Peach
Fire Department

Instructor-led discussion of post-incident analysis (PIA) and fire investigation responsibilities at the officer level. Officer selects focus. Topics that fit this sheet include: PIA / after-action review (AAR) format and conduct (what was supposed to happen, what did happen, why was there a difference, what can we learn), formal vs informal PIA, blame-free environment and "Just Culture," close-call and near-miss reporting (NIOSH, IAFF Near-Miss Reporting System), NIST / UL fire dynamics research and how it informs PIA, fire investigation basics for the company officer (NFPA 921 — Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations, NFPA 1033 — Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator), origin and cause overview (point of origin, fire pattern analysis, V patterns, char depth, calcination), evidence preservation on the fireground (officer responsibility — minimize overhaul disturbance, photograph before extensive overhaul, secure scene, chain of custody), arson indicators (multiple points of origin, accelerants, trailers, forced entry away from origin, low burn pattern, lack of personal effects), scene security and turnover to fire investigator / law enforcement / GBI, and witness interviews / first observations (officer's contemporaneous notes). Reference: NFPA 921, NFPA 1033, NFPA 1561, NFPA 1500. Document specific topic covered.

1. 1. Conduct a basic PIA on a given scenario or actual incident.
2. 2. Identify three NIST / UL findings and how they apply to fireground tactics.
3. 3. Identify potential arson indicators and required actions.
4. 4. Describe evidence preservation responsibilities of the company officer.
5. 5. State documentation requirements for an officer's contemporaneous notes.

For firefighters from other departments.