Central Arizona College

FSC 209 Fire Origin, Cause and Determination

Credit Hours: 3
Effective Term: Fall 2015
SUN#: None
AGEC: None

Credit Breakdown: 3 Lectures
Times for Credit: 1
Grading Option: A/F Only
Cross-Listed:

Description: Methods of determining points of fire origin, path of travel, and fire cause. Includes recognizing and preserving evidence, interviewing witnesses, arson laws, types of arson fires, court testimony, reports, and records.

Prerequisites: FSC 140 or Director approval

Corequisites: None

Recommendations: None

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes
1. (Knowledge Level) List the main elements that determine fire behavior and define heat transfer. 2. (Analysis Level) Differentiate the classifications of building construction as they relate to fire investigators. 3. (Analysis Level) Distinguish between point of origin and fire cause. 4. (Analysis Level) Identify the primary causes of accidental fires and incendiary fires. 5. (Analysis Level) Analyze the methods of photography and sketching commonly used by fire investigators. 6. (Synthesis Level) Reconstruct the proper methods of investigating and documenting a structural fire. 7. (Analysis Level) Analyze the primary considerations in investigating electrical, wildland, vehicle, and fatal fires. 8. (Evaluation Level) Compare and contrast the differences between an interview and an interrogation and the proper procedures for conducting each. 9. (Synthesis Level) Categorize methods of evidence collection and storage and the uses of forensic laboratories for fire investigations. 10. (Analysis Level) Identify the basic rules of evidence and other major legal aspects of arson prosecution. 11. (Analysis Level) Contrast the types of investigative reports and explain the content of each.
Internal/External Standards Accreditation
1. Outcomes to be measured by NFPA 1033 Standard. 2. Outcomes to be measured by IFSTA Fire Investigator Standard. 3. Simulate the proper methods of investigating and documenting a structural fire.