FRP 176 Fire Investigation 1

Provides the student with the fundamentals and technical knowledge needed for proper fire scene interpretations, including recognizing and conducting origin and cause, preservation of evidence and documentation, scene security, motives of the fire setter, and types of fire causes. Meets or exceeds course requirements for FESHE Fire Investigation I (C0238).

Prerequisite: Completion of ES 173 , FRP 266 , FRP 159  all with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor. 
Differential Fee Yes
Student Learning Outcomes:
 

1. Demonstrate the importance of documentation, evidence collection and the scene security process needed for successful resolution.
2. Understand and demonstrate the process of conducting fire origin and cause investigation.
3. Identify the responsibilities of a firefighter when responding to the scene of a fire, including scene security and evidence preservation.
4. Describe the implications of constitutional amendments as they apply to fire investigations to include case law decisions that have affected fire investigations.
5. Define the common terms used in fire investigations.
6. Explain the basic elements of fire dynamics, construction and fire protection systems as to how they affect origin and cause determination.
7. Discuss the basic principles and identify cause and origin of fires.
8. Recognize potential health and safety hazards.

• Emergency Responder Responsibilities and Observations.
  • Responsibilities of the Fire Department.
  • Responsibilities of the Firefighter.
  • Responsibilities of the Fire Officer.
  • Observations When Approaching the Scene.
  • Observations Upon Arrival.
  • Observations During Firefighting Operations.
  • Identification of Incendiary Devices.
•  Constitutional Law.
  • Criminal Law.
  • Constitutional Amendments.
• Case Studies.
  • Michigan v. Tyler.
  • Michigan v. Clifford.
  • Daubert Decision.
  • Benfield Decision.
  • Kuhmo/Carmichael Decision.
• Fire Investigations Terminology.
  • Terms as They Apply to Structural Fires.
  • Terms as They Apply to Vehicle Fires.
  • Other Common Investigative Terms.
• Basic Elements of Fire Dynamics.
  • Ignition.
  • Heat Transfer.
  • Flame Spread.
  • Burning Rate.
  • Fire Plumes.
  • Fire Analysis.
• Building Construction
  • Types of Construction.
  • Building Materials.
  • Building Components
• Fire Protection Systems
  • Extinguishment Systems.
  • Detection Systems.
  • Signaling Systems.
  • Other Building Services.
• Basic Principles of Electricity
  • Basic Electricity.
  • Wiring Systems.
  • Common Electrical Systems.
• Health and Safety.
  • Methods of Identification.
  • Common Causes of Accidents
  • Common Causes of Injuries.
• Fire Scene Investigations.
  • Examining the Fire Scene.
  • Securing the Fire Scene.
  • Documenting the Fire Scene.
  • Evidence Collection and Preservation.
  • Exterior Examination.
• Determining Point of Origin.
  •  Interior Examination.
  • Area of Origin.
  • Fire Patterns.
  • Other Indicators.
  • Scene Reconstruction.
  • Point of Origin.
• Types of Fire Causes.
  • Accidental.
  • Natural.
  • Incendiary.
  • Undetermined.
• Vehicle Fires.
  • Examination of Scene.
  • Examination of Exterior.
  • Examination of Driver and Passenger Areas.
  • Examination of Engine Compartment.
  • Examination of Fuel System
  • Examination of Electrical System.
• Fire Setters.
  • Characteristics of Arson.
  • Common Motives.