IAAI The Scientific Method for Fire and
Explosion Investigation
NFPA 921 - correct answer Fire & Explosion Investigation
The Scientific Method. Step 1 - correct answer Recognize the need
The Scientific Method. Step 2 - correct answer Define how the problem can be solved.
The Scientific Method. Step 3 - correct answer Collect facts and Data
The Scientific Method. Step 4 - correct answer Analyze Data by inductive reasoning
The Scientific Method. Step 5 - correct answer Develop a Hypothesis to explain origin and cause
of fire
The Scientific Method. Step 6 - correct answer Test the Hypothesis. Compare to all known facts
The Scientific Method. Step 7 - correct answer Select Final Hypothesis
Why is it important to follow the scientific method in a fire investigation? - correct answer The
scientific method provides a systematic approach to data collection, analysis, and hypothesis
testing that is an accepted framework for organizing your investigation and for presenting your
process and findings to the court.
Recognize the need - correct answer 1. Confirm a fire or explosion has occurred.
2. Confirm you are assigned to investigate.
3. Confirm your role and responsibilities.
4. Identify location.
, IAAI The Scientific Method for Fire and
Explosion Investigation
Define the problem - correct answer 1. Assess the incident and prepare.
2. Determine what tools, equipment, and personnel are needed.
3. Understand fire service response and actions.
4. Secure right of entry or obtain permission to enter scene.
5. Conduct scene safety inspection.
6. Secure the scene.
7. Make preliminary observations.
Collect Data - correct answer 1. Interview first responders abut actions at the scene and
conditions observed.
2. Conduct exterior examination.
3. Conduct interior examination.
4. Identify and interview witnesses.
5. Document and collect physical evidence.
6. Access document evidence (insurance, financial, etc.)
7. Diagram the scene.
8. Photograph the scene.
9. Take investigative notes.
Analyze Data - correct answer 1. Reconstruct area of origin.
2. Examine physical evidence.
3. Interpret fire effects and fire patterns.
4. Correlate witness statements.
5. Chart the timeline of events.
Explosion Investigation
NFPA 921 - correct answer Fire & Explosion Investigation
The Scientific Method. Step 1 - correct answer Recognize the need
The Scientific Method. Step 2 - correct answer Define how the problem can be solved.
The Scientific Method. Step 3 - correct answer Collect facts and Data
The Scientific Method. Step 4 - correct answer Analyze Data by inductive reasoning
The Scientific Method. Step 5 - correct answer Develop a Hypothesis to explain origin and cause
of fire
The Scientific Method. Step 6 - correct answer Test the Hypothesis. Compare to all known facts
The Scientific Method. Step 7 - correct answer Select Final Hypothesis
Why is it important to follow the scientific method in a fire investigation? - correct answer The
scientific method provides a systematic approach to data collection, analysis, and hypothesis
testing that is an accepted framework for organizing your investigation and for presenting your
process and findings to the court.
Recognize the need - correct answer 1. Confirm a fire or explosion has occurred.
2. Confirm you are assigned to investigate.
3. Confirm your role and responsibilities.
4. Identify location.
, IAAI The Scientific Method for Fire and
Explosion Investigation
Define the problem - correct answer 1. Assess the incident and prepare.
2. Determine what tools, equipment, and personnel are needed.
3. Understand fire service response and actions.
4. Secure right of entry or obtain permission to enter scene.
5. Conduct scene safety inspection.
6. Secure the scene.
7. Make preliminary observations.
Collect Data - correct answer 1. Interview first responders abut actions at the scene and
conditions observed.
2. Conduct exterior examination.
3. Conduct interior examination.
4. Identify and interview witnesses.
5. Document and collect physical evidence.
6. Access document evidence (insurance, financial, etc.)
7. Diagram the scene.
8. Photograph the scene.
9. Take investigative notes.
Analyze Data - correct answer 1. Reconstruct area of origin.
2. Examine physical evidence.
3. Interpret fire effects and fire patterns.
4. Correlate witness statements.
5. Chart the timeline of events.
