FOD 220 - Fire Investigation

3.0 Credits
Fire investigation procedures and laws; common causes of accidental fires; common incendiary methods of materials; detecting, recognizing and preserving evidence; follow-up investigation; interviewing and interrogation; records and reports; use of photography.

Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Identify the thirteen basic steps as a guideline for a fire investigator to follow from start to finish on a fire investigation in the field including interpretations of fire scenes (structure, vehicle, woodland). [REASON]
Identify the legal and scientific requirements of the fire scene including the basic requirements involving Rule of Law warrant searches, photography of the fire scene, and collection of evidence. [REASON]
Describe the proper methods used to interview witnesses and suspects including the problem(s) associated with witness perception. [COMMUNICATE]
Demonstrate the procedures and proper actions when giving testimony in a court of law including courtroom demeanor. [COMMUNICATE]
Describe the provisions to RCW Title 9A.48. [REASON]
Record information which will enable them to complete fire incident information needed to formulate the final written report and all necessary documentation. [COMMUNICATE]
Identify a fire investigator’s field notebook and describe how it is used. [COMMUNICATE]
Demonstrate the use of tools and methods demonstrated in the classroom to complete a simple field sketch of the fire scene. [REASON]
Identify and describe the chemistry of combustion with its properties and the behavior of fire. [REASON]
Identify the seven motives of the fire setter and the implication for the fire service. [REASON]