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
What is the purpose of a 'scene walk-through' conducted with the incident commander before excavation begins?
Answer: To obtain the IC's initial observations about fire behavior and suppression activities
The walk-through with the IC captures perishable information about fire conditions, extension, suppression actions, and any alterations made to the structure during firefighting.
What condition is indicated when concrete at a fire scene appears pink, red, or spalled?
Answer: The concrete was exposed to significant heat, potentially above 600°F
Concrete discoloration to pink or red and spalling (surface fracturing) indicate exposure to high temperatures, which can help identify areas of intense heat.
When is it appropriate for a fire investigator to collect a 'comparison sample' at a fire scene?
Answer: Always, alongside every accelerant evidence sample, from an unburned area of similar material
Comparison samples from unburned material of the same type allow the laboratory to distinguish between background hydrocarbons present in building materials and actual accelerants.
Which of the following best describes the 'origin' of a fire as defined by NFPA 921?
Answer: The general geographic location, specific area, or point where a fire began
NFPA 921 defines origin as the general geographic location, specific area, or point where the fire began, which is determined through systematic scene analysis.
A fire investigator receives a call during scene examination from an attorney representing the property owner, who demands that all examination stop. What should the investigator do?
Answer: Consult with their own legal counsel or authority having jurisdiction before taking any action
When legal demands are made during scene examination, the investigator should consult with their legal authority before stopping or continuing to ensure their activities remain lawful.
What is the primary purpose of maintaining a scene security log?
Answer: To document all individuals who entered the scene and when, supporting chain of custody
A scene security log creates an official record of all persons who accessed the scene, which is critical for maintaining evidence integrity and chain of custody.
Which of the following scene conditions would most likely cause an investigator to classify a fire's cause as 'undetermined'?
Answer: Severe destruction of the origin area that prevents identification of the ignition source
When physical evidence at the origin has been destroyed to the extent that no ignition source can be identified or excluded, the cause must be classified as undetermined.