FSLM 120 Basic Fire Investigation (3 credits)
Course Description
Explores a basic study of fire scene investigation procedures and techniques used to determine the origin and cause of fire. Included are reasons for accurately determining the origin and cause of fire, the systematic approach to fire scene examination, the chemistry of fire, determining the origin, major accidental and incendiary fire causes, scene sketching, scene photography and note taking. Other topics that will be covered are: basic scene security, major fire scene control, report writing, interviewing, and courtroom demeanor for the firefighter and investigator.
Course Content
A. Organization, Responsibilities and Authority
B. Fire Behavior
C. The Basics of Building Construction as it Relates to the Investigator
D. Building Services
E. Basic Electricity for the Fire Investigator
F. The Investigator’s Role in Recognizing Hazardous Materials
G. Examining the Fire Scene
H. Securing the Fire Scene
I. Documenting the Fire Scene
J. Evidence collection and Preservation
K. Interviewing and Interrogation
L. The Exterior Examination
M. The Interior Examination and Determination of the Area of Origin
N. Debris Examination, Removal, Reconstruction, and Determination of Ignition Source
O. The Analysis of Investigative Findings
P. Presenting Investigative Findings
Student Outcomes
1. Identify and explain the responsibilities of the fire department from a firefighter’s perspective when responding to the scene of a fire; including the possibility of incendiary devices often encountered.
2. Define criminal law and explain the constitutional amendments as they apply to fire investigation.
3. Define and explain common terms used in fire investigations.
4. Describe the basic elements of fire dynamics and how they affect cause determination including fire behavior, characteristics of fuels and methods of heat transfer.
5. Analyze the relationship of building construction on fire investigations including types of construction, construction and finish materials.
6. Evaluate fire protection systems and building services and discuss how their installation affects the ignition of fire buildings.
7. Explain the role of the fire investigator in recognizing health and safety concerns that includes potential hazardous material awareness.
8. Describe fire scene investigations and the process of conducting investigations using the scientific method.
9. Explain how an investigator determines the point of origin in a room.
10. Identify the types of fire causes and differentiate between accidental and incendiary causes.
11. Describe and explain the basic procedures used for investigating vehicle fires.
12. Identify the characteristics of arson and common motives of the firesetter.
13. Identify and analyze the causes involved in line of duty firefighter deaths related to structural and wildland firefighting, training and research and the reduction of emergency risks and accidents.
14. Identify information about the role, use, and varied types of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the emergency response.
Degree Outcomes
Critical, Creative and Reflective Thinking: Graduates will evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and generate ideas; construct informed, meaningful, and justifiable conclusions; and process feelings, beliefs, biases, strengths, and weaknesses as they relate to their thinking, decisions, and creations. Program Outcomes: Graduates apply a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to assume leadership roles in fire service command and administrative duties.
Lecture Contact Hours 30
Lab Contact Hours 0
Clinical Contact Hours 0
Total Contact Hours 30
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