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1) What are the preliminary steps to an arson investigation?

Every emergency scene must be approached with precautions. It is very important to automatically take notes on who is on scene and who eventually arrives on the scene. The status of witnesses, victims and location must be notated as well. Investigating a fire can be very tedious due to the fact there can be a variety of ways the fire could have started. Analyzing fire patterns along with any possible combustion materials or equipment should be carefully looked at. The status of the property after the fire such as trace evidence possible hair, fiber etc. that can possibly be left to collect would also be important to look for with photos or videotaping the scene. Investigators also must avoid touching or moving or removing any evidence at hand. (A Guide for Investigating Fire and Arson, 2021)

2) What are some signs to look for that lead you to believe that arson may have occurred?

Once the fire has been put out and all precautions are taken the hardest part begins. While documenting the end result of the fire investigators will begin to analyze and test how the fire began. Fire patterns of how the fire traveled and produced can tell investigators a lot. The color of flames will also be able to tell which materials were involved within the combustion.The main aspect to determine a fire is in fact arson is the multiple sets locations of the fire. The properties physical damage not caused by the fire can determine forced entry such as broken windows etc. can determine arson. Majority of the time the sets of the fire will show why or how the fire started. Investigators will also pay attention to the surrounding crowd and those the property belongs to. Interviewing and observing these individuals can also determine if any motive the owner or an onlooker would have need to commit arson (Fire Investigation – The Forensics Library, 2019).

3) Discuss how legal entry can be made into a fire scene and some of the legal challenges that can arise in entry to the fire scene.

The right of entry can be determined by the emergency at hand. The emergency doctrine and exigent circumstance can be brought into play. If entry is made this action will have to be justified due to the rapid fire spread and further persons or property damage at risk (Right of entry, n.d.). There are major challenges when entering an individual’s property without legal documents even though the emergency at hand is relevant. The risk of entry can begin with violating an individual’s fourth amendment’s right. An illegal search and seizure that has absolutely no relation to the fire can in fact be illegal if performed. This is one of many legal risks taken by officials when entering an individual’s property.