Essentials of Firefighting (4th Edition) Chapter 17-Protecting Evidence for Fire Cause Determination FF 1 Test Review (Statements)

. The time of day is an important piece of information for determining persons who were and were not supposed to be at the occupancy. . Arson can be evidenced by operating a furnace during high temperatures, parked car blocking access to a hydrant, and people leaving the scene of a fire. . High heat intensity found in a particular room can indicate use of accelerants. . Wind direction and velocity have great effect on the natural path of fire spread. . The position and condition of doors and windows should be noted during fire fighting for fire determination purposes. . Incidents involving separate or unconnected fires may have evidence of trailers. . Arsonists sometimes cover windows to delay discovery of a fire. . Signs of forcible entry should be noted on arrival. . Discarded tools outside building may indicate forcible entry tools used by an arsonist. . Reignition or several re-kindles should be suspect to arson. . Increase in fire intensity and fire spreading in several directions can indicate a burning liquid accelerant. . Areas of uneven burning, local heavy charring, places of unusual charring, high heat intensity, and unusually fast spreading fires can all be indicators of arson. . Most incendiary devices will leave behind metal parts of electrical or mechanical devices. . A combustible material used to spread fire from one point to another is termed a "trailer". . Equipment and inventory of a building should be noted for presence, quality, and style. . Firefighters should note if business records are left unprotected or out of place. . Preparations made for an intentional fire can include: absence or shortage of clothing, missing personal items/toys, and absence of pets. . The quality of major household items should be noted. . If a fire is suspicious, each firefighter should make a written account of all important circumstances observed. . Fire locations such as closets, file drawers, or the center of a floor can indicate suspicious activity. . Fire investigators should try to determine fire cause before salvage and overhaul occurs unless delay will jeopardize evidence. . Footprints and tire tracks can be protected by covering them with boxes. . Fire debris should only be removed after evidence has been collected. . Possible signs of arson should be protected and left untouched and undisturbed. . Partially burned papers in furnaces, stoves, or fireplaces can be protected in place by closing dampers and other openings.