Fire investigation protocol

Question 1

In the MOU what do both agencies want to ensure when determining the origin and cause of a fire?

Answer 1

That the investigation is efficient and expertly conducted and any evidence is preserved.

Question 2

What is a FILO?

Answer 2

A fire investigation liaison officer

Question 3

What are the responsibilities of the FILO?

Answer 3

CARATE Chop

• CO-ORDINATE fire investigation in their designated area or district
• ATTEND every fire that results in injury of death
• Maintain effective working RELATIONSHIPS with the FSILO and fire service specialist fire investigators
• ASSISTING areas/districts with fire investigation related queries
• co-ordinate area/district TRAINING for staff where required
• providing other advice and EXPERTISE as required
• ensure COMMUNICATION is maintained with the police national fire investigation co-ordinator, police district intelligence manager and district manager criminal investigations where appropriate

Question 4

When will a specialist fire investigator be called to attend a scene?

Answer 4

• fires where fatalities occur
• fires where SERIOUS fire related injuries occurred
• structure fires where cause is SUSPICIOUS or cannot be determined
• significant fires SPREAD across property boundaries
• fires where in-built fire SAFETY features have failed or not performed to known or expected levels
• STRUCTURAL fires of 3rd alarm equivalent
• any other fire on request from police or another agency

Question 5

When are a minimum of two specialist fire investigators required?

Answer 5

When the fire resulted in life threatening injury or a fatality.

Question 6

What are the responsibilities of the FSILO?

Answer 6

To arrange fire service specialist fire investigators attendance at a scene when requested by police and establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with FILOs.

Question 7

What are the police’s responsibilities?

Answer 7

• conduct the criminal investigation or coronial inquiry
• undertake responsibility for the protection, collection and recording of forensic evidence.

The collection and removal of material from a fire crime scene will only be done by police or other agencies with the authority to remove evidence.

The preservation, analysis and subsequent disposition of any such material is the responsibility of the police or other agency.