FIP 128 Detection & Investigation

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Clinic: 0 Credits: 3

This course covers procedures for determining the origin and cause of accidental and incendiary fires referenced in NFPA standard 921. Topics include collection and preservation of evidence, detection and determination of accelerants, courtroom procedure and testimony, and documentation of the fire scene. Upon completion, students should be able to conduct a competent fire investigation and present those findings to appropriate officials or equivalent.

Course is typically offered in Fall
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
At the completion of the course, the students should be able to do the following:

Identify key case law decisions that have affected fire investigations.
Explain proper evidence collection.
Describe proper courtroom procedures.
Analyze the basic elements of fire dynamics and how they affect cause determination.
Present evidence and findings from an arson scene to a defined audience.