Fire Scene Management Flashcards
7 cards from real CFI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Fire Scene Management flashcards as text
Under NFPA 921, what is the recommended approach when two valid hypotheses exist for the cause of a fire?
Answer: Test each hypothesis against all available data and eliminate those not supported
NFPA 921 directs investigators to apply the scientific method, testing each hypothesis against all data and eliminating those that cannot be supported by the evidence.
What is the primary hazard investigators face when re-entering a fire-damaged structure?
Answer: Structural collapse of compromised walls, floors, and roofs
Structural collapse is the leading cause of injury and death to investigators working in fire-damaged buildings.
Which type of evidence collection container is preferred for liquid accelerant samples?
Answer: New, unused paint cans with tight-fitting lids or approved nylon bags
New, unlined paint cans or approved nylon/polyester evidence bags are preferred because they do not off-gas or contaminate accelerant samples the way plastic or rubber materials can.
A fire investigator is called to a scene three days after suppression. What is the first step before beginning examination?
Answer: Obtain proper legal authority to enter and search the scene
Before any physical examination, investigators must ensure they have proper legal authority—consent, administrative warrant, or criminal warrant—to enter and search the scene.
What does 'low burn' evidence at a fire scene typically indicate to an investigator?
Answer: A flammable liquid may have been used and pooled on the floor
Low burn patterns on floors and lower wall surfaces can indicate the presence of flammable liquids, which pool and ignite at floor level.
Which action during debris excavation best preserves the integrity of fire scene evidence?
Answer: Removing debris in layers from top to bottom, documenting each layer
Systematic layer-by-layer removal documents the stratigraphy of the debris field, which can reveal information about fire progression and the location of ignition sources.
A fire investigator suspects that a witness is also a person of interest. What is the best practice?
Answer: Coordinate with law enforcement and ensure proper legal protocols are followed
When a witness becomes a person of interest, the investigator must coordinate with law enforcement to ensure constitutional rights are protected and the investigation is not compromised.