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Investigators can receive additional certification to prove their fire investigation skills.

Before taking any evidence, investigators must ensure that all proper precautions are taken such as setting up an evidence processing location prior, using brand new protective equipment and evidence packaging.

Depending on how much evidence is present, an investigator can use different approaches. Two techniques include process of elimination, or disregarding the causes that the evidence deems not probable. The second is to start investigating the most probable cause first until it is ruled unlikely.

The main steps of an investigation include:


 * 1) Arrive at the scene
 * 2) Ensure safety of crime scene
 * 3) Secure the area
 * 4) Evaluating the scene
 * 5) Evaluate external structure
 * 6) Evaluate interior structure
 * 7) Determine point of origin
 * 8) Document evidence
 * 9) Sampling and tagging
 * 10) Sketch the scene and damage
 * 11) Photographing evidence
 * 12) Concluding Investigation
 * 13) Finish necessary documents/reports
 * 14) Present evidence
 * 15) Interview necessary parties

Spoliation

By taking steps before the investigation, destruction of evidence can be avoided. Investigators encourage to set barriers and document any necessary information. This allows for control to be taken over the crime scene and limits the chance of an investigation being compromised. Investigators then document any evidence seen at the crime scene or on the victims of the fire. While looking for evidence, any findings that imposes a threat to evidence such as excessive use of fire-suppressing chemicals, unusual movement of handles/knobs, and changed position of evidence should be reported immediately.

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In the United States, fire investigators often refer to NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations (National Fire Protection Association).

Also, Kirk's Fire Investigation by David J. Icove and Gerald A. Haynes has long been regarded as the primary textbook in the field of fire investigation. "

The NFPA provides a list of 16 topics that fire investigators should know prior to service. The points ensure knowledge on using protective equipment, how fires start, heat science, working with any chemicals, investigating fires, explosions, reporting evidence. These guidelines are recommended practices but are not required by law.