Fire SCO Group C Level 2 Skill 1: Scene Examination

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1 Candidate Name STANDARD: NFPA 1033, 2014 Edition, 4.2 Scene Examination: to Also see NFPA 921 Appendix A for forms, logs and notes templates to be used during investigation. Local department forms may be used so long as they capture similar information to a similar level of detail. Right of Entry Procedure The candidate will: accurately describe the procedures for acquiring owner consent to access a private dwelling for investigation purposes. RE correctly complete required paperwork to acquire owner consent (see sample forms). accurately describe the procedures for acquiring a warrant as required allowing access to a private dwelling for investigation purposes ( Warrant to enter a private dwelling-place ). correctly complete required paperwork to acquire a warrant to enter a private dwellingplace Secure the Fire Ground The candidate will: effectively and correctly use marking devices to secure the fire ground so that all perimeters of the investigative scene are clearly marked and all evidence and potential evidence is protected. ensure access to the scene is monitored continuously until deemed no longer necessary (e.g., post a firefighter, peace/police officer or private security firm) Conduct Exterior Survey While conducting an exterior survey of the fire ground and structural conditions, the candidate will: correctly identify all potential hazards (e.g., structural, hazardous materials, airborne). See Appendix A of NFPA 921 for sample Hazard and Risk Assessment form. identify appropriate means of mitigating the risks of these hazards (e.g., appointment of a safety officer, retention of specialized services, creation a safety plan, safety briefings, site monitoring, specialized PPE). determine whether or not property is safely accessible and, if so, correctly identify safe means of ingress and egress. Safety Codes Council Page 1 of 13

2 correctly identify fire effects such as: o mass loss o char o spalling o melting o oxidation o smoke deposits o thermal expansion and deformation o alloying of metal o calcination o glass effects o collapsed furniture springs o heat shadowing o protected areas o rainbow effect RE identify evidence and potential evidence and take initial steps to preserve it. correctly interpret fire patterns and identify their cause, for example: o plumes o ventilation generated o hot-gas layers o suppression generated o full-room involvement Conduct Interior Survey While conducting an interior survey, the candidate will: thoroughly assess structural conditions and identify and avoid and/or control all hazards (e.g., marking devices, appropriate PPE). identify and preserve areas of potential evidentiary value requiring further examination. identify the effects of fire suppression on the fire scene including fire spread, heat propagation and damage to contents. identify objects that seem to be out of place or missing (e.g., heat shadowing and protected areas) Interpret Fire Patterns The candidate will: correctly evaluate a variety of fire patterns with respect to: o the burning characteristics of the material involved (e.g., intensity of the heat/fuel) o its relationship to other patterns observed o the mechanisms of heat transfer that led to the formation of the pattern. Safety Codes Council Page 2 of 13

3 4.2.5 Analyze Fire Patterns The candidate will: RE correctly interpret variations of burn patterns on various different materials with consideration given to: o heat release rate o form of the pattern (geometry) and o ignitibility of the materials. accurately describe the impact of different types of fuel loads on a fire (e.g., size, density, materials, packages, location). correctly identify and evaluate fuel trails. analyze the fire patterns so that: o fire development is determined (e.g., spread or movement of the fire) o methods and effects of suppression are evaluated o false origin area patterns are recognized and o area of origin is correctly identified Examine and Remove Fire Debris The candidate will: systematically examine and remove fire debris using appropriate hand tools and ensuring: o debris location, condition and orientation are thoroughly documented (notes, photos, sketches) prior to removal o debris is removed from the top down to the bottom o debris is organized, arranged or stored in a manner that identifies it in a chronological order o all debris is checked for fire cause evidence. preserve evidence without inflicting damage or contamination, for example by: o avoiding walking through contaminated areas o wearing clean boots when walking through evidence areas o avoiding cross contamination by using new containers and gloves for each sample collected o using tools that are kept separate from general tool supply o cleaning tools between taking different samples o labelling samples with date, time, case number, location, item description, origin, where and when discovered, investigator s name o using appropriate methods of collection depending on its physical state, characteristics, fragility and volatility o vertically loading samples for transport. Safety Codes Council Page 3 of 13

4 4.2.7 Reconstruct the Area of Origin RE identify and distinguish among different types of fire damaged contents and examine all materials to determine the effects of the fire. accurately correlate all protected areas and fire patterns to contents or structural remains. accurately identify point of origin and potential ignition source. return materials to their original pre-fire position using protected areas and fire patterns to accurately reconstruct the area of origin Inspect Building Systems inspect building systems and assess their performance before and during the fire: o gas, electrical, and other utilities o HVAC o Suppression o surveillance systems (in and around buildings) o detection and o building compartmentation. determine whether or not expert resources are required to evaluate the building systems. evaluate the impact of suppression efforts on building systems. identify alterations to, and failure indicators of, these building systems. decide whether or not the systems played a role in causing or spreading the fire (e.g., ignition source, code violations, fuel source). collect relevant fire protection system information that accurately informs the event timeline Identify the Effects of Explosion identify, document and preserve structural damage due to explosion, such as: o bulging walls, windows o craters o roof damage, lifted roofs o shattered walls o shrapnel damage and debris surrounding structure. distinguish between damage from low-order explosions (e.g., bulging walls and windows, large debris, lifted roofs) and high-order explosion damage (e.g., widely scattered small debris). Safety Codes Council Page 4 of 13

5 EVALUATOR COMMENTS EVALUATOR INFORMATION Name (print) Signature Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Safety Codes Council Page 5 of 13

6 PERMISSION FOR FIRE INVESTIGATION SAMPLE File No.: Please initial where indicated, sign and date at the bottom. A blank copy will be provided for your information if requested. A photocopy of the original may be obtained upon request from the Investigator. Do not initial the box next to any item you do not understand. If you don t understand, please ask for more information from the investigator. PROPERTY (Address/Vehicle) I,, voluntarily and of my own free will give permission to representatives of the Safety Codes Council, to enter and remain upon the property I own, rent, lease or occupy, located at the address listed above to investigate the origin and cause of the fire that occurred on or before the date this permission sheet is signed. I understand that by giving permission to the Safety Codes Council, I am also giving permission to Law Enforcement investigators to enter the property with the investigator from the fire department for investigative purposes. I understand that the investigation may take several days. I am giving permission to the Safety Codes Council to return and enter the property during reasonable hours for the fire investigation. I understand that as part of the fire investigation, certain items may have to be removed from the property so they can be examined and tested. By signing this form I am giving permission for the removal of those items. I give the consent voluntarily and have not been coerced, threatened, or promised any advantage by the investigator. I understand that if anything is found during or as a result of this search that could provide evidence of a criminal, federal, or provincial offence, that the items may be subject to seizure and I may be charged and prosecuted. I understand that I do not have to give this Permission for Fire Investigation and that I may withdraw my consent at any time. I have been advised that I should get a professional safety assessment prior to entering the structure indicated above. I have read and fully understand the document that I am signing. Signed: Date: Time: Safety Codes Council Page 6 of 13

7 VOLUNTARY CONSENT TO SAMPLE File No.: Fire SCO Group C Level 2 Witnessed: Date: Time: ENTRY FOR THE PURPOSES OF INVESTIGATION Date: I, hereby authorize: (SCO name and #) From the Safety Codes Council, a safety codes officer in the fire discipline, for the province of Alberta, and/or that person s designate (hereinafter the Investigators ) to conduct a complete investigation of my premises located at: Address and Location I understand that the investigation is being conducted to determine origin and cause of the fire, explosion or other incident so as to protect life and property from further damage, and to fulfil the obligations under section 9(2) of AR 83/94, Administrative Items Regulation, Safety Codes Act. I understand and acknowledge that an investigation may involve the following: 1. Investigators are permitted to take and use photographs, videotape recordings, gas monitoring readings, digital images or any other means to record the scene; 2. Investigators may search the premises and remove any item, object or physical substance for any purpose related to the safety and protection of persons or property or in determining the cause and origin of this fire, explosion or other incident; and 3. Investigators may be accompanied by other persons and things deemed necessary for conducting the investigation. 4. I am aware that in the event the investigation becomes a criminal matter, all material, documentation, and exhibits may be turned over to the appropriate police agency with jurisdiction. I am aware that the Investigators will be on the premises for a period of time and I have no objection to their entering and remaining on the premises until completion of their physical examination, which will not exceed days. This written consent is being given voluntarily and without threats or promises of any kind. I hereby acknowledge that I can refuse to give consent to this investigation and I am waiving that right by signing this consent form. I realize that I may revoke this consent at any time. Signature: Mailing Address: Witnessed By: Signature: Safety Codes Council Page 7 of 13

8 VOLUNTARY CONSENT TO SEARCH AND/OR SEIZURE SAMPLE File No.: DATE: LOCATION: PURSUANT TO SECTION 8 OF THE CANADIAN CHARTER OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS, Part I of the Constitution Act, 1982, being schedule B to the Canada Act (U. K.), c. 11: EVERYONE HAS THE RIGHT TO BE SECURE AGAINST UNREASONABLE SEARCH OR SEIZURE The purpose of this section is to protect individuals from unjustified state intrusions upon their privacy. In order to search an individual s person, premises, or private dwelling place, the search must be authorized either through the individual s consent or by a search warrant. An individual can refuse or revoke consent at any time. I,, having been informed above of my constitutional right not to have a search made of my premises or private dwelling without a search warrant and of my right to refuse to consent to such a search, authorize from, or his/her designates to conduct a complete search of my premises or private dwelling at. I am aware that the search is being conducted to determine the cause and origin of the fire, or other incident so as to protect life and property from further damage and to fulfill the obligation under section 9(2) of the Administrative Items Regulation, Alta. Reg. 83/94 which reads: A safety codes officer in the fire discipline shall investigate the cause and origin and circumstances of every fire within his jurisdiction in which a person loses his life or suffers injury requiring medical attention or in which property is damaged or destroyed Safety Codes Council Page 8 of 13

9 I hereby allow the above named investigator and/or their designates to take and use photographs, video tape recordings, gas monitoring readings, digital images or any other means to record the scene. I hereby authorize and permit the above named investigator or their designates to remove from my premises or private dwelling any item, object, or physical substance for the purpose related to the safety and protection of persons or property or in determining the cause and origin of this fire, or other incident. I am aware that in the event the investigation becomes a criminal matter, all material, documentation, and exhibits may be turned over to the appropriate police agency with jurisdiction. I am aware that the above named investigator or their designates will be on the premises for a period of time. I have no objection to their entering and remaining on the premises of private dwelling until completion of their physical examination, which will not exceed days. This written consent is being given voluntarily and without threats or promises of any kind. I hereby acknowledge that I can refuse to give consent to search and/or seizure and I am waiving that right by signing this consent form. I realize that I may revoke my consent at any time. Signature Witness 1 Witness 2 Printed Name Printed Name Mailing Address: Safety Codes Council Page 9 of 13

10 S A M P L E INFORMATION To Obtain a Warrant to Enter a Private Dwelling Place to Conduct a Fire Investigation Sections 34(2)(b) and 48(2)(a) Safety Codes Act Canada Province of Alberta, Judicial District of This is the information of, of, Alberta, hereinafter called the informant. THE INFORMANT SAYS THAT: 1. The of is an accredited pursuant to the provisions of the Safety Codes Act and is thereby authorized to enforce and administer the Safety Codes Act and all regulations and codes in force thereunder, including the Alberta Fire Code (20XX). 2. I am a Safety Codes Officer employed by the Municipality as a Fire Investigator and have been so employed for years. My duties as a Fire Investigator require me to investigate fires to determine the cause, origin and circumstances and to make recommendations as to safety. 3. On the day of,, there was a fire on the property located at,, Alberta on which there is a private dwelling place apparently in use as a dwelling (the dwelling). 4. The fire resulted in damage to the property. 5. On the day of,, consent to enter the dwelling, to investigate the fire to determine the cause and circumstances, was refused by the occupant of the property whose name is. OR 5. There is currently no one present at the property to provide consent to enter the dwelling to investigate the fire to determine the cause and circumstances. Efforts to contact the owner of the property as listed in the records of the Municipality in person or by telephone have been unsuccessful. 6. I believe it is necessary to enter the dwelling in order to carry out an investigation of the fire to determine the cause and circumstances and to make recommendations as to safety. Safety Codes Council Page 10 of 13

11 7. It is critical to obtain entry to a dwelling as soon as possible after a fire to determine the cause and circumstances as evidence relevant to that determination may disappear or be lost. 8. I believe it will take up to hours to complete the investigation of the fire. 9. I believe it would be of assistance to the investigation to be accompanied by the following persons: (a) a locksmith to obtain entry to the dwelling, if required; (b) a police officer to obtain entry to the dwelling, if required; (c) up to Safety Codes Officer(s) employed by the Municipality as Fire Investigators, if required; and (d) up to other individual(s) with expertise in electrical, plumbing, gas, structural or other related issues, if required. 10. Section 34 of the Safety Codes Act reads, in part, as follows: 34(2) For the purpose of ensuring that this Act and any thing issued under this Act are complied with, a safety codes officer may, at any reasonable time and on reasonable notice, enter a private dwelling-place that is in use as a dwelling in which the officer has reason to believe there is something to which this Act applies and, using reasonable care, may carry out an inspection... (a) with the consent of the owner or occupant, or (b) with a warrant from a justice. 34(4) In carrying out an inspection, review, examination or evaluation under this Act, a safety codes officer may: (a) be accompanied by any person or thing that the safety codes officer considers would be of assistance. 11. Pursuant to s. 34(8) of the Safety Codes Act, I may be required to remove from the premises any item or physical substance for any purpose related to the safety and protection of persons or property or in determining the cause and origin of this fire. 12. Section 48(1) of the Safety Codes Act provides as follows: 48(1) A safety codes officer may investigate an unsafe condition, accident or fire to determine its cause and circumstances and make recommendations related to safety. 13. Section 48(2) of the Safety Codes Act extends the provisions of section 34 to fire investigations under section 48(1). Wherefore the Informant prays that a warrant to enter the dwelling pursuant to section 34 of the Safety Codes Act may be granted in order to carry out an investigation of the fire pursuant to section 48 of the Safety Codes Act to determine the cause and circumstances and to make recommendations as to safety. Safety Codes Council Page 11 of 13

12 Sworn before me this day of,, at the of in the province of Alberta. Signature of Informant Name of Informant (PRINT) Signature of a Justice of the Peace in and for the Province of Alberta Safety Codes Council Page 12 of 13

13 S A M P L E To the Safety Codes Officer employed by the in the Province of Alberta. This warrant is issued in respect of a private dwelling place located at,, Alberta ( the dwelling ). Whereas it appears on the oath of there are reasonable grounds to believe: (a) it is necessary to enter the dwelling to investigate a fire to determine the cause and circumstances and to make recommendations as to safety; and (b) it is not possible to locate the owner or occupant of the dwelling to seek consent, or the occupant of the dwelling will not consent to the investigation. This warrant is issued to authorize you: 1. To enter the dwelling between the hours of on the day of, and on the day of, for the purpose of investigating the fire to determine its cause and circumstances and to make recommendations as to safety; and 2. To be accompanied by: (a) a locksmith to obtain entry to the dwelling, if required; (b) a police officer to obtain entry to the dwelling, if required; (c) up to Safety Codes Officer(s) employed by the Municipality as Fire Investigators, if required; and (d) up to other individual(s) with expertise in electrical, plumbing, gas, structural or other related issues, if required. Dated this day of,, at, Alberta. Signature of a Justice of the Peace in and for the Province of Alberta Safety Codes Council Page 13 of 13