IFSTA 7 – Ch 20: FIRE ORIGIN AND
CAUSE DETERMINATION EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS
When searching for the area of origin, firefighters must always:
Select one:
a.wear PPE and respiratory protection until the atmosphere is
determined to be safe.
b.carry rubber gloves and plastic bags in case they find any fire cause
evidence.
c.wait until the scene has been cleared of debris.
d.be accompanied by a fire investigator or law enforcement officer. -
Correct Answer > a. wear PPE and respiratory protection until the
atmosphere is determined to be safe.
In a structure fire, searching for the area of origin begins:
Select one:
a.as soon as a trained investigator arrives.
b.at the same time as fire attack.
,c.on the interior of the structure and moves to the exterior.
d.on the exterior and moves to the interior of the structure. - Correct Answer
>
d. on the exterior and moves to the interior of the structure.
Why is it important to determine the cause of a fire?
Select one:
a.It is necessary in order to collect reimbursements from agencies or
businesses.
b.It can help prevent similar fires from happening in the future.
c.It is required by insurance companies.
d.It is a legal requirement. - Correct Answer > b. It can help prevent similar
fires from happening in the future.
Documenting evidence that is removed from a fire scene is an example
of preserving the:
Select one:
a.jurisdiction of evidence.
b.spoliation.
c.chain of custody.
d.right of entry. - Correct Answer > c. chain of custody.
To be secure, a fire scene must have:
, Select one:
a.law enforcement personnel present.
b.two types of outside boundaries to prevent unauthorized access.
c.a recognizable perimeter and someone to maintain that perimeter.
d.a fire investigator present. - Correct Answer > c. a recognizable perimeter
and someone to maintain that perimeter.
Which action could be considered illegal at a fire scene?
Select one:
a.Law enforcement officers informing a suspect of his or her Miranda
rights at the scene of a fire investigation
b.Fire department personnel giving up control of the scene, but then
reentering without probable cause without a warrant
c.A homeowner denying the fire department the right of entry after the
fire scene has been relinquished
d.Fire department personnel searching for evidence during the course of
the fire investigation - Correct Answer > b.Fire department personnel giving
up control of the scene, but then re-entering without probable cause
without a warrant
Which would be potential evidence when examining the exterior of a
structure for the area of origin?
Select one:
a.Any indication of forcible entry
CAUSE DETERMINATION EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS
When searching for the area of origin, firefighters must always:
Select one:
a.wear PPE and respiratory protection until the atmosphere is
determined to be safe.
b.carry rubber gloves and plastic bags in case they find any fire cause
evidence.
c.wait until the scene has been cleared of debris.
d.be accompanied by a fire investigator or law enforcement officer. -
Correct Answer > a. wear PPE and respiratory protection until the
atmosphere is determined to be safe.
In a structure fire, searching for the area of origin begins:
Select one:
a.as soon as a trained investigator arrives.
b.at the same time as fire attack.
,c.on the interior of the structure and moves to the exterior.
d.on the exterior and moves to the interior of the structure. - Correct Answer
>
d. on the exterior and moves to the interior of the structure.
Why is it important to determine the cause of a fire?
Select one:
a.It is necessary in order to collect reimbursements from agencies or
businesses.
b.It can help prevent similar fires from happening in the future.
c.It is required by insurance companies.
d.It is a legal requirement. - Correct Answer > b. It can help prevent similar
fires from happening in the future.
Documenting evidence that is removed from a fire scene is an example
of preserving the:
Select one:
a.jurisdiction of evidence.
b.spoliation.
c.chain of custody.
d.right of entry. - Correct Answer > c. chain of custody.
To be secure, a fire scene must have:
, Select one:
a.law enforcement personnel present.
b.two types of outside boundaries to prevent unauthorized access.
c.a recognizable perimeter and someone to maintain that perimeter.
d.a fire investigator present. - Correct Answer > c. a recognizable perimeter
and someone to maintain that perimeter.
Which action could be considered illegal at a fire scene?
Select one:
a.Law enforcement officers informing a suspect of his or her Miranda
rights at the scene of a fire investigation
b.Fire department personnel giving up control of the scene, but then
reentering without probable cause without a warrant
c.A homeowner denying the fire department the right of entry after the
fire scene has been relinquished
d.Fire department personnel searching for evidence during the course of
the fire investigation - Correct Answer > b.Fire department personnel giving
up control of the scene, but then re-entering without probable cause
without a warrant
Which would be potential evidence when examining the exterior of a
structure for the area of origin?
Select one:
a.Any indication of forcible entry
