Fire Investigation Scene Safety and Documentation Checklist
This comprehensive fire investigation scene safety and documentation checklist ensures regulatory compliance with NFPA 921, NFPA 1033, IAAI, ATF, OSHA. Fire investigation scene safety and documentation checklist for fire investigators covering scene safety assessment, evidence preservation, photography protocols, and cause and origin determination per NFPA 921 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations and NFPA 1033.. Complete all sections to maintain compliance documentation and audit readines
- Industry: Emergency Services
- Frequency: Per Shift / Daily
- Estimated Time: 40 minutes
- Role: Station Captain / Shift Commander / EMS Lead
- Total Items: 17
- Compliance: NFPA 921, NFPA 1033, IAAI, ATF, OSHA
Investigation Scene Safety
Assess scene safety per NFPA 921 Chapter 13.
- Has structural stability of fire-damaged building been assessed before investigator entry?
- Has atmosphere been tested for CO, flammable gases, and oxygen deficiency before entry?
- Is investigator wearing appropriate PPE including N95 respirator, gloves, eye protection, and appropriate footwear?
- Have utilities been disconnected or made safe before scene entry?
- Is scene secured from unauthorized entry per chain of custody requirements?
Scene Documentation and Photography
Document scene per NFPA 921 systematic approach.
- Have overall exterior photographs been taken showing building orientation and fire spread indicators?
- Have photographs been taken systematically from least to most damaged areas per NFPA 921 methodology?
- Have burn patterns, char depth, and fire spread indicators been documented per NFPA 921 Chapter 6?
- Has all physical evidence been photographed in place before collection with scale markers?
- Has scene diagram with dimensions been created showing layout, burn patterns, and evidence locations?
Cause and Origin Determination
Apply scientific method per NFPA 921.
- Has area of origin been identified using burn pattern analysis, witness statements, and fire behavior data?
- Has competent ignition source been identified or eliminated at the point of origin?
- Has first fuel ignited been identified and documented per NFPA 921 scientific method?
- Has fire cause been classified (accidental, natural, incendiary, undetermined) with supporting rationale?
Evidence and Report
Verify evidence handling and report completion.
- Is evidence collected in appropriate containers with proper labeling and chain of custody?
- Are fire debris samples submitted to accredited laboratory for accelerant detection if incendiary suspected?
- Is written investigation report completed per NFPA 1033 requirements with methodology, findings, and conclusion?
Related Emergency Services Checklists
- Public Access Defibrillator (AED) Program Management Checklist
- Ambulance Daily Vehicle Check
- Fire Apparatus Daily Check
- Fire Station Daily Readiness Checklist
Why Use This Fire Investigation Scene Safety and Documentation Checklist?
This fire investigation scene safety and documentation checklist helps emergency services teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for station captain / shift commander / ems lead professionals, this checklist covers 17 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: per shift / daily.
Ensures compliance with NFPA 921, NFPA 1033, IAAI, ATF, OSHA. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Fire Investigation Scene Safety and Documentation Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 17 inspection items across 4 sections: Investigation Scene Safety, Scene Documentation and Photography, Cause and Origin Determination, Evidence and Report. It is designed for emergency services operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per shift / daily. Each completion takes approximately 40 minutes.
Who should use this Fire Investigation Scene Safety and Documentation Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Station Captain / Shift Commander / EMS Lead professionals in the emergency services industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.