FFIIRREE IINNVVEESSTTIIGGAATTIIOONN 11AA FFiirree CCaauussee aanndd OOrriiggiinn DDeetteerrmmiinnaattiioonn STUDENT SUPPLEMENT January 2011 Approved and Adopted by the Office of the State Fire Marshal Recommended for adoption by the Statewide Training and Education Advisory Committee and the State Board of Fire Services CAL FIRE/OSFM State Fire Training FF II 11AA IIRREE NNVVEESSTTIIGGAATTIIOONN FFIIRREE OORRIIGGIINN AANNDD CCAAUUSSEE DDEETTEERRMMIINNAATTIIOONN SSTTUUDDEENNTT SSUUPPPPLLEEMMEENNTT Published by STATE FIRE TRAINING PO Box 944246 Sacramento, CA 94244-2460 January 2011 STATE FIR E FIRE INVESTIGATION 1A STATE FIRE Fire Origin and Cause Determination Mission Statement.......................................................................................................................i California Fire Service Training and Education System..............................................................i Acknowledgments......................................................................................................................i Course Outline..........................................................................................................................iii Texts and References................................................................................................................iv Topic 1: Orientation and Administration................................................................................... 1 Course Design....................................................................................................................... 1 Course Requirements............................................................................................................. 1 Student Evaluation................................................................................................................. 1 Calendar of Events................................................................................................................. 2 Your Progress Chart............................................................................................................... 3 Topic 2: The Role of the Fire Investigator.................................................................................. 4 Fire Loss in the United States................................................................................................. 4 Why Fires Are Investigated.................................................................................................... 5 Fire Department Organization............................................................................................... 5 Public Sector Fire Investigators............................................................................................... 6 Agencies Involved With Fire Investigation, Training, and Standards........................................ 7 Investigator Ethics.................................................................................................................. 9 Investigator Organizations................................................................................................... 10 Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigators................................................................... 11 Individual Activity 2-1: What Does It All Mean?................................................................... 13 Glossary of Terms................................................................................................................ 16 Topic 3: The Scientific Method............................................................................................... 19 Topic 4: Fire Development for the Investigator........................................................................ 20 Topic 5: Legal Aspects of Fire Investigation............................................................................. 21 Michigan v. Tyler ................................................................................................................ 21 Michigan v. Clifford............................................................................................................. 22 Authority to Investigate........................................................................................................ 23 Inspection Warrant.............................................................................................................. 25 Recommended Consent to Search Form............................................................................... 28 Inspection Warrant.............................................................................................................. 29 Group Activity 5-1: Am I There Legally?............................................................................... 30 Topic 6: Expert Testimony ...................................................................................................... 32 The Frye Opinion................................................................................................................ 32 Frye v. United States (1923)................................................................................................. 33 Depositions......................................................................................................................... 34 Expert Testimony................................................................................................................. 35 Excerpt from the Investigation & Prosecution of Arson.......................................................... 36 Example of a Curriculum Vitae ............................................................................................ 48 Group Activity 6-1: Testifying With Body Language............................................................. 50 STATE FIR E FIRE INVESTIGATION 1A STATE FIRE Fire Origin and Cause Determination Topic 7: Arson Law................................................................................................................. 51 The Criminal Aspects of the Investigation............................................................................. 51 Criminal Act of Burning....................................................................................................... 51 Relevant Sections of the California Penal Code.................................................................... 51 California Penal Code Sections for Arson and Destructive Device ........................................ 52 California Penal Code Sections for Time of Commencing Criminal Actions .......................... 59 Health and Safety Code Sections Related to Fire Investigation.............................................. 59 Vehicle Code Section Related to Fire Investigation............................................................... 60 Court Cases and General Intent............................................................................................ 60 People v. Fry (1993)............................................................................................................ 62 People v. Atkins (2001)........................................................................................................ 67 Group Activity 7-1: What's the Code Section?...................................................................... 83 Topic 8: Fire Scene Documentation........................................................................................ 85 Individual and Group Activity 8-1: Scene Sketching............................................................. 86 Topic 9: Point of Origin Determination................................................................................... 89 Group Activity 9-1: Burn Pattern Indicators (Option 1)......................................................... 90 Group Activity 9-1: Burn Pattern Indicators (Option 2)......................................................... 91 Topic 10: Ignition................................................................................................................... 92 Topic 11: Accidental Ignition Sources..................................................................................... 93 Topic 12: Electrical Ignition Sources........................................................................................ 94 Excerpt from the Investigation & Prosecution of Arson.......................................................... 94 Topic 13: Incendiary Fire Indicators...................................................................................... 101 Group Activity 13-1: What Would I Look For?................................................................... 102 Topic 14: Incendiary Devices................................................................................................ 103 Excerpts from the California Penal Code ............................................................................ 103 Excerpt from the Investigation & Prosecution of Arson........................................................ 105 Topic 15: Structure Fire Investigation.................................................................................... 108 Topic 16: Vehicle Fire Investigation...................................................................................... 109 Automobile Fire Investigation Checklist............................................................................. 109 Vehicle Field Notes........................................................................................................... 113 Topic 17: Wildland Fire Investigation.................................................................................... 117 Glossary of Wildland Fire Terminology.............................................................................. 118 Cigarettes as a Wildland Fire Cause ................................................................................... 121 Group Activity 17-1: What Do You See?............................................................................ 134 Topic 18: Explosion Investigation.......................................................................................... 135 STATE FIR E FIRE INVESTIGATION 1A STATE FIRE Fire Origin and Cause Determination Mission Statement MMiissssiioonn SSttaatteemmeenntt The mission of State Fire Training is to enable the California fire service to safely protect life and property through education, training, and certification. California Fire Service Training and Education System The California Fire Service Training and Education System (CFSTES) was established to provide a single statewide focus for fire service training in California. CFSTES is a composite of all the elements that contribute to the development, delivery, and administration of training for the California Fire Service. The authority for the central coordination of this effort is vested in the Training Division of the California State Fire Marshal's Office with oversight provided by the State Board of Fire Services. The role of CFSTES is one of facilitating, coordinating, and assisting in the development and implementation of standards and certification for the California fire service. CFSTES manages the California Fire Academy System by providing standardized curriculum and tests; accredited courses leading to certification; approved standardized training programs for local and regional delivery; administering the certification system; and publishing Career Development Guides, Instructors Guides, Student Manuals, Student Supplements, and other related support materials. This system is as successful and effective as the people involved in it are. It is a fire service system developed by the fire service, for the fire service... and we believe it is the best one in the country. AAcckknnoowwlleeddggmmeennttss State Fire Training coordinated the development of the material contained in this guide. Before its publication, the Statewide Training and Education Advisory Committee (STEAC) and the State Board of Fire Services (SBFS) recommended this guide for adoption by the State Fire Marshal (SFM). This guide is appropriate for fire service personnel and for personnel in related occupations that are pursuing State Fire Training certification. Ken Pimlott Acting Director of CAL FIRE Tonya Hoover Vacant Acting State Fire Marshal Assistant State Fire Marshal Mike Richwine Ronny J. Coleman Chief, State Fire Training Chair, STEAC January 2011 - i - STATE FIR E FIRE INVESTIGATION 1A STATE FIRE Fire Origin and Cause Determination Acknowledgments Special acknowledgement and thanks are extended to the following members of State Fire Training for their diligent efforts and contributions that made the final publication of this document possible. Alicia Hamilton Fire Service Training Specialist III The material contained in this document was compiled and organized through the cooperative effort of numerous professionals within, and associated with, the California fire service. We gratefully acknowledge the following individuals who served as principal developers for this document. Jim Allen John Madden Allan Hancock College San Luis Obispo Fire Department Tom Fee Brad Martin California Conference of Arson Fairfield Fire Department Investigators Joe Konefal, Team Leader Brendan O'Leary CAL FIRE/SFM Arson & Bomb Unit (Retired) San Francisco Fire Department Mark Koenig Greg Smith CAL FIRE Law Enforcement Unit (Retired) CAL FIRE/SFM Arson & Bomb Unit (Retired) State Fire Training also wishes to extend a thank you to the California Conference of Arson Investigators for their support in the completion of this project. "We gratefully acknowledge the hard work and accomplishments of those before us who built the solid foundation on which this program continues to grow." January 2011 - ii - STATE FIR E FIRE INVESTIGATION 1A STATE FIRE Fire Origin and Cause Determination Course Outline CCoouurrssee OOuuttlliinnee Course Objectives: To provide the student with… a) An overview of fire investigative practices and responsibilities associated with fire origin and cause. b) Technical information enabling them to determine the area of fire origin. c) Background information that will lead them to develop an opinion of the fire causes. d) Technical information on the State's arson laws and legal aspects of fire scene investigation. Course Content............................................................................................................40:00 1. Orientation and Administration...................................................................................... 1:00 2. The Role of the Fire Investigator..................................................................................... 1:00 3. The Scientific Method.................................................................................................... 1:00 4. Fire Development for the Investigator........................................................................... 2:00 5. Legal Aspects of Fire Investigation................................................................................ 3:00 6. Expert Testimony............................................................................................................ 1:00 7. Arson Law...................................................................................................................... 1:00 8. Fire Scene Documentation........................................................................................... 1:00 9. Point of Origin Determination ........................................................................................ 4:00 10. Ignition........................................................................................................................... 2:00 11. Accidental Ignition Sources........................................................................................... 3:00 12. Electrical Ignition Sources.............................................................................................. 2:00 13. Incendiary Fire Indicators .............................................................................................. 3:00 14. Incendiary Devices........................................................................................................ 2:00 15. Structure Fire Investigation............................................................................................. 2:00 16. Vehicle Fire Investigation............................................................................................... 2:00 17. Wildland Fire Investigation............................................................................................. 2:30 18. Explosion Investigation................................................................................................... 2:30 Formative Tests.......................................................................................................... 3:00 Summative Test......................................................................................................... 1:00 January 2011 - iii - STATE FIR E FIRE INVESTIGATION 1A STATE FIRE Fire Origin and Cause Determination Texts and References TTeexxttss aanndd RReeffeerreenncceess  Arson Fires in California, CSFM, NFIRS Program, www.osfm.fire.ca.gov/cairs/cairs.php  California Code of Civil Procedure, Sections 1822.50-1822.57  California Evidence Code, 2009 Edition, Sections 720–723 and 800-805  California Fire Code, Sections 104, 104.10 and 104.10.1  California Health and Safety Code, Sections 13000-13002, 13007, 13100, and 13107  California Penal Code, Sections 15-17, 26, 450-457.1, 654, 800-801, 1523–1542, 11413, 12301-12303.3, 12308-12312  California Public Resources Code, Sections 714 and 714(d)  California Vehicle Code, Section 23111  Essential Finding - A Study of Serial Arsonists, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Center for Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC), 1994  Fire Investigation Handbook, National Insurance Crime Bureau, 1995  Fire Loss In The United States, NFPA Research Paper, 2008 Edition (Revised 2010)  Fireline Handbook – Appendix B, NWCG, 2006 Edition  Forensic Fire Scene Reconstruction, Icove and DeHaan, Second Edition6  http://definitions.uslegal.com  Ignition Handbook, Vytennis Babrauskus PhD, Fire Science Publishers, 2003 Edition  Investigation & Prosecution of Arson, California District Attorney's Association  Investigation of Motor Vehicle Fires, Lee S. Cole, 1992  Investigation of Wildfires, Richard T. Ford, 1995 Edition  Kirk's Fire Investigation, John DeHaan, Pearson Prentice Hall, 2006, Sixth Edition  NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations, 2008 Edition  NFPA 1033: Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator, 2009 Edition  Principles of Fire Behavior, James G. Quintiere, 1997 Edition  State Fire Training Procedures Manual, SFT, Current Edition  Title 18: USL, Part 1, Crimes, Chapter 40, Section 844  Vehicle Fire Investigation, California Conference of Arson Investigators, 1994, Workbook and VHS  Wildfire Origin and Cause Determination Handbook, NWCG, 2005 Edition January 2011 - iv - STATE FIR E FIRE INVESTIGATION 1A STATE FIRE Fire Origin and Cause Determination Topic 1: Orientation and Administration TTooppiicc 11:: OOrriieennttaattiioonn aanndd AAddmmiinniissttrraattiioonn Course Design Fire Investigation 1A satisfies portions of the NFPA 1021 command standards for Fire Officer I, II, and III as well as the NFPA 1033 Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator. The course is one of the educational requirements for State Fire Training's certified Fire Officer and Fire Investigator. Course Requirements Fire Investigation 1A: Fire Origin and Cause Determination, is a 40-hour course. Each topic within the course covers a different aspect this level of fire investigation. Attendance State Fire Training requires every student to attend the entire class. If there is a problem with meeting this requirement, you should consider enrolling at another date when you can commit the time required. Prerequisites There are no course prerequisites for attending Fire Investigation 1A. Required Textbooks Two manuals are required for this course. NFPA 921: Guide to Fire & Explosion Investigations, 2008 Edition provides the student with a systematic procedure and methodology to effectively conduct a fire and/or explosion investigation. Fire and explosion investigators developed this guide and underwent extensive peer review. Fire Investigation 1A Student Supplement published by SFT contains information that is necessary for a complete understanding of the topic but is not found in the NFPA 921: Guide to Fire & Explosion Investigations. Student Evaluation Activities  All activities must be successfully completed. Formative Tests  All formative tests must be successfully completed with a minimum score of 80%.  After each test, a review will be conducted and then the tests returned to the instructor.  You may not keep a copy of the formative test. January 2011 - 1 - STATE FIR E FIRE INVESTIGATION 1A STATE FIRE Fire Origin and Cause Determination Topic 1: Orientation and Administration Summative test  Minimum 50-item test.  The format can be completion, short-answer, and/or multiple choice.  You must pass the summative test with a minimum score of 80% to pass the class and receive a course completion certificate. Calendar of Events DAY TOPIC TITLE TIME ACTIVITY EVALUATION 1 Orientation and Administration 1:00 2 The Role of the Fire Investigator 1:00 2-1 3 Scientific Method 1:00 Day 1 4 Fire Development for the Investigator 3:00 5 Legal Aspects of Fire Investigation 2:00 5-1 Day 1 Total 8:00 1:00 Formative Test 1 6 Expert Testimony 1:00 6-1 7 Arson Law 1:00 7-1 Day 2 8 Fire Scene Documentation 1:00 8-1 9 Point of Origin Determination 4:00 9-1 Day 2 Total 8:00 1:00 Formative Test 2 10 Ignition 2:00 Day 3 11 Accidental Ignition Sources 3:00 12 Electrical Ignition Sources 2:00 Day 3 Total 8:00 1:00 Formative Test 3 13 Incendiary Fire Indicators 3:00 13-1 Day 4 14 Incendiary Devices 2:00 15 Structure Fire Investigation 2:00 Day 4 Total 8:00 16 Vehicle Fire Investigation 2:00 17 Wildland Fire Investigation 2:30 17-1 Day 5 18 Explosion Investigation 2:30 1:00 Summative Test Day 5 Total 8:00 Course Total 40:00 January 2011 - 2 -