Arson Detection for the First Responder (ADFR)

Class Description

This course covers topics that fire fighting personnel must be familiar with in order to facilitate cause and origin determination and possible subsequent investigation of intentionally set fires.

Prerequisite: ELIS

Class Limit: 30 students

Student Needs: Pen/Pencil and notebook

From the Instructor:

This course is designed to increase the perception for fire, law enforcement and emergency medical personnel toward identification of potential arson and fraud incidents. The alertness of individuals who first contact the scene is critical to identifying indicators of arson, fraud and deception. A criminal’s actions in the first 48 hours after the event are the least rehearsed and prepared. Modern criminals typically employ simple methods to set fires leaving minimal physical evidence. The era of television shows highlighting forensic science has caused a down turn in the use of ignitable liquids. The difference between an accident and arson is simply intent. Candles, trash, appliances, cigarettes and other normal household items are being used to conceal the “intent” behind ignition.

This course will educate participants in simple fire science allowing them to recognize areas of concern during the initial response. Additionally, the course prepares participants to understand the role of the human factor and the criminal element as they pertain to fire loss. Students will examine motives, intent, fire patterns, behavioral issues, fire science and other related topics to understand how to recognize deception, fraud and arson. The program is delivered in a classroom setting with the use of visual aids to include video and audio files from actual arson and fraud investigations.