Preliminary Investigation of Fires

NFPA 1730 addresses the staffing needs and personnel requirements for fire prevention organizations conducting fire investigations.  This standard places a large emphasis on utilizing the responding units and company officer as a resource to conduct the preliminary investigation.  If a more in-depth investigation is needed or a crime has been committed then personnel assigned with this specific task can then be called.

NFPA 1730 refers the reader to the qualifications of NFPA 1021, Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications which outlines the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for a company officer to conduct preliminary investigations for origin and cause.

• Knowledge of arson methods, fire causes, fire behavior, and documentation of investigative procedures.
• Know when to delay overhaul operations.
• Ability to properly secure an incident scene.
• Ability to recognize and protect potential evidence from damage and destruction.

With stretched budgets and minimal staffing, it may be best for departments to train and equip company officers (and even lower ranks) to conduct these investigations. Below are some resources that you may want to consider as you develop a department training program.

RESOURCES

The Fire Officer's Responsibilities at Incendiary Fires - Firehouse Magazine

Firefighting and Preserving the Fire Scene: Finding the Balance - Fire Engineering Magazine

Fire Cause Determination for Company Officers - USFA Student Manual

CFItrainer.net - Free on-line investigation training

Catching Killers: Fire Investigation - video/documentary

Incendiary: The Willingham Case - video/documentary

Good Intentions - 10 Time Eaters That Will Keep You From Your Mission

It has been said, “the road to failure is paved with good intentions”.  Many in the work place have great ideas for innovation and improvement.  However, without a clear plan and sharp focus, these end up as just “great ideas” or “good intentions”.  

'Time' by Celestine Chua

In Company Officer, by Clinton Smoke, he lists ten “time eaters”.  These “time eaters” are items that creep in and distract you from your main goals and mission objectives.  Being aware of these is the first step in preventing them from derailing and distracting from the things that matter most.

1. Lack of personal goals and objectives - have and maintain a clear vision of where you want to go
2. Lack of planning - dedicate the end or beginning of each day to planning your schedule
3. Procrastination - complete activities early in the day, do not put off activites that can be completed now for later
4. Reacting to urgent events, often the result of procrastination - if your day is properly planned, and scheduled, an urgent event will not created major set-backs
5. Telephone interruptions - keep unnecessary and unschedule phone calls short; turn off the phone when you need to stay focused on certain projects.
6. Drop-in visitors - be nice, be polite, but be to the point with unscheduled guests
7. Trying to do too much yourself - do the things only you can do, delegate the rest
8. Ineffective delegation - delegate the right responsibilities to the right people
9. Personal disorganization - do what is necessary to maintain focus and organization in your personal life and professional goals.
10. Inability to say “no” - say ‘no’ to any tasks or items do not further your goals, or contribute to your plan/vision.

Take some time this week to review your goals and objectives, and act on your "good intentions".