Certified Fire Investigator Exam (NFPA 921) Q&A
NFPA 921
NFPA 1033 Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator
Facilitates safe,
... [Show More] accurate investigations by specifying the job performance
requirements (JPRs) necessary to perform as a fire investigator in both the private
and public sectors.
NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations
Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations", is a peer reviewed document that is
published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Its purpose is "to
establish guidelines and recommendations for the safe and systematic investigation
or analysis of fire and explosion incidents" (section 1.2.1). Familiarity with NFPA
921 is strongly recommended by National Association of Fire Investigators and the
International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI). NFPA 921 forms a large
basis of the information which a professional fire investigator must know to pass
the various Fire Investigator Certification (NAFI and IAAI) examinations.
Spoliation
is the destruction or alteration of evidence through intention or ignorance.
Qualification
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), through a document known as
NFPA 1033, Standard for Professional Requirements for Fire Investigator,
publishes minimum requirements for the knowledge skills and ability of a fire
investigator. Principal among these is a 16-point list of areas in which a fire
investigator is required to have education beyond high school level. These 16
topics are:
Fire science
Fire chemistry
Thermodynamics
Thermometry
Fire dynamics
Explosion dynamics
Computer fire modeling
Fire investigation
Fire analysis
Fire investigation methodology
Fire investigation technology
Hazardous materials
Failure analysis and analytical tools
Witnesses information and/or Electronic Data
The analysis of observations reported by persons who witnessed the fire or were
aware of conditions present at the time of the fire as well as the analysis of
electronic data such as security camera, footage, alarm system activation, or other
such data recorded in and around the time of the fire event
Fire Patterns
The analysis of effects and patterns left by the fire
ARC Mapping
The analysis of the locations where electrical arcing has caused damage and the
documentation of the involved electrical circuits
Fire Dynamics
The analysis of the fire dynamics[i.e., the physics and chemistry of fire initiation
and growth and the interaction between the fire and the buildings system
Code
A standard that is an extensive compilation of provisions covering broad subject
matter or that is suitable for adoption into law independently of other codes and
standards.
Standard
An NFPA standard, the main text of which contains only mandatory provisions
using the word "shall" to indicate requirements and that is in a form generally
suitable for mandatory reference by another standard or code or for adoption into
law. Includes all NFPA standards, including codes, standards, recommended
practices and guides.
Absolute Temperature
A temperature measured in Kelvins or Rankines
Accelerant
A fuel or oxidizer, often an ignitable liquid, intentionally used to initiate a fire or
increase the rate of growth or spread of fire.
Accident
An unplanned event that interrupts an activity and sometimes causes injury or
damage or a chance occurrence arising from unknown causes; an unexpected
happening due to carelessness, ignorance, and the like.
Active Fire Protection System
A system that uses moving mechanical or electrical parts to achieve a fire
protection goal
Ambient
Someone's or something's surroundings, especially as they pertain to the local
environment; for example, ambient air and ambient temperature.
Ampacity
The maximum current, in amperes, that a conductor can carry continuously under
the conditions of use without
Exceeding its temperature rating.
Ampere
The unit of electric current that is equivalent to a flow of one coulomb per second,
one coulomb is defined as
6.24 x 10 18th power electrons
Arc
High temperature luminous electric discharge across a gap or through a medium
such as charred insulation.
Arc Mapping
The systematic evaluation of the electrical circuit configuration, spatial
relationship of the circuit components and
Identification of electrical arc sites to assist in the identification of the area of
origin and analysis of the fire spread
Arc Site
That location on the conductor with localized damage that resulted from an
electrical arc.
Fire and Energy
Fire is a rapid oxidation process, which is an exothermic chemical reaction,
resulting in the release of heat and light energy in varying intensities.
Arcing through Char
Arcing associated with a matrix of charred material (e.g., charred conductor
insulation) that acts as a semiconductive medium.
Area of Origin
A structure, part of a structure, or general geographic location within a fire scene,
in which the "point of origin" of a fire or explosion is reasonably believed to be
located. (See also 3.3.142, Point of Origin.)
Arrow Patterns
A fire pattern displayed on the cross- section of a burned wooden structural
member. [Show Less]