Conducting investigations
Fire investigations are conducted using a systematic approach. The approach endorsed by the NFPA is that of the scientific method (for a more detailed discussion, see articles on NFPA 921). There are five components that create a methodology with which fires are investigated using a systematic approach:
• The assignment is received and the investigator is notified
• The investigator plans the investigation
• The scene is examined and data is collected
• Physical evidence is collected, documented, tested, and evaluated
• The scientific method is used to analyze the information obtained
