IAAI-CFI cheat sheet

Fire Investigation Job Performance Requirements (NFPA 1033)

• NFPA 1033 defines the minimum JPRs for fire investigators; it is a professional-qualification standard, not an investigation-methodology standard (NFPA 921 fills that role).

• Core knowledge areas required: fire science, fire chemistry, thermodynamics, thermometry, fire dynamics, explosion dynamics, fire pattern analysis, electricity and electrical systems, building construction and systems, plus fire protection systems.

• NFPA 1033 requires the investigator to be knowledgeable in the current edition of NFPA 921 and to use a systematic, documented scientific method rather than experience-based assumption.

• The scientific method as framed for fire investigation: identify the problem, define the problem, collect data, analyze the data (inductive reasoning), develop a hypothesis, test the hypothesis (deductive reasoning), and select a final hypothesis.

• Scene examination JPR: secure the scene, establish chain of custody, document the scene photographically and by sketch, and identify/collect/preserve physical evidence before it is disturbed.

• Investigator must determine the area of origin, the point of origin, the ignition sequence, the first material ignited, the ignition source, and the cause classification (accidental, natural, incendiary, or undetermined).

• Cause classification rule: if the cause cannot be established to a reasonable degree of certainty after a complete investigation, the classification must be undetermined, not probable-cause guesswork.

• Competency is measured by education, training, and experience; NFPA 1033 also expects continuing education and periodic re-evaluation of skills and knowledge.

• Documentation JPR: produce a written report that states the investigator's qualifications, the methodology, the evidence relied upon, the conclusions, and any limitations or unresolved questions.