Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This course is a core requirement for the AAS degree in Fire Protection and is transferable to Eastern Oregon University and Western Oregon University for the Fire Service Administration program.

1. Demonstrate the importance of documentation, evidence collection, and scene security process needed for successful resolution of the case. 
2. Understand and demonstrate the process of conducting fire origin and cause. 
3. Identify the processes of proper legal documentation.

The content of the course will be presented in lecture, classroom discussions, role playing, demonstrations, practical skills demonstration as appropriate.  Additional instruction methodology may include guest speaker, research papers, professional publication reviews, written and oral reports, and class presentations.

Methods of assessment may include one or more of the following:

• Various individual and/or group skill building activities such as role-playing scenario based problem solving activities, case studies, or other exercises geared toward critical analysis of course concepts.
• Written assignments or oral reports designed to integrate course material into personal experience or experiences of other.
• Quizzes and exams composed of objective questions and concepts.
• Individual and /or team projects/s which require integration, application, and critical examination of course concepts, issues, and themes.

Objectives

1. Identify the responsibilities of a firefighter when responding to the scene of a fire, 
including scene security and evidence preservation. 
2. Describe the implications of constitutional amendments as they apply to fire 
investigations. 
3. Identify key case law decisions that have affected fire investigations. 
4. Define the common terms used in fire investigations. 
5. Explain the basic elements of fire dynamics and how they affect cause determination. 
6. Compare the types of building construction on fire progression. 
7. Describe how fire progression is affected by fire protection systems and building design. 
8. Discuss the basic principles of electricity as an ignition source. 
9. Recognize potential health and safety hazards. 
10. Describe the process of conducting investigations using the scientific method. 
11. Identify cause and origin and differentiate between accidental and incendiary. 
12. Explain the procedures used for investigating vehicle fires. 
13. Identify the characteristics of an incendiary fire and common motives of the fire setter.