Citation

Codding GA, Bohn JA. Fire Eng. 2006; 159(8): 73-78.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Penn Well Publishing)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

Fire departments are making efforts to protect evidence, which are being scrutinized, as courts and attorneys are becoming more involved in the business of public safety. The firefighter and fireground commander must take steps to secure the scene of fire and any evidence within it until the scene is turned over to fire investigators. It is important to preserve the fire scene, which is critical to a successful arson arrest. It also helps determine the truth in civil litigation, the need for insurance payment, and which insurance company is responsible for the payment. Members of the team, operating within the structure should be prepared to tell the investigators where they were and what contents they had disturbed during the operation. Fire evidence should remain undisturbed, following extinguishment along with the fire scene. Department members who notice potential evidence should notify the incident to the commander or investigator at the earliest.

Language: en