Arson Investigation Basics
http://www.interfire.org/res_file/mmo3b.asp

The Investigation

An arson investigation basically focuses on four areas:

1. Proof of incendiarism - comes from an examination of the fire scene by a qualified cause and origin expert.

2. Proof of opportunity - focuses on the security of the building when the fire was discovered and who had access.

3. Proof of motive - focuses on the insured's financial condition, profit or loss from operations and cash flow.

4. Miscellaneous connecting evidence - includes an examination of the insured's insurance history, operability of fire and burglar detection systems, how insured learned about the fire, etc.

A Checklist of Arson Investigative Procedures*

*This section is based upon and contains excerpts and quotes from "Basic Tools and Resources for the Arson Investigators: A Handbook," by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the United States Fire Administration.

Here's a rundown of some of the procedures of an arson investigation:

1. Identify initial caller from fire/police tape or through interviews (911)
2. Obtain aerial photos/diagram of scene
3. Obtain insurance information

Identify public/private adjusters and insurance investigators

4. Perform background checks

• Owner
• Occupant
• Victim
• Caller

5. Record checks of the property involved

• Title search
• Assessor's record
• Tax records, etc.

6. Weather conditions

7. Previous police activity and vandalism in the area

8. Police/fire reports

9. Laboratory reports

10. Check area hospitals

11. Check area gas stations

12. Financial information

• Bank records
• Personal records
• Business records

13. Check newspaper/TV photos and articles

14. Request all information from insurance company

• Policies
• Amounts
• Proof of loss
• Taped interviews, etc.
• All previous claims
• Interview person who receives report of loss (agent/secretary)

15. Attempt to establish motive