fire science

Answer

Fire Science: Arson Investigation Process

Arson investigation involves examining physical features of an occurring fire scene, identification, and collection of physical evidence from the scene. The evidence collected on further investigation points out if the cause of a fire was deliberate or accidental. Understanding an arson investigation requires an explanation of the investigation process, an understanding of professional certification and training requirements for fire investigators, a comprehension of the fire tests and materials needed. An arson investigation process involves fire investigators with professional certification, suppression systems in arson, and the fire marshal law's importance to help in fire investigations.

An arson investigation process involves the arrival, evaluation, documentation, processing, and completion of an investigation. The arrival to a fire scene is marked by first responders observing and mentally noting information documented in the investigation.  Such information includes the presence or absence of burnt victims. Following containment of the fire, first responders evaluate the scene by enclosing it with caution tape and visually noting the fire's origin, and checking for any flammable equipment in the area (Stevenson University, 2018). Successively, documentation involves the physical aspect of note-taking, photographs of the scene, and videos to investigate.

Continually, the investigation's processing stage facilitates the prevention of evidence contamination through investigators collecting evidence physically from the scene. The evidence is taken up to a facility where further investigation is carried out (Stevenson University, 2018). Finally, after evidence has been processed, reports are drawn up regarding the fire and released to determine whether the fire was deliberate or accidental. To comprehend the fire investigation process, one needs to know the necessary certifications and requirements for fire investigators.

Fire investigators need professional certification and training to perform their tasks effectively. Fire investigators need certifications in being a fire and explosion investigator (CFEI), a fire investigation instructor (CFII), and a certified vehicle fire investigator (CVFI). These certifications help in investigating a fire in different scenes proficiently (National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI), 2015). On the other hand, training requirements include fireproof clothes and insulated boots with firefighters' ability to carry at least 50kgs of weight. Accordingly, with these requirements and certifications, a fire investigator needs to incorporate fire tests and fire-rated materials in the investigation process.
Fire tests and fire-rated materials assist in assessing damage and cause of fires during arson investigation. Through extensive fire tests carried out by firefighters under drills designed by fire captains of fire stations, arson investigation runs smoothly as developed patterns in determining fires' causes (Gorbett et al., 2015). In conjunction with fire investigators, firefighters are fitted with fire rated materials that burn slowly and are resistant to heat to help collect evidence in already burning scenes.

Fire suppression systems help arson investigations by identifying if the arson would have been contained or not. These systems are built into buildings and areas that help prevent the spread of fire to other areas. Fire investigators identify these in their investigations to determine if the scene had any in place (Sprinkler Systems, 2019). Therefore, investigators can determine if they worked to contain the fire from spreading or why the systems did not work, leading to the arson case.  As fire investigators use suppression systems to help identify the extent and containment of fires, fire marshals help fire investigations.

Model marshal law plays an integral role in fire investigation, with fire marshals having extensive training and wielding arrest powers. As fire investigators, fire marshals can investigate arson's start and term it as either deliberate or accidental. Fire marshals vetted and stated with arresting powers can go ahead and complete an investigation by arresting perpetrators responsible for the fire (WV Fire Commission, 2017). Fire marshals can hold positions like the fire captain in a fire station. Therefore, the model marshal law acts as a pertinent part in closing investigations to arrest culprits responsible for arson.

In conclusion, arson investigations go through a rigorous process involving all necessary personnel towards collecting evidence and arresting people responsible for suspecting foul play. Proper fire investigators need proper training, equipment, and training to conduct and close up an arson investigation successfully.