(DDIIEE)
What are the initial action steps for fires involving explosives?
1) Don’t handle anything suspicious as it could be a secondary device
2) Do not use anything that transmits
3) Information to comms
4) If IED is located, contact Dept of Labour or Defence force
5) Evacuate scene to at least 100m
6) EDD to be considered to locate the device
(DDIIEE)
Definition
Characteristics of:
- Low powered explosive
- 1200-5000mps explosive
- 5000+mps explosive
Low Powered Explosive
Will explode in a general manner - need to be confined.
1200-5000mps
Damage takes least line of resistance (windows and doors)
5000+mps
Will explode in a directional manner
How do you link the suspect with an explosive scene?
Fingerprints or handwriting samples.
You may be able to identify the “signature” as they often create IED’s in a similar or identical manner.
Describe the characteristics of an explosion.
- Cratering
- Spread of debris
- Shredding of materials
- Shrapnel marks
- Overlay of dust
Explosions by gas cover a wider area than a physical explosive and they do not leave a crater.
(CSSSO)
(NoIEDS)
What are some specific pieces of evidence you should look out for when investigating an explosion?
Non Electric Detonator - If inserted well you will find only a fuse, if not you will find traces of the detonator.
Igniter Cord - Leaves black charred remnant.
Electric Detonator - You may find lead flywire.
Det Cord - Damage to the surface where it laid.
Safety Fuses - You’ll find the scorched trail.
(NoIEDS)
What should you have the IED safety operator consider?
Video record the initial assessment of the IED subsequent to any action by them.
What are the 11 items in an ESR or Fire Investigation Arson Kit?
1) 4lt Tin
2) 2lt Tin
3) 500ml Tin
4) Nylon bags
5) DragonSP Seals
6) Tissue for absorbing liquids
7) 3ml pipette
8) Latex gloves
9) Exhibit labels
10) Address labels
11) Instruction sheet
What are some other pieces of equipment you may need?
1) String
2) Saw
3) Tweezers
4) Tape
5) Excavation tools
6) Permanent markers
(SSEL)
When using a Fire Investigation Arson Kit to secure exhibits, what must you ensure?
- Samples cannot be cross contaminated.
- Secure exhibits in sealed containers, clearly labelled.
- Entire Kit is sent away as one.
- Liquid samples are isolated from other exhibits.
(SSEL)
Describe how you would send the following:
Liquid Samples
Liquid Residues
Debris
Associated Items
Liquid Samples - Only store in the bottles provided, clean the outside of the surface and place in a polystyrene box. Hand deliver if possible.
Liquid Residue - In a pipette and treat them like a liquid sample. You can also absorb with a tissue and place into a tin.
Debris - Where possible, in a tin.
Associated Items - Forward in any of the containers provided.
What are some circumstances you would report “Bomb/Explosive/IED through the notifications?
- Bombings and accidental or deliberate explosions.
- Attempted bombings
- Molotov Cocktail attacks
- Hoax Devices
- Bomb threats (phoned or written)
- Suspicious packages
What 5 circumstances where a rural fire will require an investigation?
1) RFA intends to make a claim
2) Where negligence has been shown by a person or party
3) All suspicious fires
4) Multiple fires in the are for no reason
5) Fires which may assist in prevention and investigation strategies
What is the Rural Fire Fighting Fund and what needs to take place?
Pool of money accessible to the local Rural Fire Authority to cover the cost of suppressing rural fires. To do so, a full investigation needs to take place.
What other parties could be involved in a rural fire investigation?
- Council
- DOC
- Meteorologist
- Industry specialist
When is disclosure of a criminal record allowed and not allowed?
If they not eligible under the clean slate act you may disclose the criminal record and information.
If they are eligible under the clean slate act you must not disclose anything.
For insurance purposes, who takes ownership and control of what?
Insurance Company
Building Owner
Tenant
Electrical Supply
Private Investigators
Insurance Companies - Will act as the owner of a property
Building Owner - Owns the structure and permanent fixtures etc
Tenant - Owns their own personal property
Electrical Supply - Property of the electrical supplier
Private Investigators - Must not enter and interfere until Police and FENZ have completed their investigation.
