Certified Fire Investigator Practice Exam

When investigating a fire thought to be electrical, where should the investigation ideally begin?

1. At the site of fire ignition

2. Inside the building

3. With the utility company's records

4. At the electrical panel

The correct answer is: With the utility company's records

Beginning the investigation with the utility company's records is a strategic choice because these records can provide crucial insights into the electrical system’s history and any anomalies that may have occurred prior to the fire. These records can reveal patterns such as outages, service changes, or previous incidents involving electrical issues. This background information helps investigators establish context and understand potential failures in the electrical supply that could have contributed to the fire. Investigating records allows for an informed approach to examine the physical site later on, as it may pinpoint which specific areas or equipment to examine in detail, including checking for any previous issues reported with the electrical panel or individual circuits. Analyzing the utility company’s documentation first helps to create a thorough and methodical investigation process, ensuring that all relevant factors are considered right from the outset. Understanding the electrical infrastructure and historical context enhances the investigator's ability to accurately determine causation while also effectively narrowing down other investigative avenues, like focusing on specific equipment or installation practices that may warrant closer examination during the on-site investigation.