between the accused and the occupants of the building
burned, absence of effort to put off fire and such other indications.

PYROMANIAC

A pyromaniac having the uncontrollable impulse to burn anything without any

motivation. They do not run away from the fire scene since they love watching fire
burning.
Types of Pyromania
a) Abnormal Youth – epileptics, imbeciles and morons
b) Hero Type – a person set a building on fire and pretends to discover it,
turn on the alarm or make some rescue works to appear as “hero”
c) Drug addicts and alcoholics
d) Sexual deviates and perverts 2 0
THE INVESTIGATOR ARRIVES AT THE FIRE SCENE

Must record, observe and determine the following:

A. Determine the focal point of origin;
B. Location of fire debris and other physical evidence where they were taken must
be photographed, properly placed in sealed container with corresponding tag/label
duly initiated by the attending investigators and must be brought to the BFP
Arson Laboratory and or PNP/NBI Crime Laboratory for examination.
C. Observation of exterior/interior of building and its surroundings.
D. Observation of spectators particularly those who are leaving the vicinity.
E. Method of entry found, doors, windows whether locked or unlocked.
F. Occupants manner of dress, attitudes and actuations.
G. After Fire Operation, the Fire/Arson Investigator must undertake the following
necessary Steps:
• carefully collect debris from various portions wherein the fire originated,
segregate and place in a sealed container with corresponding labels and
initials, and take pictures of the same;
• gather possible physical evidence which could have been used if there is
an indication of arson and have it properly documented;
• interview person/s who could give vital information relative to the fire and
invite possible witnesses including the owner/occupants of the
burned/affected structure or building.

N. INVESTIGATION DURING THE FIRE

Initial Actions During Fire Alarms:

A. Immediate response of the nearest Fire Station/Sub-Station crew upon receiving
the alarm together with the designated investigator is required and mandatory.
B. Coordination with local police authorities and Barangay officials concerned must
be done to ensure smooth flow of traffic, crowd control and security of the area
from looters and the transfer of fire victims to a safer place.
C. Fire investigator/s on case shall cordon the place and secure the area by posting
guards to prevent unauthorized person/s until all essential evidences have been
collected for examination by the assigned/duly authorized evidence collector.
D. Point of origin must be established, cordoned and properly secured until the
investigation has been completed. Clearance from the City/Municipal Fire
Marshal/concerned officers must be obtained prior to the clearing of the area.
E. BFP Intelligence Branch/Unit must extend assistance if necessary for collation of
information relative to fire incident.
F. Information gathered must be evaluated to determine the reliability and value in
relation to the incident.

I. RECORDING
a. Photograph
1. Crowd
2. Vehicles
 - make and color
- speedometer reading
- key position
- plate number
3. Color of Flames and Smoke
b. Audio, Video Utilization
c. Sketch Preparation
1. Rough Sketch
2. Progression Sketch
II. INFORMATION GATHERING
a. Noting Characteristics of the Fire:
1. Rapidity of the spread of flame.
2. Color of the Smoke and Flames.
3. Identifiable Odors
4. Area of origin

b. Taking Notes on the Following:

1. Unnatural state of the premises.

2. Obstacle on entry point.
3. Door and window locked.
4. Fire alarm or other fire protection
equipments disconnected/sabotage.
5. Artificial drafts by making opening.
6. Block entrance.
7. Contents of the building.
c. Interview and Elicitation
1. Witnesses - Discoverer of fire
2. Fire Victims
3. Responding Firefighter as to
area of origin.
4. Neighbors
- Outside the Involved Building
- Inside the Involved Building

III. Secure and Protect the Scene

a. Determine the extent to which the scene has been protected.

b. Check the adequate scene security.
c. Take extensive notes, do not rely on memory.
d. Keep a record of persons/ individual who enters & leave.
a. Established frame of minutes to take control of scene regardless of
circumstances observed on arrival
b. Post Uniform Personnel, provide cordon rope and or barricade tape
Detail Analysis of Information from Witnesses
 Location of Area of Origin
 How Fire Detected
 Unusual Event Prior to Fire
 Fire Cause
 Last Person seen prior to the fire
Observation Analysis
 Non-Communicating Fires
 Present Condition & Location of Victim
 Incendiary Devices
 Missing Items
 Unusual Appearance & Location
 Trace Evidence Discover
Fire Pattern Analysis
 Lines or areas of Demarcation
 Surface Effects
 Penetration of Horizontal Surface
 Consumption of Material in Melting

Lines or areas of Demarcation

The borders defining the differences in certain heat and smoke effects of the fire
upon various materials. They appear between the affected and adjacent unaffected or less
affected areas.

Surface Effects
The nature and material of the surface that contains the fire pattern will have a bearing on
the shape and nature of the pattern itself.
Sample:

 Alligatory pattern
 Deep of Charring
 Spalling
 Clean Burn
 Rate of Charring
 Smoke and Soot

Penetration of Horizontal Surface

From above or below, can be caused by radiant heat, direct flame impingement, or
localized smoldering with or without the effects of ventilation.
Sample:
 U&V Pattern
 Inverted U&V Pattern
  Arrow Pattern
 Pointer
Consumption of Material in Melting
Typically when wood or other combustible surfaces burn they lose material and mass.
The shapes and quantities of remaining combustibles can themselves produce lines of
demarcation and ultimately, fire patterns to be analyzed by the investigator.

INVESTIGATION OF THE SCENE AFTER THE FIRE

ORGANIZATION AND BASIC STAGES IN SEARCH OPERATIONS

I. Preparation

A. Team Briefing
1. Materials requirement
of involved members

2. Discussed search pattern use:

 strip
 double strip
 wheel
 spiral
 zone
3. Assignment / role of individual team members.
4. Set up command post
5. Organize communication with services auxiliary.
6. Coordination with other agencies.

II. Initiates Preliminary Survey

a. Accomplished a cautious walk through the scene.
b. Acquire preliminary photograph.
c. Delineate extent of the search area.
d. Determine personnel and equipment needs.
e. Identify and protect transient physical evidence.
f. Develop general theory of the crime.
g. Record vehicles identification number, key position and odometer reading.
h. Concentrate on most transient evidence and work to the least transient form of physical
evidence.
i. Focus first on the easily accessible areas in open view and progress eventually to
possible outer view locations, look for a purposively hidden items.
j. Consider whether the evidence appears to have been moved inadvertently
k. Evaluate whether or not the scene and evidence appears unintentionally contrived.
l. Two basic search approaches:
1. "Cautious" search of visible areas, taking steps to avoid evidence loss or
contamination.
2. After the "cautious“ search, a vigorous search for hidden concealed areas.
III. Depict Scene Photographically
a. Begin photography as soon as possible.
b. Document the photographic effort with a photographic logbook.
c. Insure that a progression of overall, medium and close-up view of the scene is
establish.
d. Use recognize scale device for size determination when applicable.
e. When scale device is used first take photograph without the inclusion of the device.
f. Photograph evidence in place before its collection and packaging.
g. Be observant on photographs areas adjacent to the crime scene – points of entry, exits,
windows.
h. Photograph items, places, etc to collaborate the statement of witnesses, victims, and
suspects.
i. Prepare photographic sketch and photo logbook.
j. Do not hesitate to photograph something which has no apparent significance at that
time, it may later prove to be a key element in the investigation.
I. Prepare Sketch of the Scene
The diagram establishes permanent record of items condition and distance/ size
relationship - diagram photographs.
a. Typical Materials on rough sketch (not drawn to scale)
• Case Identifier
• Location
• Date/Time
• Scale or Scale Disclaims
• Compass Orientation
• Measurements
• Key of Legends
• Sketch Preparer

b. General Progression of Sketches

 Layout basic perimeter
 Set forth fixed objects, furniture, etc.
 Insert evidence as it is recovered
 Record appropriate measurements
 Set forth key/ Legends compass orientation
 Others
c. Number designation on sketch should be coordinated with same number designation
on evidence log.
d. Insure that enough room is allowed to include all pertinent information and
measurement.

V. Collect and Preserve Evidence

a. Collect evidence in accordance with standard practice.
b. Use specialized search patterns (strip, double strip, zone, wheel)
c. Photograph all items before collection and enter notation in photographic
logbook.
d. Mark evidence location in diagram sketch.
e. Have at least 2 persons:
 See evidence in place before collection;
 Observe it being collected;
 Tag zeal evidence;
 Place identifying marks on evidence container and document the proceeding by
photograph.
f. Do not handle evidence excessively after recovery.
g. If feasible, have one person as an evidence custodian to prepare evidence chain of
custody, and evidence log.
h. Seal all evidence containers at the crime scene.
i. The best container for physical evidence such as debris with possible flammable
accelerants is clean can, or jar and thus, evidence plastic container can do.
j. Do not forget entrance/ exit areas at the scene to obtain appropriate and
substantial known standards.
k. Do not over document the physical evidence.

VI. Conduct Final Survey

a. This survey is a critical review of all aspects of the search.
b. Double check documentation to detect inadvertent errors.
c. Insure that photographs are taken of scene showing final condition after
completion of search.
d. Check to insure all evidence is accounted far before departing scene.
e. Release of the fire scene is accomplished only after completion of the final
survey.
f. Secure affidavit that no looting/ lost cause by responding firefighters.

THE FIRE INVESTIGATION REPORT (FIR)

A. Fire investigators assigned must sign the FIR in five (5) copies to be submitted
to the Fire Chief, Regional, Provincial, District, City/Municipal Fire Marshals.
B. The findings in the FIR that will be submitted to the Fire Chief, RFM,
PFM’s/DFM’s and City/Municipal Fire Marshals as the case maybe shall either
be ACCIDENTAL or INTENTIONAL. In both cases, persons responsible for the
fire incident either by neglect or intentional shall be pinpointed by pieces of
evidence and proceeded by court action. UNDETERMINED causes of fire shall
be considered as pending investigation matters and should not be reflected in
FIR’s.
C. Fire investigating units are prohibited from furnishing copies of their FIR to any
party unless ordered by competent courts. All requests for Fire Certificates by the
fire victims or other interested parties concerning a fire case shall be directly
addressed to the concerned Fire Marshals who may issue a certificate as
authorized.

AUTHORITY ON THE ISSUANCE OF THE FIRE CERTIFICATES

A. For NCR
Authority Aggregate Damage
 1. Municipal Fire Marshal - - - - - - - - - - Not exceeding P 10 M
2. City Fire Marshal - - - - - - - - - - Not exceeding P 20 M
3. District Fire Marshal - - - - - - - - - - Not exceeding P 30 m
4. Regional Fire Marshal - - - - - - - - - - Above P 30 M but not
exceeding P 50 M
5. Fire Chief - - - - - - - - - - Above P 50 M

B. For Other Regions (other than NCR)

Authority Aggregate Damage

1. Municipal Fire Marshal - - - - - - - - - - - Not exceeding P 10 M

2. City Fire Marshal - - - - - - - - - - - Not exceeding P 20 M
3. Provincial Fire Marshal - - - - - - - - - - - Not exceeding P 30 M
4. Regional Fire Marshal - - - - - - - - - - - Above P30 M but not
exceeding P 50 M
5. Fire Chief - - - - - - - - - - - P 50 M and above

The Fire Chief through the recommendation of the CIID shall issue Fire Certificate to an
aggregate damage of P 50M and above or under any circumstances that there are casualties
(killed) in a particular fire incident.