This document discusses fire investigation and problem solving. It emphasizes using a logical and systematic methodology, peer review, and presenting findings in a way that others can understand. The presentation stresses thorough documentation of the fire scene and evidence, forming hypotheses based on evidence rather than speculation, and providing enough detail in the report for another investigator to arrive at the same conclusion. Overall, it promotes a scientific approach to fire investigation and the importance of documentation and peer review.

2. Fire Investigation
Problem Solving
Fire Prevention Institute
October 23, 2012
Chelan, WA

3. Fire Investigation
Problem Solving
Fire Prevention Institute
October 23, 2012
Chelan, WA
1

4. Today...
• What do we mean by Problem Solving
• Logical, Systematic Methodology
• Peer Review and Consultation

6. Disclaimer
1

7. Disclaimer
2

8. Who am I?

9. m - AR - k
3

12. Who are YOU?
• Fire Chief
• Inspector
• Fire Marshal
• Investigator

13. No

14. We're with the Government
...We are here to help.

15. Problem Solvers
Put the difficult to explain in terms that
others can understand...

16. Truth, Fact, or Opinion

17. Real Truth - Absolute Truth
A series of facts connected sequentially in time and
space
The FACT, where it occurred, when it occurred.

18. Truth, Fact, or Opinion
“I swear that the evidence that I give shall be the truth
and nothing but the truth.”

19. Truth, Fact, or Opinion
“I swear that the evidence that I give shall be the truth
and nothing but the truth.”
OR
“I swear that the opinions I have given are honest and
correct based on the facts I have considered.”

20. The TRUTH is not ours to decide.

21. Truth, Fact, or Opinion
Our truth is the CORRECTNESS of
what we say…
NOT the outcome.

23. Fire Cause - 2010

24. Fire Cause - 2010

25. Fire Cause - 2010
25.82%
Accidental
Act of Nature
58.73% Intentional
13.91% Undetermined
1.54%
Source: 2010 Fire in Washington
Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office

26. Cause and Responsibility
The goal of any particular fire investigation is to come
to a right conclusion about the features of a particular
fire or explosion incident that resulted in death, injury,
damage, or other unwanted outcome.

28. To effectively think outside the box….
You must know what is IN the box

29. What do we use?

31. SNOHOMISH COUNTY
Office of the County Fire Marshal
Craig R. Ladiser
Interim Fire Marshal
3000 Rockefeller Ave.
M/S #604
FIRE CAUSE DETERMINATION REPORT Everett, WA 98201-4046
(425) 388-3557
FAX (425) 388-3670
SCFM Case No.:
Fire District Case No.: Snohomish County Fire District #
Case Type: Incendiary Natural Accidental Undetermined
Day/Date/Time Fire Occurred:
Fire Department Dispatch Time: Hrs. Arrived: Hrs.
Investigator Notified: Hrs. Arrived: Hrs.
Fire Officer:
Location:
Business Name: Business Phone: ( )
Occupant(s):
H/P: B/P:
H/P: B/P:
Owner(s):
H/P: B/P:
H/P: B/P:
Injuries: Deaths:
Estimated Loss: Structure Loss: $ Contents Loss: $
Occupant Insurance Co: Agent:
Owner's Insurance Co: Agent:
Conclusion:

32. Systematic Methodology

35. “Logic Path”
• What do I know • What information
about this claim? would help resolve
• What do I suspect? the issue(s) in
• What issue(s) am I question?
trying to resolve? • Wh
Where can I get t
this information?
Seattle Insurance & Legal
Investigations

36. 08/17/10 19

37. True Cause Fire Investigations...

40. ! Identify the Area of
Origin
! Provide plausible
explanations for
this area
! Identify supporting
(or conflicting!)
evidence for each
explanation/option

41. Understanding & Evaluating
a Fire Investigation

42. Those facts and circumstances that would
lead a reasonable and prudent investigator of
like experience to believe that a specific
ignition sequence is responsible for that
particular fire or explosion event.

43. The work you are doing today will be
placed under a microscope 2, 3, 5 years
from now

44. Start with the end in mind.... Where is
this going?

45. 45

46. Documenting the
Investigation

47. Wizard of Oz
• The Journey is just as important as the
destination
• (Show your work...)

48. Investigative Notes

49. Analog or Digital?

50. The Importance of Drawings
 Accurately portrays the facts
 Relates to the sequence of
events at the scene
 Establishes the exact location
of objects and evidence at the
scene
 Creates a mental picture of the
scene for those not present
 Is a permanent record of the
scene

51. Photography

52. Timing is Everything...

60. Form ALL hypotheses based on the evidence, not
speculation or subjective belief

62. Documentation is Critical

63. 63

65. 65

66. 66

69. SNOHOMISH COUNTY
Office of the County Fire Marshal
Craig R. Ladiser
Interim Fire Marshal
3000 Rockefeller Ave.
M/S #604
FIRE CAUSE DETERMINATION REPORT Everett, WA 98201-4046
(425) 388-3557
FAX (425) 388-3670
SCFM Case No.:
Fire District Case No.: Snohomish County Fire District #
Case Type: Incendiary Natural Accidental Undetermined
Day/Date/Time Fire Occurred:
Fire Department Dispatch Time: Hrs. Arrived: Hrs.
Investigator Notified: Hrs. Arrived: Hrs.
Fire Officer:
Location:
Business Name: Business Phone: ( )
Occupant(s):
H/P: B/P:
H/P: B/P:
Owner(s):
H/P: B/P:
H/P: B/P:
Injuries: Deaths:
Estimated Loss: Structure Loss: $ Contents Loss: $
Occupant Insurance Co: Agent:
Owner's Insurance Co: Agent:
Conclusion:

70. Reporting Your Findings

71. THE CRUCIAL TEST
The crucial test for a fire investigation report is that
it contains sufficient information that would allow
an independent TECHNICAL REVIEWER to
arrive at a similar, if not the same, conclusion.

72. 72

73. !

74. We are Problem Solvers
Adhere to our BASIC training:
• Systematic, Scientific Methodology
• Meticulous Groundwork (Scene Exam)
• Detailed Preliminary Interviews
• Presentation of Findings

75. Comments, Questions, ...Discussion?