Introduction
Fire investigation in the United Kingdom is a complex procedure that requires combined and coordinated efforts of multiple professionals (Lentini 2013). Each of the specialists has their roles and duties that, if carried out perfectly, lead to solved cases of fire and arson. In this paper, the roles of each professional involved in the investigation of fire with casualties will be discussed.
Fire Investigation
According to the National Fire Chiefs Council (2018), there are two tiers of fire scene investigation. First-tier fire investigation encompasses fire inspections that can be classified as routine and where all the information required for the incident recording system can be retrieved with no complication. When fatalities are present and circumstances of the fire/arson event are difficult to identify, the fire incident can be classified as a tier two fire scene.
Tier two cases of investigation involve multiple professionals (Hanlon 2008). The fire and rescue service crew suppress the flames to let other professionals begin the inspection and ensure no further casualties are involved. One of the most important professionals in the investigation process is the incident commander. This person is an operation leader who manages personnel and material mean. The Incident commander arranges resources for prompt and effective fire management are present on the scene. Their roles also include establishing inter-agency communication briefing higher-ranked officers. Additionally, they direct and focus the activities of all fire and rescue persons on the scene (Hanlon 2008).
When incident commanders suspect fatalities or cannot determine a fire origin, they summon help in the face of fire investigation officers (FIO) (London Fire Brigade 2005). FiOS role includes scene examination, review of physical evidence, interviewing eyewitnesses, personnel, and reporting (Keith Borer Consultants n.d.). The role of FIO also includes using appropriate and evidence-based methods of investigation approved by the investigation community and scientific findings (The Institution of Fire Engineers 2017). Furthermore, this should evaluate the examined evidence to provide the police with an expert opinion on the origin of the fire, sources of ignition, and other relevant information (Fire Safety Advice Centre 2011).
If casualties are reported, the incident commander transfers the authority to the police senior investigating officer (SIO) (National Fire Chiefs Council 2018). SIO’s role includes multi-agency coordination, guidance, and assistance provision (West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service n.d.). They act as representatives of the police force on the scene and establish the security of the investigation process. If SIO has sufficient reason to believe that a fire scene involves crime, he may authorize the deployment of a criminal investigator along with FIO (West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service n.d.). Private sector forensic scientists are also present on the scene. Their role includes documentation and examination of the evidence for possible civil or criminal law cases (Forensic Access n.d.). In fire cases involving human casualties, coroners also play an important role. They examine the body of the victims and establish the cause and circumstances of the death on the crime scene (Ministry of Justice 2014). In cases when death is impossible to determine on the spot, coroners may request a post-mortem examination of the body.
Conclusion
All things considered, fire investigation involves the participation of several specialists from multiple agencies. Incident commander, fire and rescue team, police senior investigating officer, fire investigating officer, private sector forensic scientists, and coroners all work together to manage the case, determine the cause, and establish a clear picture of the fire incident. They all have distinct roles in clarity and understanding of which depends on the success of an investigation.
Reference List
Fire Safety Advice Centre 2011, Fire investigation, Web.
Forensic Access n.d., Fire investigation, Web.
Hanlon, D 2008, Fire service manual, vol. 2, 3rd edn, The Stationery Office, London.
Keith Borer Consultants n.d., Fire Investigation, Web.
Lentini, J 2013, Scientific protocols for fire investigation, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.
London Fire Brigade 2005, Fire investigation, Web.
Ministry of Justice 2014, Coroner investigations: a short guide, Web.
National Fire Chiefs Council 2018, Fire investigation competency framework, Web.
The Institution of Fire Engineers 2017, Code of practice for investigators of fires and explosions for the criminal justice systems in the UK, Web.
West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service n.d. Fire Protection Policy and Guidance, Web.