Evidence is one of the foundations in determining fire causation but is only admissible if it is legally obtained and properly identified, collected, preserved, and presented. Evidence collection and preservation are two of the most important tasks associated with fire investigation.
This presentation will provide a review of additions and changes to Chapter 17, Physical Evidence, of the 2021 edition of NFPA 921, Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations to include detailed information on Canine-Handler Teams. The sub-section on canine-handler teams was completely rewritten, expounding on the applicability and implementation of canine-handler teams in fire investigations.
Learning Objectives:
• Identify/Review the investigators job during an investigation as it relates to preservation of the fire scene and physical evidence
• Identify/Review methods of collecting physical evidence.
• Identify/Review the purposes, limitations, and use of canine-handler teams in fire investigation.
• Identify/Review chain of custody, documentation, laboratory testing, and disposition of evidence.