ASSIDUOUS REVIEW INSTITUTE 6.
Magnifying Glass — the magnifying glass focuses the sunlight on tinder,
FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION
RAGJR lecture notes
Fire in Early Civilization
As early civilizations developed, people discovered more uses for fire. They
used fire to provide light, to make better tools, and as a weapon in times of
war. In a myth to honor Vesta, the Roman goddess of the heart, the high
priest of the Roman religion periodically chose six priestesses, called Vestal
virgins, to keep a fire going in a community hearth.
Fire was essential in metalworking, which developed after 4000 BC. One of
the worlds greatest losses was caused by a fire in the great library in
Alexandria, Egypt, in 48 BC. This fire destroyed the world’s most complete
collection of ancient Greek and Roman writings.
Early Fire Making Techniques
1. Two Sticks — one of the oldest methods of starting fires consists of
rubbing two sticks together. The rubbing creates friction between the sticks,
and the friction generates heat and wood to ignite.
2. Hand Drill — more efficient method of rubbing two pieces of wood
together. Rapidly spinning a stick of wood against another piece of wood can
generate enough friction and heat cause the wood to ignite.
3. Bow Drill — drawing the bow back and forth spins the stick rapidly against
the piece wood, producing a large amount of friction.
4. Weighted Bow Drill — generates more friction than the bow drill by
weighing down the wooden stick, making it push with more force against the
other piece of wood.. moving the bow back and forth creates frictional heat
between the stick and piece of wood , which can ignite the wood.
5. Striking Flint — another ancient method of starting fires consists of
striking flint against another piece of flint to produce sparks. The sparks can
ignite tinder to start a fire.
and the energy of the sunlight heats the tinder until it ignites.
Chemical Properties of Fire
Endothermic Heat Reaction a chemical reaction where a substance absorbs
that energy.
Oxidation is a chemical change that is exothermic. In connection with fire
technology, it is simply defined as a chemical change in which combustible
material (fuel) and an oxidizing agent, like oxygen, react.
Flames are incandescent gases. In order to be sustained, it should maintain a
high temperature and a concentration of short-lived intermediate chemical
reactants between fuel and oxidizer. There are different types of flames,
categorized as:
1. Base on color and completeness combustibility of fuel:
1.1 Luminous flame is orange-red will deposit soot at the bottom of a vessel
being heated due to incomplete combustion of fuel and has a lower
temperature.
1.2 Non-luminous flame is blue, forms no soot deposit due to almost complete
combustion of fuel and has relatively high temperature.
2. Based on fuel and air mixture:
2.1 Premixed flame exemplified by the Bunsen-type laboratory burner where
hydrocarbon is thoroughly mixed with air before reaching the flame zone.
2.2 Diffusion flame is observed when gas (fuel) alone is forced through a
nozzle into the atmosphere which diffuse the surrounding atmosphere in order
to form a flammable mixture. The rate at which the fuel and oxidizer are
brought together determines the characteristics of a diffusion flame.

3. Based on smoothness:
3.1 Laminar flame when a particle follows a smooth path through a gaseous
flame.
3.2 Turbulent flames are those having unsteady, irregular swirls and eddies.
As physical size, gas density or velocity are increased, all laminar gas flows
tend to become turbulent.
Heat Energy Sources
It is important to be familiar with the common ways which heat energy can
be produced since fire prevention and extinguishment are dependent on the
control of heat energy. Among the sources of heat energy are:
 Chemical
 Electrical
 Mechanical
 Nuclear
1. Chemical Heat Energy
Oxidation reaction is exothermic. The sources of this type of heat is the
primary concern of the protection engineer.
1.1 Heat of Combustion – The heat of combustion is the amount of heat
released during the complete oxidation where the organic fuel is converted to
water and carbon dioxide. Heat of combustion, commonly referred to as
calorific or fuel value depends upon the kinds and members of atoms in the
molecule as well as upon their arrangement. Calorific values are used in
calculating fire loading
1.2 Spontaneous Heating is the process of increase in temperature of a
material as result of slow oxidation, that is, without drawing heat from its
surrounding, until the ignition temperature results into combustion. Three
conditions that determine whether or not an oxidation reaction will cause
dangerous heating are:
 Rate of heat generation
 Air Supply
 Insulating properties of the intermediate surrounding
1.3 Heat of Decomposition is the heat released by the decomposition of
compounds requiring the addition of heat for their formation.
1.4 Heat of solution is the heat released when a substance is dissolved in
liquid.
2. Electrical Heat Energy
Electrical energy produces heat when electric current flows through a
conductor or when a spark jumps on air gap.
2.1 Resistant Heating is when the rate of heat generation to the resistance
and square of the current. Bare conductors can carry more current than
insulated wires without heating dangerously since the temperature of the
conductor resulting from resistance heating depends on dissipation of heat to
surrounding. Single wires can carry more current than bundled or closely
grounded wires.
2.2 Heat Generated by Lightning: The discharge of an electrical charge on
a cloud to an opposite charge on another cloud or on the ground is called
lightning. Lightning passing between the cloud and the ground can develop
very high temperature in any material of high resistance in its path, such as
wood or mason.
2.3 Inductive Heating. Whenever atoms are subjected to electric potential
gradients from external sources, the arrangement of the atom (or of a
molecule of several atoms) is distorted, with a tende3ncy for electrons to
move in the direction of opposite direction
2.4 Static Electricity or Frictional Electricity is an electrical discharge that
accumulates on the surface of two materials that have been brought together
and then separated. One surface becomes positively charged and the other
negatively. If the substances are not bonded or grounded, they will
accumulate sufficient electrical charge so that a spark discharge may occur. In
some instances, flammable gases and vapors as well as clouds of
combustible gas are capable of being ignited. Fuel flowing in a pipe can
generate enough static electricity of sufficient energy to ignite a flammable
vapor.
2.5 Heat from Arcing: Arcing results when an electric circuit which is carrying
current is interrupted, either intentionally (as by a knife switch) or accidentally
(as when a contact or terminal becomes loosened). The temperature of arc
are very high, and the heat released may be sufficient to ignite combustible or
flammable material within the vicinity.
3.Mechanical Heat Energy
Mechanical heat energy is responsible for significant number of fires
each year.
3.1 Frictional Heat results when mechanical energy is used in overcoming
the resistance to motion when two solids are rubbing together. Any friction
generates heat. The danger depends on
 The amount of mechanical energy transformed to heat.
 The rate at which heat is generated.
3.2 Overheating of Machinery may cause fires from the heat accumulated
from rolling, sliding or friction in machinery between two hard surfaces, at least
one which is usually a metal.
3.3 Heat of Compression is heat released when gas is compressed. This is
also known as diesel effect.
4. Nuclear Heat Energy
The nucleus of an atom are made up particles bound together by
tremendous forces which can be released when the nucleus is bombarded by
energized particles.
4.1 Nuclear Fission occurs when a subatomic particles called neutron
bombards an appropriate type of nucleus. The nucleus then splits into two
lighter nuclei (the fission products), and the same time released tremendous
amount of energy of the fission fragments.
Nuclear Fusion includes all nuclear reactions in which two light nuclei
combine to form heavier nucleus, with the emission of gamma rays.. Some of
these reactions are believed to be the source of energy in man-made devices
as in the so-called “hydrogen bombs,” where two deuterium atoms (H2) fused
to form Helium (He4).
BEHAVIOR OF FIRE
HEAT TRANSFER
Heat can travel throughout a burning building by one or more of four methods;
(1) conduction, (2) radiation, (3) convection,. The existence of heat within a
substance is caused by molecular action. Thus, as the vibration of the
molecules becomes more intense, the heat becomes more intense. Since
heat is disordered energy, it never remains constant but is continually
transferred from objects of higher temperature to those of lower temperature.
The colder of two bodies in contact will absorb heat until both objects are the
same temperature.
A. Conduction
Heat may be conducted from one body to another by direct contact of the two
bodies or by an intervening heat-conduction medium. The amount of heat that
will be transferred and its rate of travel by this method depend upon the
conductivity of the material through which the heat is passing. Not all materials
have the same heat conductivity. Aluminum, copper, and iron, are good
conductors. Other solids such as stone and wood are poor conductors.

Liquids and gases are poor conductors of heat because of the free movement
of their molecules. Air is a very poor conductor. Certain solid materials, when
shredded into fibers and packed into batts, make good insulation because the
material itself is a poor conductor and there are air pockets within the batting.
Double building walls which contain an air space provide additional insulation.
The line drawing in Figure 1.8 illustrates heat transfer by conduction
B. Radiation
This method of heat transmission is known as radiation of heat waves. Heat
and light waves are similar in nature but they differ in length. Heat waves are
similar in nature but they differ in length. Heat waves are longer than light
waves and they are sometimes called infrared rays. Radiated heat will travel
through space until it reaches an opaque object. As the object is exposed to
heat radiation it will in return radiate heat is one of the major sources of fire
spread and its importance demands and immediate defensive attack at points
where radiation exposure is severe.
C. Convection
Convection is the transfer of heat by the movement of air or liquid. This
movement is different from the molecular motion discussed in conduction.
When liquids or gases are heated, they begin to move within themselves. For
example, when water is heated in a glass container, an upward movement
within the vessel can be observed through the glass. (The additions of some
more apparent.) As the water is heated, it expands and grows lighter, causing
the upward movement. In the same manners, heated air will expand, become
lighter, and move upward. As the heated air moves upward, cooler air takes
its place at lower levels. As previously mentioned, this is important for
firefighters to remember, and is why you must remain low in this type of
environment.
The spread of fire by convection has more influence upon the positions for fire
attack and ventilation than either of the previously discussed method of heat
propagation. Heated air in a building will expand and rise. For this reason, fire
spread by convection is mostly in an upward direction although air currents
can carry heat in any direction although air currents can carry heat in any
direction. Convected heat currents are generally the cause of heat movement
from floor to floor, from room to room and from area to area. The spread of fire
through corridors, up stairwells and elevator shafts, between walls, and
through attics is mostly caused by the convection of heat currents.
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS - One of the requirements in the formation of
fire is combustible materials which must be heated to its ignition temperature
before it will burn.
CLASSIFICATION OF FIRES AND EXTINGUISHING METHODS
CLASS A FIRES
Fires involving ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, cloth, paper,
rubber, and many plastics
CLASS A EXTINGUISHMENT
Water is used in a cooling or quenching effect to reduce the temperature of
the burning material below its ignition temperature.
CLASS B FIRES
Fires involving flammable liquids, greases, and gases.
CLASS B EXTINGUISHMENT
The smothering or blanketing effect of oxygen exclusion is most effective.
Other extinguishing methods include removal of fuel and temperature
reduction.
CLASS C FIRES
Fires involving energized electrical equipment.
CLASS C EXTINGUISHMENT
This fire can sometimes be controlled by a non conducting extinguishing
agent. The safest procedure is always to attempt to de-energize high voltage
circuits and treat as a Class A or B fire depending upon the fuel involved.
CLASS D FIRES
Fires involving combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium,
sodium and potassium.
CLASS D EXTINGUISHMENT
The extremely high temperature of some burning metals makes water and
other common extinguishing agents ineffective. There is no agent available
that will effectively control fires in all combustible metals. Special extinguishing
agents are available for control of fire in each of the metals and are marked
specifically for that metal.
CLASS K FIRES
Fires that involve cooking oils or fats are designated "Class K" under the
American system, and "Class F" under the European/Australasian systems.
Though such fires are technically a subclass of the flammable liquid/gas class,
the special characteristics of these types of fires are considered important
enough to recognize
STAGES OF FIRE
1. Incipient Stage – there is no visible smoke or flame.
2. Smoldering Stage – there is smoke but no flame.
3. Flame Stage – there is smoke and flame.
4. Heat Stage – there is uncontrolled spread of superheated air.
SUPPRESSION OF FIRE
Fire Suppression Activities
1. Fire Prevention
It is intended to reduce sources of ignition, and is partially focused on
programs to educate people from starting fires. Buildings, especially schools
and tall buildings, often conduct fire drills to inform and prepare citizens on
how to react to a building fire.
2. Fire Control
It consists of depriving, a fire of fire of fuel-reducing agent, oxygen-oxidizing
agent, heat or the chemical chain reaction that are necessary to sustain itself
or re-kindle it.
3. Fire Fighting
It is the act of extinguishing destructive fires. A firefighter fights these
fires to prevent destructions of life, property and the environment.
4. Fire Safety
Refers to precautions that are taken to prevent or reduce the likelihood of
a fire that may result in death, injury, or property damage, alert those in a
structure to the presence of a fire in the event one occurs, better enable those
threatened by a fire to survive, or to reduce the damage caused by a fire.
5. Fire Protection
Is the study and practice of mitigating the unwanted effects of fires. It
involves the study of the behavior, compartmentalisation, suppression and
investigation of fire and its related emergencies, as well as the research and
development, production, testing and application of mitigating systems.
6. Law Enforcement
Building and fire inspectors check on compliance of a building under
construction with the building code.
Principles of Fire Prevention and Control
 Buckeye 6 Liter Class K Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher Tagged
 Prevent the Outbreak of Fire  Rechargeable UL Rating 1A:K
 Provide for Early Detection
 Prevent the Spread of Fire Requirement Portable Fire Extinguisher
 Provide for Prompt Extinguishment
 Provide for Prompt and Orderly Evacuation  Of Approved Type
 The Right Type for the Class of Fire
 Accessibly Located
DRY CHEMICAL (POWDER)  Maintained in Operating Condition
 Suitable for Class A, B, and C fires  Operable by Trained Personnel
 Red color

CO2 FIRE EXTINGUISHER

 Suitable for Class B and Class C Fires only Using Portable Fire Extinguishers
 Red Color
Use the PASS –word
DRY CHEMICAL FIRE EXTINGUISHER
 The main characteristics of a dry chemical fire extinguisher is to break the 1. PULL THE PIN - This will allow you to discharge the extinguisher.
chemical chain reaction of the fire triangle 2. Aim at the Base of the Fire
3. SQUEEZE THE LEVER OR THE HANDLE
4. Sweep – sweep from from side to side until the fire is completely out
PRESSURIZED WATER OR LIGHT WATER
 Suitable for Class A fires only Remember……….
 Stainless Container The average hand portable extinguisher will only operate from 15 to 30
seconds ----- There is NO TIME to learn during an actual emergency.
AQUEOUS FILM FORMING FOAM (AFFF)
 Suitable for Class A and B fires FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT
 Blue color
FIRE FIGHTERS HELMET
HCFC 123
Made of a high impact, electrically insulated, puncture resistant, heat resistant
 Vaporizing liquid
and chemical resistant materials essentially consisting of a shell an energy
 Suitable for Class A, B, and C fire absorbing system a retention system and a face shield, for FIRE
 GREEN COLOR FIGHTERSHEAD PROTECTION
 FIRE LADDER
FIRE COAT Devices designed to bring firemen and their equipment to the upper stories of
Made of high strength, fire and heat resistant, waterproof, breathable and buildings to fight fires and rescue people. The ladders may be portable or
essentially consisting of an outer shell moisture barrier and thermal barrier. It mounted on motor vehicles; fire escapes are permanently mounted.
shall provide protection to the upper torso neck arms and wrist including the
hands and head of the FIREFIGHTER MODERN FIREFIGHTING
A science which requires a vast amount of professional knowledge as well as
GLOVES technical training in the use of apparatus and equipment.
Made of high strength materials heat, flame, cut, puncture, liquid resisant with
moisture barrier and thermal lining that delivers protection to the hands of the A. PHASES OF FIRE FIGHTING TACTICS:
firefighters during firefighting operations
1. BEFORE ARRIVAL AT THE FIRE AREA
FIRE FIGHTERS TROUSERS
Made of high strength fire and heat resistant, water proof, breathable, and A. ADVANCE INFORMATION – members of the fire force must have
multi layer fabric materials essentially consisting of an outer shell, moisture adequate
barrier and thermal barrier it shall provide protection to the lower torso and information of the location, construction, water supply (size of water
legs of the firefighter. mains
and location of hydrants and etc.) covered by the station where he is
FIRE BOOTS assigned.
The boots shall be 100% ater proof with Cut, Puncture, Heat, Chemical,
Flame, Corrosion, and Electrical Resistant Features for the Foot protection of B. ALARM – means summoning fire apparatus.
the FIREFIGHTERS C. RUN – means reaching the fire safety and remember that the speed in
response is only secondary.
FIRE HOSE
Fire hose a flexible tube that carries water under pressure 1. Best possible route
2. Traffic Light
SPANNER WRENCH 3. Response of other Apparatus
A tool use to tighten or loosen couplings 4. Dangerous Intersection
5. Railroad Crossing
NOZZLES 6. Numbers of turns
Device that shapes, directs and controls, the fire stream 7. Weather Condition
8. Traffic Congestion
HYDRANT KEY
Device used to open and close a fire hydrant 2. AFTER ARRIVAL AT THE FIRE ALARM
A. SIZE UP – (estimate the situation) is the estimate of the situation made by
the superior Officer-In-Charge of the fore in which he decides, what to do and
how to do in continuous process until the operation is completed. ARSON INVESTIGATION

1. Location/Environment – Address, building, condition, life hazards. Introduction

2. Physical Surrounding – Railroad, roads, bridges Arson is a time-consuming and difficult crime to investigate. There is
3. Nature of Situation – fire explosion, toxic, radioactive. much misunderstanding about motives behind the crime of arson. Few arson
4. Own Situation – Fire apparatus, water supply cases lead to arrest and less than twenty percent arrest result in conviction.
5. Immediate Action – Whether to conduct rescue or fire extinguishing Up recently, arson was classified as crime against property rather than a
operation or both. Rescue is the first consideration at the stage decision must crime of violence, as it is today.
be quick and right to avoid delay overkill.
Arson Investigation
B. RESCUE – is the removal of human being from an involved building to the Arson is defined as any willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn,
place of safety. with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor
vehicle or aircraft, personal property of another, etc.
C. COVER EXPOSURE – this is done by applying water to an involved
building surrounding or near the fire. What to avoid here is the spread or Corpus Delicti of Arson
transfer of heat by means of radiation, convection and conduction. Mostly the Means “The body of the crime.” In an arson case this means proving the
public misunderstood these techniques because they don’t see the purpose of incendiary origin of the fire and eliminating all other possible causes.
its application.
Presumption of Innocence
FACTORS IN DETERMINING EXPOSURE HAZARDS There is no presumption that a burning building has been intentionally set
on fire. On the contrary, the presumption of innocence which belongs to the
1. Delay to discover or report fire accused carries with it a presumption that the fire is of accidental of
2. Weather condition – wind direction, velocity providential origin.
3. Combustibility of burning materials Thus, the corpus delicti requires not only the proof of the burning of the
4. Size of fire structure building, but also that the burning was caused by a criminal agency.
5. Size of fire
6. Type of construction of involved building 3 Elements of Corpus Delicti
7. Degree of exposure 1. That a fire or burning occurred in a premise of property protected by law.
To meet this requirement, the existing provisions of Art.320 - Art. 326-B of the
TWO TYPES OF EXPOSURE: Revised Penal Code, as amended by P.D. No. 1613 (Amending the Law on
Arson) , and P.D. No. 1744 must be consulted to determine whether the
a. Interior – Fire may spread within the involved building. setting of fire is sufficient enough to consumate the crime of arson; or whether
b. Exterior – Fire may spread from building to building.
there must be an actual physical change in the premises or property caused
by burning;
2. That the fire or burning was intentional; neither accidental nor attributable to
negligence or natural causes, but the result of a criminal act; and
3. That someone set the fire, caused it to be set, or otherwise furthered the
act.
The purpose of examining the scene and attempting to recognize and collect
physical evidence in a case of suspected arson is threefold: 1) to determine
where the fire started. Only when the origin is known can possible causes be
searched for and eliminated, 2) to establish whether the fire was intentionally
set, thereby proving an element of the crime, and 3) if the fire is determined to
have been set, to connect the arsonist to the crime scene.

Authority of Investigation
In the Philippines, the authority for arson investigation is in the hands of
the fire authorities with the local police having concurrent jurisdiction on fire
incidents of exceptional cases. A fire has to be investigated, in certain cases
extensively, before there is proof that a crime was committed – that the fire
was incendiary in origin.
But the task of locating and recognizing physical evidence is a different one
for arson than is for most other crimes. Some physical evidence may be
destroyed by flames and heat, or washed away by pressure hoses. Despite,
this, telltale signs of where the fire started may remain, but the investigator
must be capable of reading them. To do so, the following very elementary
knowledge of the chemistry and physics of fire is needed.

As provided by Section 54, Chapter IV, R.A. 6975 (Rule and Regulations Motives of the Crime or Arson
Implementing the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1. Financial Gain
1990), “the fire bureau shall have the power to investigate all causes of fires  Insurance Fraud
and, if necessary, file the proper complaints with the city or provincial  Elimination of Competition
prosecutor who has jurisdiction over the case.”  Moving and Resettlement Allowance

People as Source of Information 2. Intimidation

1. Person Who Discovered the Fire  Insurance Fraud
2. Firefighters  Elimination of Competition
3. Owner or Manager of the Structure  Moving and Resettlement Allowance
4. Employees
5. Insurance and financial Personnel 3. Emotional Reasons
6. Business Competitors  Jealousy
7. Other Possible Witnesses  Spite
 Revenge
 Spectators of the Scene  Hatred
 Neighbors and Tenants
 News Media Camera Technicians 4. Concealment of Another Crime
 Fortuitous Witnesses  Homicide
 Robbery
Importance of Physical Evidence  Fraud, Forgery and Embezzlement
 Other Crimes To improve the likelihood of a successful resolution, it is important to keep
 Pyromania in mind the scientific method and basic methodology. The six-step approach
 Recognition as a Hero in analyzing the origin and cause of fire are as follows:
 Vandalism 1. Recognizing the Problem
 Determine origin
Detecting Use of Accelerants  Cause
Accelerant: Any substance which causes a fire to develop more rapidly than  Responsibility
normal. Accelerants may include solids or liquid accelerants may be normally
stored in the burning area. 2. Defining the Problem
3. Collecting Data
Accelerants can sometimes be detected at the scene of a suspected 4. Analyzing Data
arson by visual inspection, by odor, or by means of instrumental devices. 5. Developing Hypothesis
6. Proving the Hypothesis
1. Visual Observations
2. Detecting by Scent Precaution in Physical Examination
3. Dye Color Test The physical examination of structural fire involves a series of increasing
4. Instrumental Devices focused analyses.
That is, first, the exterior, the interior, the room of origin, the point of
origin, and finally the determination of cause. The reconstruction and
examination of the fire scene can be seriously impeded by indiscriminate or
haphazard handling of the routine fire-fighting operation known as the
STRUCTURAL FIRE’S INVESTIGATION overhaul.

The main reason for conducting a post-fire investigation of structural fire is to
determining the fire’s origin and cause.
The cause of a fire usually can be determined from a detailed inspection of the
charred debris, combustibles, devices, and residues located at the point of
origin or within the area of origin. Theoretically, the cause of fire can be
categorized into one of four classifications, i.e., act of God, unintentional,
cause unknown, and intentional.
Examining the Fire Scene Physically
This involves the inspection of, and when necessary, the movement or
reshuffling of debris in an effort to discover concealed sparks, embers, or
flames that might rekindle the fire.
In the case of suspicious fire, overhaul process should be minimized. If
circumstances permit, the room of origin should not be overhauled before an
investigator is on the fire scene and can supervise the operation; otherwise,
evidence could be destroyed or buried.
An objective estimate should be completed for each area overhauled to
determine whether the debris is normal for that area, and whether items
consistent with a normal style are missing. The presence of items foreign to
the environment is to be viewed with suspicion.
 Determining the Point(s) of Origin
Examining the Structure’s Exterior Many factors and criteria are commonly used to isolate the point(s) of origin
The structure’s exterior examination begins with interviewing the within the room of origin. If the investigator finds several distinct –
firefighters and police officers who first responded at the fire scene. unconnected points of origin, each must be carefully examined.

1. Were persons or vehicles observed in the vicinity of the fire? Were any The discovery of multiple points of origin is prima facie evidence that the fire
unusual odors noticed? was of incendiary origin.
2. What was the approximate reflex time, i.e., time elapsed between alarm
and first water = response time + set-up time? Evidence of Incendiary Fires
3. If so, could their conduct or actions be interpreted as suspicious? That is, 1. Suspicious behavior or people observed at the fire scene, signs of forced
were they: fighting or arguing, too eager to help or give information, attempting entry unrelated to fire-fighting operations, pre-cut holes in floors, walls or roof,
to obstruct fire-fighting operations, observed fleeing the scene, observed at sabotage of fire detection or water delivery systems, e.g., hydrants, sprinklers,
other fire scenes, and dressed in a manner suggesting obvious haste, i.e., etc, and multiple points or origin.
relative to time of day, night or season? If suspicion were raised, record 2. Abnormalities, i.e., inconsistencies with construction materials and
accurate description, license plate numbers, etc. contents, with regard to: rate of speed, direction of spread, e.g., unusual
4. Was the structure fully involved? locations of fire, burn patterns, extent of spread; and intensity of fire, i.e.,
5. Were the doors and windows open or closed? temperature, as indicated by smoke and flame color, depth of char, burn time,
6. Were hydrants, standpipes, and sprinkler systems operational? spelling, etc.
7. Were hydrants, standpipes, and sprinkler systems operational?
Eliminating Accidental Causes
After completing the initial interviews, the investigator should examine and The elimination of all possible accidental causes of fire is one of the fire
evaluate the fire damage on the exterior. investigator’s most difficult tasks. Unless relevant accidental causes can be
eliminated, the fire must be declared accidental.
Examining the Structure’s Interior 1. Electrical Causes
1. Does the fire spread appear natural, was the extension of the fire natural, 2. Lightning
and was the intensity of the fire natural, and were the furnishing, clothing, 3. Gas Fires
appliances, and so on normal for the type of occupancy? 4. Fuel Oil Fires
2. Were personal items removed before the fire? 5. Operations of System
3. Was the body of fire and the path of heat travel consistent with the type of 6. Auxiliary Heating Equipment
construction and contents, and is your approximation of the burn time 7. Cooking related Fires
consistent with the combustibility characteristics of the types of material-fuel 8. Exposed or Unprotected Flames and Sparks
involved? 9. Children and Pets
4. Are there any holes in the floors or walls? 10. Clandestine Laboratories
5. Are there holes in the roof? 11. Improper Storage of Combustibles
12. Smoking
13. Construction, Renovation and Demolition Photographs of the body in site, i.e., in its original position, and the room
14. Direct Sunlight or area in which it is found will prove to be very valuable later in the
investigation.
FATAL FIRE’S INVESTIGATION
Identifying the Victim
Six-Phase Investigative Approach Determining the identity of a fatality discovered at the fire scene can be
The multiplicity of problems confronting an investigator at the scene of a difficult, involving the efforts of several specialists. The investigator must;
fatal fire is not always obvious. The following six-phase approach is therefore, collect all items hat might directly or indirectly facilitate the proper
hereunder presented as an aid to the investigator in a fatal fire case: identification of the victim, e.g., remains of the victim’s clothing or object found
on or near the body.
1. Fire Incident
2. Body Examination Time and Duration of Death
3. Cause and Origin One of the most important questions in any fatal fire investigation is the
4. Investigative Procedure time of death. Was the victim alive or dead before the fire? This piece of
5. Follow-Up Investigation information, coupled with the cause of the fire, will set the tone of the entire
6. Arrest and Trial investigative process that is to follow.

Special Evidence at Fire Scene

Maintaining the Fire Scene
The credibility of the fire scene investigator and, to a great extent, any
future prosecution is directly affected by the extent to which the fire scene has
been disturbed. The person responsible for preserving the integrity of the fire
scene until the first police or fire investigator arrives is the fire officer in
command
Arrival of the Investigator
An experienced investigator should know that the timeliness of his
response to the fire scene can, to a great extent, make or break the
investigation. Survivors, and people with an interest in the fire may still be
present, and firefighters with first-hand knowledge of conditions within the
building during the fire may be available.
Recording the Fire Scene
For some time now, bloodstains evidence has been instrumental in
determining many different variables at crime scene untouched by fire.
INTERROGATING ARSON SUSPECTS
Interrogation has been defined as “a questioning or examination.”
The word interrogate is defined as “to examine by questioning.” When the
witness takes the stand in court and is questioned by the attorney, he is said
to have been examined by the attorney.
Interviewing vs. Interrogating
There is difference between an interview and an interrogation. An interview is
“a face-to-face” meeting with witness to obtain information.” Whereas, an
interrogation is “an examination of a suspect by questioning.” In the fire and
arson investigation field, investigators usually use the practical application: an
interview is for witnesses and an interrogation is for suspects.

Advising the Suspect of His Constitutional Rights
Any suspect should be advised of his constitutional rights and given the
proper warnings before the interrogation is initiated.
Miranda Warning
Based on this very important Miranda ruling, most authorities who are often
involved in criminal interrogation carry a card which states the “Miranda
Warning” in complete detail.
These investigators read this card to the person prior to his interrogation, so
that the suspect is properly warned. In this way, any confession which
evolves from the interrogation (in the absence of any other violation) would be
a confession which could be expected to hold up legally at the time of the trial.
The Four Rights
1. You have the right to remain silent.
2. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
3. You have the right to talk to a lawyer and have him present while you are
being questioned.
4. If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, one will be appointed to represent
you before any questioning, if you wish one.
The Two Waivers
The two waivers are given as questions and answers:
1. Do you understand each of these rights I have explained to you?
2. Having these rights in mind, do you wish to talk to us now?
If the answer to the last two questions are “yes” then the investigator will
proceed with his interrogation with the assurance that he has properly warned
the suspect.
SALIENT FEATURES OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9514
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE FIRE CODE OF THE
PHILIPPINES, REPEALING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1185 AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
Pursuant to the provision of Section 14 in relation to Section 5 of Republic Act
No. 9514, entitled “AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE FIRE
CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES, REPEALING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO.
1185, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”
RULE 1: INTERPRETATION
This IRR shall be interpreted in the light of the Declaration of Policy found in
Section 2 of the Code:
It is the policy of the State to ensure public safety, promote economic
development through the prevention and suppression of all kinds, of
destructive fires, and promote the professionalization of the fire service as a
profession. Towards this end, the State shall enforce all laws, rules and
regulations to ensure adherence to standard fire prevention and safety
measures, and promote accountability in the fire protection and prevention
service.
RULE 2: COVERAGE
This IRR shall cover the following:
A. All persons;
B. All private or public buildings, facilities or structures and their premises
erected or constructed before and after the effectivity hereof;
C. Design and installation of mechanical, electronics and electrical systems
relative to fire protection;
D. Manufacturing, storage, handling and/or use, and transportation of
explosives and/or combustible, flammable liquids and gases, toxic and other
hazardous materials and operations, and their wastes;
E. Fire safety planning, design, construction, repair,
 maintenance, rehabilitation and demolition;
F. Fire protective and warning equipment or systems;
G. All land transportation vehicles and equipment, ships or vessels docked
at piers or wharves or anchored in seaports; and
H. Petroleum industry installations.
RULE 3: DEFINITION OF TERMS
Abatement. Any act that would remove or neutralize a fire hazard.
Building Administrator. Any person who acts as agent of the owner and
manages the use of a building for the latter.
Automatic Fire Suppression System. An integrated system of underground
or overhead piping or both connected to a source of extinguishing agent or
medium and designed in accordance with fire protection engineering
standards which, when actuated by its automatic detecting device, suppresses
fires within the area protected.
Baffle. A non liquid-tight transverse partition in a cargo tank.
Blasting Agent. Any material or mixture consisting of a fuel and oxidizer used
to set off explosives.
Boil-over. The expulsion of crude oil (or certain other liquids) from a burning
tank in which the light fractions of the crude oil burn off producing a heat wave
in the residue, which on reaching a water strata may result in the explosion of
the portion of the contents of the tank in the form of a froth.
Cellulose Nitrate or Nitro Cellulose. A highly combustible and explosive
compound produced by the reaction of nitric acid with a cellulose material.
Cellulose Nitrate Plastic (Pyroxylin). Any plastic substance, materials or
compound having cellulose nitrate (nitro cellulose) as base.
Combustible Fibers. Any readily ignitable and free-burning fibers, such as
but not limited, to cocoa fiber, cotton, excelsior, hay, hemp, henequen, istle,
jute, kapok, oakrum, rags, sisal, Spanish moss, straw, tow, waste cloth,
waste paper, certain synthetic fibers commonly used in commerce, or
any material in a fibrous or shredded form that will readily ignite when heat
sources are present.
Combustible Liquid. Any liquid having a flash point at or above thirty seven
and eight tenths degrees Celsius (37.8°C), and classified as follows:
Class II Liquid. Any liquid that has a flash point at or above thirty seven
and eight tenths degrees Celsius (37.8°C) and below sixty degrees Celsius
(60°C).
Class IIIA Liquid. Any liquid that has a flash point at or above sixty degrees
Celsius (60°C), but below ninety three degrees Celsius (93°C).
Class IIIB Liquid. Any liquid that has a flash point at or above ninety three
degrees Celsius (93°C).
Combustible Waste. Also known as loose waste material, are those
generated by an establishment or process and, being salvageable, are
retained for scrap or reprocessing on the premises where generated.
These include, but not limited to, all combustible fibers, hay, straw, hair,
feathers, down, wood shavings, turnings, styropor, all types of plastics, all
types of paper products, soiled cloth trimmings and cuttings, rubber trimmings
and buffings, metal fines, used oil and any mixture of the above items, or any
other salvageable combustible waste material.
Corrosive Liquid. Any liquid which causes fire when in contact with organic
matter or with certain chemicals.
Curtain Board. A vertical panel of non-combustible or fire resistive materials
attached to and extending below the bottom chord of the roof trusses to divide
the underside of the roof into separate compartments so that heat and smoke
will be directed upwards to a roof vent.
Damper. A normally open device installed inside air duct systems which
automatically closes to restrict the passage of smoke or fire.
Derrick. A framework that is constructed over a mine or oil well for the
purpose of boring or lowering pipes.
Detearing. A process for rapidly removing excess wet coating material from a
dipped or coated object or material by passing it through an
electrostaticfield.
Distillation. The process of first raising the temperature to separate the more
volatile from the less volatile parts and then cooling and condensing the
resulting vapor so as to produce a nearly purified substance.
Duct System. A continuous passageway for the transmission of air.
Dust. Any finely divided solid, four millimeters (4 mm) or less in diameter (that
is, material capable of passing through a U.S. No. 40 standard sieve) which, if
mixed with air in the proper proportion, becomes explosive and may be
ignited by a flame or spark or other source of ignition.
Ember. A hot piece or lump that remains after a material has partially burned,
and is still oxidizing without the manifestation of flames.
Fire Alarm. Any visual or audible signal produced by a device or system to
warn the occupants of the building or fire fighting elements of the presence or
danger of fire.
Fire Door. A fire resistive door prescribed for openings in fire separation walls
or partitions.
Fire Exit Drill. A practice drill for the orderly and safe evacuation of occupants
in the buildings.
Fire Hazard. Any condition or act which increases or may cause an increase
in the probability of the occurrence of fire, or which may obstruct, delay,
hinder or interfere with fire fighting operations and the safeguarding of life and
property.
Fire Lane. The portion of a roadway or public way that should be kept opened
and unobstructed at all times for the expedient conduct of fire fighting
operations.
Fire Resistance Rating. The time duration that a material or construction can
withstand the effect of a standard fire test.
Fire Trap. A building unsafe in case of fire because it will burn easily or
because it lacks adequate exits or fire escapes.
Fire Wall. A wall designed to prevent the spread of fire, having a fire
resistance rating of not less than four (4) hours with sufficient structural
stability
to remain standing even if construction on either side collapses under fire
conditions.
Forging. A process where a piece of metal is heated prior to changing its
shape or dimensions.
Hangar. A large building in which aircrafts are kept or repaired.
Hazardous Operation/Process. Any act of manufacturing, fabrication,
conversion, or other similar operations that use or produce materials which
are likely to cause fires or explosions.
High Rise Buildings. Buildings, structures or facilities fifteen (15) meters or
more in height.
Jumper. Any piece of metal or an electrical conductor used to bypass a safety
device in an electrical system.
Means of Egress. Is a continuous and unobstructed route of exit from one
point in a building, structure or facility to a public way.
Overloading. The use of one or more electrical appliances or devices which
draw or consume electrical current beyond the designed capacity of the
existing electrical system.
Oxidizing Material. A material that readily yields oxygen in quantities
sufficient to stimulate or support combustion.
Plenum. An air compartment or chamber to which one or more ducts are
connected and which form part of an air distribution system.
Proscenium wall. A fire resistive wall which separates a stage or enclosed
platform from the public or spectators' area of an auditorium or theater.
Public Way. Any street, alley or other strip of land unobstructed from the
ground to the sky, deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated
for public use.
Pyrophoric. Descriptive of any substance that ignites spontaneously when
exposed to air.
Refining. A process where impurities and/or deleterious materials are
removed from a mixture in order to produce a pure element or compound. It
shall also refer to partial distillation and electrolysis.
Smelting. Refers to the process of melting or fusing metallic ores or
compounds so as to separate impurities from pure metals.
Ventilation. The process of supplying or removing air by natural or
mechanical means to or from any space. Such air may or may not have been
conditioned.
Vertical Shaft. An enclosed vertical space of passage that extends from floor
to floor, as well as from the base to the top of a building.
Vestibule. A passage hall or antechamber between the outer doors and the
interior parts of a house or building.
CLASSIFICATION OF OCCUPANCY
Assembly Occupancies: Include, limited to, all buildings or portions of
buildings used for gathering together of fifty (50) or more persons for such
purposes as deliberation, worship, entertainment, eating, drinking,
amusement, awaiting transportation, or similar uses
Educational Occupancies: Include all buildings or portions thereof used for the
gathering of group six (6) or more persons for purposes of instruction
Health Care Facilities: are those used for purposes of medical or other
treatment or care of persons where such occupants are mostly incapable of
self preservation because of age, physical or mental disability, or because of
security measures not under the occupants’ control.
Detention and Correctional Buildings: are those used to house one or more
persons under varied degrees of restraint or security where such occupants
are mostly incapable of self-preservation because of security measures not
under the occupants’ control.
Residential Occupancies: are those occupancies in which sleeping
accommodations are provided for normal residential purposes and include all
buildings designed to provide sleeping accommodations.
Mercantile Occupancies: include stores, markets, and other rooms, buildings,
or structures for the display and/or sale of merchandise
Business Buildings: are those used for the transaction of business other than
that covered under Mercantile, for the keeping of accounts and records and
similar purposes
Industrial Occupancies: include factories that make products of all kinds and
properties which shall include but not limited to product processing,
assembling and disassembling, mixing, packaging, finishing or decorating,
repairing and material recovery including, among others
Storage Occupancy: includes all buildings or structures utilized primarily for
the storage or sheltering of goods, merchandise, products, vehicles, or
animals.
Mixed Occupancies: Refers to two or more classes of occupancies
occurring/located/situated/existing in the same building and/or structures so
intermingled that separate safeguards are impracticable.
Miscellaneous Occupancy: includes buildings or structure which cannot be
properly classified in any of the preceding occupancy groups
PROHIBITED ACTS
A. Obstructing or blocking the exit ways or across to buildings clearly marked
for fire safety purposes, such as, but not limited to, aisles in interior rooms,
any part of stairways, hallways, corridors, vestibules, balconies or bridges
leading to a stairway or exit of any kind, or tolerating or allowing said
violations;
B. Constructing gates, entrances and walkways to building components and
yards, and temporary or permanent structures on public ways, which obstruct
the orderly and easy passage of fire fighting vehicles and equipment;
C. Prevention, interference or obstruction of any operation of the fire service,
or of duly organized and authorized fire brigades;
D. Obstructing designated fire lanes or access to fire hydrants;
E. Overcrowding or admission of persons beyond the authorized capacity in
movie houses, theaters, coliseums, auditoriums or other public assembly
buildings, except in other assembly areas on the ground floor with open sides
or open sides or open doors sufficient to provide safe exits;
F. Locking fire exits during period when people are inside the building;
G. Prevention or obstruction of the automatic closure of fire doors or smoke
partitions or dampers;
H. Use of fire protective or fire fighting equipment of the fire service other
than for fire fighting except in other emergencies where their use are justified;
I. Giving false or malicious fire alarms;
J. Smoking in prohibited areas as may be determined by fire service, or
throwing of cigars, cigarettes, burning objects in places which may start or
cause fire;
K. Abandoning or leaving a building or structure by the occupant or owner
without appropriate safety measures;
L. Removing, destroying, tampering or obliterating any authorized mark,
seal, sign or tag posted or required by the fire service for fire safety in any
building, structure or processing equipment; and
M. Use of jumpers or tampering with electrical system beyond its designated
capacity or such other practices that would tend to undermine the fire safety
features of the electrical system.
SOURCE OF INCOME
Pursuant to Section 12, in relation to Section 13 of RA 9514, the following
shall be the sources of income of the BFP:
A. Fees to be charged for the issuance of certificates, permits and licenses
as provided in Section 7 of RA 9514;
B. One-tenth of one per centum (0.10%) of the verified estimated value of
buildings or structures to be erected, from the owner thereof, but not to
exceed fifty thousand (PhP 50,000.00) pesos, at least fifty per centum (50%)
to be paid prior to the issuance of the building permit, and the balance, after
final inspection and prior to the issuance of the used and occupancy permit;
C. One-hundredth of one per centum (0.01%) of the assessed value of
buildings or structures annually payable upon payment of the real estate tax,
except on structures used as single family dwellings;
D. Two per centum (2%) of all premiums, excluding re-insurance premiums
for the sale of fire, earthquake and explosion hazard insurance collected by
companies, persons or agents licensed to sell insurances in the Philippines;
E. Two per centum (2%) of gross sales of companies, persons or agents
selling fire fighting equipment, appliances or devices, including hazard
detection and warning systems; and
F. Two per centum (2%) of the service fees received from fire, earthquake,
and explosions hazard reinsurance surveys and post loss service of insurance
adjustment companies doing business in the Philippines directly through
agents.
PENALTIES FOR SPECIFIC INDIVIDUALS
A. Against Private Person
1. Administrative Penalties
a. The owner, administrator, occupant or other person responsible for the
condition of the building, structure and their premises or facilities who violates
any provisions of the Fire Code or any of its implementing rules and
regulations shall be penalized by:
i.Administrative fine of not exceeding Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00);or
ii.Stoppage of operations or by closure of such buildings, structures and their
premises or facilities which do not comply with the requirements; or
iii.Both such administrative fine and closure/stoppage of operation to be
imposed by the proper authorities.
Provided that, payment of the fine, stoppage of operations and/or closure of
such buildings, structures, and their premises or facilities shall not absolve the
violator from correcting the deficiency or abating the fire hazard.
 2. Punitive Penalties
a. In case of willful failure to correct the deficiency or abate the fire hazard
as provided in the preceding subsection, the violator shall, upon conviction, be
punished by:
i.Imprisonment of not less than six (6) months nor more than six (6) years, or
ii.By a fine of not more than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or
iii.Both such fine and imprisonment
Provided, however, that in the case of corporation, firm, partnership or
association, the fine and/or imprisonment shall be imposed upon its officials
responsible for such violation, and in case the guilty party is an alien, in
addition to the penalties herein prescribed, he shall immediately be deported:
Provided, finally, that where the violation is attended by injury, loss of life
and/or damage to property, the violator shall be proceeded against under the
applicable provisions of the Revised Penal Code
b. Any person who, without authority, maliciously removes the sign that a
building or structure is a fire hazard/firetrap placed by the authorized person in
this Code shall be liable for imprisonment for thirty (30) days or a fine not
exceeding One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or both in the
discretion of the court.
c. Any person, who disobeys the lawful order of the fire ground commander
during a firefighting operation, shall be penalized with imprisonment of one (1)
day to thirty (30) days and a fine of Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00).
3. In all cases mentioned above, regardless of whether the violation is
categorized as administrative or punitive, the City or Municipal Fire shall have
the authority to determine whether a criminal charge is going to be instituted
and shall initiate the filling thereof.
B. Against Public Officer
1. Administrative
The following acts or omissions shall render the public officer/employee in
charge of the enforcement of the Fire Code, its implementing rules and
regulation and other pertinent laws, administratively liable and shall be
punished by reprimand, suspension or removal at the discretion of the
disciplining authority, depending on the gravity of the offense:
a. Unjustified failure of the public officer/employee to conduct inspection of
buildings or structures at least once a year;
b. Deliberate failure to put up a sign in front of the building or structure within
his/her area of responsibility found to be violating this Code, its implementing
rules and regulations and other pertinent laws, that the same is a “FIRE
HAZARD” or a “FIRE TRAP”;
c. Endorsing to the Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized representative for
the certification, or submitting a report that the building or structure complies
with the standards set by this Code, its implementing rules or regulations or
other pertinent laws when the same is contrary to fact;
d. Issuance or renewal of occupancy or business permit without the fire
safety inspection certificate issued by the Chief, BFP or his/her duly
authorized representative;
e. Failure to cancel the occupancy or business permit after the owner,
administrator, occupant or other person responsible for the condition of the
building, structure and other premises failed to comply with the notice/order for
compliance with the standards set by this Code, its implementing rules and
regulations and other pertinent laws, within the specified period;
f. Failure to abate a public nuisance within fifteen (15) days after the owner,
administrator, occupant or other responsible person failed to abate the same
within the period contained in the notice to abate;
g. Abusing his/her authority in the performance of his/her duty through acts
corruption and other unethical practices; or
h. Other willful impropriety or gross negligence in the performance of his/her
duty as provided in this act or its implementing rules and regulations.
2. Punitive
In case of willful violation involving the abovementioned acts or omissions
enumerated under Section 11 subparagraph 2(A), the public official shall,
upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment of not less than six (6) months
nor more than six (6) years, or by a fine of not more than One hundred
thousand pesos (PhP 100,000.00) or both such fine and imprisonment:
Provided, That where the violation is attended by injury, loss of life and/or
property, the violator shall be proceeded against under the applicable
provisions of the Revised Penal Code.