CFI CBCA Core Final Exam Practice Exam 2025
Comprehensive Fire Investigation and Certified Brain
Injury Specialist Core Final Exam Preparation
1. What is the primary purpose of conducting a fire investigation?
To determine the origin and cause of the fire.
Understanding the origin and cause is critical to prevent future fires and for
legal and insurance purposes.
2. Which type of evidence is considered the most reliable in a fire
investigation?
Physical evidence.
Physical evidence such as debris, patterns, and residues provides objective
facts that support conclusions.
3. What is the first step an investigator should take upon arriving at a fire
scene?
Ensure the scene is safe and secure.
Safety is paramount to protect investigators and preserve evidence
integrity.
4. What does the "V-pattern" in fire damage typically indicate?
The point of origin of the fire.
Fire burns upward and outward, creating a V-shaped burn pattern pointing
to the origin.
,5. Which document outlines the proper procedures for handling and
collecting evidence?
Chain of custody documentation.
Maintaining chain of custody ensures evidence is not tampered with and is
admissible in court.
6. Which is a common cause of electrical fires?
Overloaded circuits or faulty wiring.
Excess current generates heat that can ignite nearby combustible materials.
7. What is the purpose of interviewing witnesses during a fire investigation?
To gather information about the fire’s circumstances and timeline.
Witness statements can provide valuable context and help identify
suspicious activity.
8. What is the role of the Fire Marshal in a fire investigation?
To oversee and coordinate fire investigation activities.
Fire Marshals are often responsible for ensuring investigations meet legal
standards.
9. When is it appropriate to use accelerant detection canines?
When there is suspicion of an intentionally set fire.
Dogs trained to detect accelerants help identify arson evidence.
10.What does the presence of a "pour pattern" on a floor indicate?
Possible use of accelerants.
Pour patterns are irregular burn marks caused by liquid accelerants igniting.
11.What is a common indicator of an incendiary fire?
Multiple points of origin.
, Multiple origin points suggest intentional ignition rather than accidental
causes.
12.How should evidence be packaged to prevent contamination?
In clean, airtight containers appropriate for the evidence type.
Proper packaging prevents loss, contamination, or degradation of evidence.
13.What is the "fire tetrahedron"?
Fuel, heat, oxygen, and the chemical chain reaction.
These four elements are necessary to sustain a fire.
14.Which agency typically has jurisdiction over commercial fire investigations?
The local fire department or Fire Marshal’s office.
They have authority to investigate fires in commercial properties.
15.What is the main difference between natural and incendiary fires?
Natural fires start without human intervention, incendiary are
deliberately set.
This distinction helps classify the cause and directs investigation strategy.
16.What is the significance of "spalling" on concrete in fire scenes?
It indicates exposure to intense heat.
Spalling happens when concrete cracks or flakes due to thermal stress.
17.What is a critical tool used in documenting a fire scene?
Photography and sketching.
Visual documentation helps record evidence before scene alteration.
Comprehensive Fire Investigation and Certified Brain
Injury Specialist Core Final Exam Preparation
1. What is the primary purpose of conducting a fire investigation?
To determine the origin and cause of the fire.
Understanding the origin and cause is critical to prevent future fires and for
legal and insurance purposes.
2. Which type of evidence is considered the most reliable in a fire
investigation?
Physical evidence.
Physical evidence such as debris, patterns, and residues provides objective
facts that support conclusions.
3. What is the first step an investigator should take upon arriving at a fire
scene?
Ensure the scene is safe and secure.
Safety is paramount to protect investigators and preserve evidence
integrity.
4. What does the "V-pattern" in fire damage typically indicate?
The point of origin of the fire.
Fire burns upward and outward, creating a V-shaped burn pattern pointing
to the origin.
,5. Which document outlines the proper procedures for handling and
collecting evidence?
Chain of custody documentation.
Maintaining chain of custody ensures evidence is not tampered with and is
admissible in court.
6. Which is a common cause of electrical fires?
Overloaded circuits or faulty wiring.
Excess current generates heat that can ignite nearby combustible materials.
7. What is the purpose of interviewing witnesses during a fire investigation?
To gather information about the fire’s circumstances and timeline.
Witness statements can provide valuable context and help identify
suspicious activity.
8. What is the role of the Fire Marshal in a fire investigation?
To oversee and coordinate fire investigation activities.
Fire Marshals are often responsible for ensuring investigations meet legal
standards.
9. When is it appropriate to use accelerant detection canines?
When there is suspicion of an intentionally set fire.
Dogs trained to detect accelerants help identify arson evidence.
10.What does the presence of a "pour pattern" on a floor indicate?
Possible use of accelerants.
Pour patterns are irregular burn marks caused by liquid accelerants igniting.
11.What is a common indicator of an incendiary fire?
Multiple points of origin.
, Multiple origin points suggest intentional ignition rather than accidental
causes.
12.How should evidence be packaged to prevent contamination?
In clean, airtight containers appropriate for the evidence type.
Proper packaging prevents loss, contamination, or degradation of evidence.
13.What is the "fire tetrahedron"?
Fuel, heat, oxygen, and the chemical chain reaction.
These four elements are necessary to sustain a fire.
14.Which agency typically has jurisdiction over commercial fire investigations?
The local fire department or Fire Marshal’s office.
They have authority to investigate fires in commercial properties.
15.What is the main difference between natural and incendiary fires?
Natural fires start without human intervention, incendiary are
deliberately set.
This distinction helps classify the cause and directs investigation strategy.
16.What is the significance of "spalling" on concrete in fire scenes?
It indicates exposure to intense heat.
Spalling happens when concrete cracks or flakes due to thermal stress.
17.What is a critical tool used in documenting a fire scene?
Photography and sketching.
Visual documentation helps record evidence before scene alteration.
