Fire Investigation: First Responders

Instructional Hours: 14.00
This course has a Canvas component which requires internet access.

This two-day course presents a basic overview of a fire investigation. Students will review the basics of fire chemistry and develop an understanding of the role of the first responder in relation to fire suppression and fire investigation. The course will stress the importance of fire scene awareness, evidence identification, preservation and the basics of a fire investigation. Students will develop an appreciation for the convergence of suppression, investigation, science and law.

The target audience for "Fire Investigation: First Responders" (FI: FR) is first responders and their advancement in the professional development of fire, rescue and emergency service personnel, as well as the mitigation of loss of life and property from fire and other hazards. An integral part of the program is training and professional development in fire and life safety education programs/courses.

The goal of this course is to enable students to identify and define key concepts of fire investigation specifically as they relate to the scientific method, scene preservation and the role of the first responder.

The scope of this course is to provide first responders with the fundamental understanding of the principles, processes and procedures involved in fire scene examination.

After successfully completing this course, you will be able to accomplish the following:

• Evaluate how the role of first responder relates to the fundamentals of fire investigation.
• Evaluate the impact of fire dynamics on the fire investigation.
• Consider the process of a fire scene investigation.
• Develop an understanding of potential issues and hazards affecting the first responder that relate to fatal fires, trauma, behavioral health, arson and social media.
• Evaluate a fire scene and identify evidence applicable to determining the origin of the fire.