Arson

When responding to possible arson, consider the following guidelines:

		Police role
		Early duties
		Physical evidence
		Photographing
		Interviews
		Further investigation
		Automobile arson

Police role (Arson)

1. The fire service controls a fire scene.
2. Police control the crowd.
3. Police collect and maintain continuity of evidence.
4. If the fire investigator suspects arson:
   • request a special unit to investigate whenever possible or
   • work with the fire investigator yourself

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Early duties (Arson)

Do the following while waiting for the special unit or starting your investigation.

1. Ask witnesses what happened.
2. Ask about a suspect.
3. Get names, addresses and telephone numbers of witnesses.
4. Photograph the crowd.
5. Photograph and preserve short-lived evidence.

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Physical evidence (Arson)

If you are investigating, collect physical evidence. You may need help from someone familiar with the scene.

1. Wear breathing protection.
2. Check for the odour of gasoline or other flammables.
3. Check under carpets and mats for flammable liquids.
4. Collect any liquid remains in a clean jar.
5. Search for evidence. Look for the following or remains of them:
   • fire accelerant
   • timing devices
   • wicks and candles
   • gasoline cans
6. Check the low point of the heaviest burning for evidence of the origin of the fire.
7. Check the condition of the wiring and heating.
• consider asking for help from hydro or chemists
8. Keep continuity of evidence.
9. Check for missing pets or prized possessions.
10. Check for anything unusual at the scene.

See also Dangerous goods

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Photographing (Arson)

If you are investigating, take photos of the following:

• the crowd
• short-lived evidence
• doors and windows, showing open, closed, broken
• objects foreign to the scene
• evidence

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Interviews (Arson)

If you are investigating, interview possible suspects and witnesses.

1. Interview possible suspects:
   • anyone who is burned
   • whoever discovered the fire
   • the property owner
2. Interview witnesses:
   • ask how and why the fire started
   • ask about suspects

See also Suspect interview

See also Witness or victim interview

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Further investigation (Arson)

If you are investigating, consider the following.

1. Check fire insurance:
   • previous claims
   • recent increase in coverage
   • whether claim for losses matches fire remains.
2. Check whether the owner is in financial trouble.
3. Check whether the property has been listed for sale for a long time.

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Automobile arson (Arson)

Intentionally burning a vehicle is arson. Accidental fires usually start around the wiring, fuel system, or catalytic converter.

1. Check under mats for flammable liquids.
2. Check for residue of the accelerant or its container.
3. Check whether the windows are open, closed, or blown out.
4. Check whether the car was running:
• keys in ignition
• melted key residue on floor
5. Check whether the gas cap is missing, removed, melted, or blown off.
6. Check whether items were removed before the fire. Consider:
   • CD player
   • tires and rims
7. Check whether the owner is in financial trouble:
   • lapsed car payments
   • expensive car repairs needed

See also Crime scene

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