Fire Investigation

Learn the process of investigative response to a fire scene with the practical explanations and insightful case studies offered in this book. Straight-forward and reader-friendly Fire Investigation provides the student as well as the practicing firefighter and fire officer with the essential information to successfully respond to, investigate, and report on, a fire scene. With clear and concise explanations and illustrative examples, Fire Investigations walks the reader through the logical steps necessary to determine the fire origin and cause - from understanding the roles and responsibilities of the investigator on scene and how the investigator works with other response teams, to information gathering based on clues, interviews and other resources, to the final documentation, conclusion, and report. In addition, this book places an emphasis on safety and focuses on the skills necessary to understand human behavior, establish strong interviewing techniques and create and deliver accurate reports.

Written by a practicing fire professional, Fire Investigation provides the reader with the fundamental knowledge needed to conduct a successful fire investigation. This book walks the firefighter and fire officer through the steps necessary to determine the fire origin and cause, including an emphasis on safety. With clear and concise explanations and illustrative examples, Fire Investigations walks the reader through the logical steps necessary to determine the fire origin and cause—from understanding the roles and responsibilities of the investigator on scene and how the investigator works with other response teams, to information gathering based on clues, interviews and other resources, to the final documentation, conclusion, and report.

Russell K. Chandler is a 40-year veteran of the fire service, serving as a both a volunteer and career firefighter. The majority of his career has been spent in fire investigations starting with becoming the first Fire Marshal for Hanover County. He also served many years as volunteer Fire Chief. He is presently serving with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, where he created the Virginia Fire Marshal Academy providing a full range of certification training programs including public education, inspections, investigations and a Law Enforcement School for Fire Marshals. Recently promoted to Branch Chief, he oversees the Program Chiefs who run the Fire Marshal Academy, as well as other training venues such as Heavy Technical Rescue, Airport Rescue Firefighting, Incident Management Systems and Course Development for the Agency. Chief Chandler also has 25-years of teaching, and currently serves as an adjunct instructor at the Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Forensics. He served on the Technical Working Group for the U. S. Justice Department, National Institute of Justice, Fire and Arson Scene Evidence; A guide for Public Safety Personnel. Presently he serves on the National Fire Protection Association, NFPA 921, Guide on Fire & Explosion Investigations.