FIRE PROTECTION & ARSON INVESTIGATION

WHAT IS FIRE?
 is a rapid oxidation process, a chemical reaction resulting in the evolution of light & heat in varying
intensities. In general, fire occurs only in the gas phase.
 is a chemical reaction in which energy in the form of heat is produced.
Pyrolysis- (also known as thermal decomposition) is defined as the “chemical decomposition of matter
through the action of heat”. In this case, the decomposition causes a change from a solid state to vapor state.
If the vapor mixes sufficiently with air and is heated a to high temperature, combustion results. (vapor and char
produced)
Vaporization- the process for liquids to burn, they must be heated to produce ignitable mixtures in air.
Fire or combustion to occur- four components must be present: fuel, oxidizing agent, heat & uninhibited
chemical chain reaction. By removing or eliminating one of the four components, the fire can be extinguished.
The four components of fire are often displayed as the fire tetrahedron.
Combustion
 is the chemical reaction of fire. Combustion occurs when fuel or other material reacts rapidly with
oxygen, giving off light, heat, & flame.
 is the opposite process of photosynthesis.
 is the release of the energy acquired during photosynthesis.
Flame-produced during the ignition point in the combustion reaction & is the visible, gaseous part of a fire. It
consists primarily of carbon dioxide, water vapor, oxygen, & nitrogen.
Oxygen is introduced during combustion, & bonds in the fuel of hydrogen & carbon are broken (releasing
energy), the resulting hydrogen & carbon combining separately with the oxygen as H2O & CO2, releasing heat
in the process.

LIFE CYCLE OF FIRE

Life cycle of fire elements (6) are described by Dawson Powell in The Mechanics of Fire. These elements are
input heat, fuel, oxygen, proportioning, mixing, & ignition continuity.
Tetrahedron- the combustion reaction can be depicted more accurately by a four-sided solid geometric for:
The four sides represent heat, fuel, oxygen & uninhibited chemical chain reactions.

ELEMENTS OF FIRE
 1. Heat Solid/liquid materials do not burn. For combustion to take place, these materials must be
heated sufficiently to produce vapors. It is these vapors which actually burn.
Flashpoint - the lowest temperature at which a solid or liquid material produces sufficient vapors to burn under
laboratory conditions is known as the.
Flame point -a few degrees above the flashpoint, the temperature at which the fuel will continue to produce
sufficient vapors to sustain a continuous flame.
Ignition temperature/ the autoignition temperature -the temperature at which the vapors will ignite.
Piloted ignition -if the source of the heat is an open flame or spark. For example, gasoline has a flashpoint of
–45oF (-42.8oC) & an ignition temperature of 536oF (280oC). This means that at any temperature at or above –
4oF (-42.8oC), the gasoline will be producing sufficient vapors to be ignited if exposed to an open flame, spark,
or any heat source of 536oF (280oC) or greater.
 2. Fuel- may be in the form of a gas, liquid, or solid at the ambient temperature.
Combustible-capable of burning, generally in air under normal conditions of ambient temperature pressure
Flammable -defined as capable of burning with a flame.
 3. Oxygen- Atmosphere- the primary source of oxygen contains approximately 20.8 percent oxygen. A
concentration of at least 15 to 16% is needed for the continuation of flaming combustion.
Oxidizers- primary or secondary source. Examples are chlorine & ammonium nitrate.
Charring or smoldering (pyrolysis) can occur with as little as 8 percent.
Pyrolysis is defined as the transformation of a compound into one or more other substances by heat alone.
 4. Mixing & Proportioning -are reactions that must be continuous for fire to continue to propagate.
Explosive or flammable limits are expressed in the concentration (percentage) of fuel vapors in air. A mixture
which contains fuel vapors in an amount less than necessary for ignition to occur is too lean, while a mixture
which has too high a concentration of fuel vapors is too rich.
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)- the lowest concentration that will burn
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL)- the highest level is known as the.
An important characteristic of gases is vapor density, which is the weight of a given gas to an equal volume of
dry air. A gas with a vapor density of less than 1.0 means it is lighter than air & will tend to rise in a relatively
calm atmosphere.
 5. Ignition Continuity -the thermal feedback from the fire to the fuel. Heat is transferred by conduction,
convection, radiation, & direct flame contact.

CHEMISTRY OF FIRE
Obviously, three things are required for combustion or fire: FUEL (Combustible materials to vaporize
and burn), OXYGEN (Oxygen in air is the common oxidizing agent, to combine with fuel vapor, air contains
28% O, 78 N, 1% inert gas), and HEAT (to raise the temperature of the fuel vapor to its ignition temperature).
The combinations of these three elements form the so-called Fire Triangle.
 The Fire Triangle
The fire triangle identifies the three needed components of fire:

 fuel (something that will burn)

 heat (enough to make the fuel burn) &
 air (oxygen)

 The Fire Tetrahedron

In more recent years, a fourth component has been added – the chemical chain reaction. This is the
feedback of heat to the fuel to produce the fuel used in the flame. It provides the heat necessary to maintain
the fire. The addition of this fourth component (which forms what is called the "fire tetrahedron ") more
accurately describes the mechanism for fire suppression by clean agent halon replacements which break up
the uninhibited chemical chain reaction of combustion.

COMPONENTS OF FIRE TETRAHEDRON

 FUEL- is the material that will be reduced or consumed during the combustion process. The most
common fuels an investigator will encounter are organic fuels, which contain carbon. Gaseous fuels are
probably the most dangerous of the three physical states because they need only an ignition source for
combustion.
 OXIDIZING AGENT- Most fires require an oxidizing agent to support the combustion process. The
oxygen in air is the most readily available source of oxygen; however, certain other materials can also
oxidize a fire.
 HEAT- provides the energy needed to create & ignite vapors produced from the fuel source. (HRR), is
measured in joules per second or watts.
 UNINHIBITED CHEMICAL CHAIN REACTION- provides a self-sustaining event that continues to
develop fuel vapors & sustain flames even after the removal of the ignition source. As a fire continues
to burn, this exothermic reaction radiates heat back to the surface of the fuel, producing more vapors &
continuing the combustion process.

CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE & THEIR EXTINGUISHING METHODS

  Class A Fire – Ordinary fires; they are the types of fire resulting from the burning wood, paper, textiles,
rubber and other carbonaceous materials. In short, this is the type of fire caused by ordinary
combustible materials.
Class “A” Fire Extinguishment: Water is used in a cooling or quenching effect to reduce the temperature
of the burning material below its ignition temperature.
 Class B Fire – Liquid fires; they are caused by flammable and or combustible liquids such as
kerosene, gasoline, benzene, oil products, alcohol and other hydrocarbon deviations.
Class “B” Fire Extinguishment: The smothering or blanketing effect of oxygen exclusion is most
effective. Other extinguishing methods include removal of fuel and temperature reduction
 Class C Fire – Electrical fires; they are fires that starts in live electrical wires, equipment, motors,
electrical appliances and telephone switchboards.
Class “C” Extinguishment: This fire can sometimes be controlled by a non-conducting extinguishing
agent. The safest procedure is always attempt to de-energized high voltage circuits and treats as Class
A or Class B fire depending upon the fuel involved.
 Class D Fire – Metallic fires; fires that result from the combustion of certain metals in finely divided
forms. These combustible metals include magnesium, potassium, powdered calcium, zinc, sodium, and
titanium.
Class “D” Fire Extinguishment: The extremely high temperature of some burning metals makes water &
other common extinguishing agents ineffective. There is no agent available that would effectively
control fires in all combustible metals. Special extinguishing agents are available for control of fire in
each of the metals & are marked specially for that metal.
 Class E Fire- by electrical appliances such as TVs, computers & hair dryers.
The appropriate extinguishers used to tackle a class E fire include CO 2 gas or a dry powder
extinguisher.
 Class K Fire -Fires in cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal
oils & fats). The appropriate extinguisher used to tackle a class F fire is a “wet chemical” extinguisher.

FIRE EXTINGUISHING METHODS

There are four methods of fire suppression:
 Removal of Fuel - This method is effective but not applicable at all times. Fuel removal includes
turning off the fuel supply, pumping flammable liquids from a burning tank, removing unburned portion
of a pile of combustible materials (silos or coal piles), or diluting a burning liquid material (ethyl alcohol)
when diluted with is soluble in water.
 Exclusion of Oxygen- This involves separation of oxygen from other materials that creates a fire by
the process of “smothering” or “blanketing”. One of the common examples of this method is
extinguishing a grease during prying by placing a cover on a pan.
 Reduction of Temperature- Temperature control ( “cooling off “ or “ quenching ”) involves the
absorption of heat with a resultant cooling of the fuel to a point at which it ceases to release enough
vapors to maintain a flammable vapor.
 Inhibition of Chain Reaction-This method is applicable during combustion process, on which scientist
have found that the simultaneous formation & consumption of certain atoms are the key to the chain
reaction which produces the flame. Some chemical substances, when introduced into the fire in proper
amounts, breaks up this reaction and inhibits the atoms and the fire cannot continue to burn and
therefore, it is extinguished. Examples of these chemicals are:
a) Halon 1301
b) Potassium bicarbonate (purple K)
c) Halon 1211
d) Potassium carbonate (Monnex)
e) Halon 2404
f) Potassium chloride (Super K)
 g) Sodium bicarbonate (regular dry chemical)

PRINCIPLES OF FIRE
Ancient Greeks believed that fire was one of the four basic elements that composed all things in the
universe. In mythology, fire is a sacred substance that gives life or power. Fire is an oxidation process that
happens very fast, so that light, heat & sound are released – often with force & majesty.
The fire triangle identifies the three needed components of fire:
 Fuel (something that will burn)
 Heat (enough to make the fuel burn)
 Air (oxygen)

Flash Point -The minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off vapor within a test vessel in sufficient
concentration to form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface of the liquid.
Combustible liquid any liquid having a flash point at or above 100ºF (37.8ºC).
Flammable liquid any liquid having a flash point below 100ºF (37.8ºC), except any mixture having
components with flashpoints of 100ºF (37.8ºC) or higher, the total of which make up 99 percent or more of the
total volume of the mixture.
Auto-Ignition Temperature- The lowest temperature to which a solid, liquid, or gas requires to be raised to
cause self-sustained combustion without initiation by a spark or flame.
Fire Point -The fire point of a flammable liquid is the lowest temperature at which the liquid will give off
sufficient vapor to continue to burn when once ignited. It is sually a few degrees above the open cup flash
point.
Density- It is a measure of the compactness of a substance expressed as its mass per unit volume.
Four ways to put out a fire
1. Cool the burning material
2. Exclude oxygen
3. Remove the fuel
4. Break the chemical reaction

STAGES OF FIRE
A. TRADITIONAL OR LEGACY FIRES
-Traditional Fire growth in a room can be divided into three distinct stages: the growth stage (incipient), the fully
developed stage (free-burning), & the decay stage (smoldering).
1.Growth Stage (incipient)
During the growth stage a fire increases in size from small flames to full fire that involves the entire room. It
may take several seconds to several hours for this to occur. Fire Growth is dependent on:
1. Combustible content (fuel load).
2. Oxygen supply (ventilation openings).
3. Size of room.
4. Insulation of room. .
2.Fully Developed Stage (free-burning)
In the fully developed stage the entire room & contents are involved in fire. How long & to what extent an
outside fire burns is controlled by the amount of fuel available, not oxygen.
3.Decay Stage (smoldering)
As available oxygen is consumed, the fire moves into the decay stage. High heat & smoke conditions remain &
the potential for a backdraft is present.

TRANSMISSION OF HEAT- occurs as a result of a temperature difference. This is the driving force which
causes the heat to flow.
There are three (3) primary modes of heat transfer: conduction, convection & radiation.
Heat conduction occurs if there is a temperature difference between two locations in a solid or two locations
in essentially non-moving liquids or gases.
Heat convection typically occurs due to a temperature difference between a surface of an object & an
adjacent fluid. Change of phase (i.e. evaporation & condensation) is also included in the convection category.
Heat radiation occurs between two surfaces of different temperatures. Conduction & convection require
physical material (i.e., solids or fluids) for their transport. Radiation can occur through a vacuum.
What is Ignition?
Ignition of a liquid or solid involves raising the surface temperature until vapours are being evolved at a
rate sufficient to support a flame after the vapours have been ignited. A slightly higher temperature is required
to produce a sufficient flow of vapours to support a diffusion flame. The firepoint is typically in excess of 300
°C, depending on the fuel.
Ignition Sources- must be capable not only of raising the surface temperature to the firepoint, or above, but it
must also cause the vapors to ignite.
Spontaneous ignition- if the evolved vapours are hot enough (which requires the surface temperature to be
much higher than the firepoint), they may ignite spontaneously as they mix with air. The radiant heating can
ignite the fuel on its own without an external source such as a flame or spark
Piloted (forced) Ignition- The use of either a flame, spark or hot surface to ignite the given fuel.

ASPECTS OF COMBUSTION
1. Thermodynamics- relates concepts of energy flow, enthalpy, entropy, free energy & equilibrium.
 Energy is defined as the ability to do work & can be categorized by the type of work done.
 Entropy states that in any spontaneous process, the disorder of the universe increases. Entropy
increases during combustion because gaseous products are formed & heat is released by the
exothermic reaction..
2. Kinetics of Combustion
Kinetics is the study of the speed of reactions & their mechanisms.
Combustion is a complex free-radical process in which many reactions can occur & in which a complex
mixture of products forms. The pathways favoured & resulting products depend on which reactions are
favoured under the given conditions. Reactions that occur are based on free radicals.
In a free-radical mechanism, three generic steps take place:
1. INITIATION, in which the first free radicals are formed.
2. PROPAGATION, in which reactions among radicals produce more radicals.
3. TERMINATION, which results from the combination of two free radicals to form a neutral species.
3. Heat Transfer- Heat transfer & heat flow in combustion begins with the premise that all the heat evolved in
the process goes into heating the products & raising their temperatures. In other words, we assume an
adiabatic flame. Heat transfer is directly related to the concept of mass transfer.
buoyant flame -a simple combustion like a burning candle is carried away in rising air & gases.
pyrolysis (“fire cutting”)- heat may reach deep into a substrate such as wood even when oxygen cannot.
Typically, the pyrolysis zone is some distance below the burned surface.
Heat is used to heat products of the reaction, which, on a molecular level, means that the greater the heat is,
the more kinetic energy is transferred to the product molecules.
4. Mass Transfer
In combustion, the process is complex & dynamic. Mass transport of the fuel occurs in a lateral direction,
controlled by the characteristics of the surface. Gasoline on a nonporous surface like concrete will diffuse
easily, whereas gasoline on a porous surface like wood or carpet will tend to be absorbed.

FIRE SPREAD & INTENSITY

There is a need to characterize the rate of spread & intensity of wildland fire, both wildfire & prescribed fire.
Predicted spread rate & intensity are used during a wildfire in determining suppression tactics. Flame length &
fireline intensity values are related to fire suppression activities.
Rate of Spread- The fastest rate of spread (ROS) is the forward ROS at the head of the fire. The backing ROS
is much less, the flanking ROS is intermediate. Rate of spread can vary considerably due to changing
conditions & is generally taken to be an average value over a period of time.
Intensity of heat -maybe an indication that flammable liquids or compounds could have been used to spread
the fire more rapidly. The firemen may experience sometimes that when a stream of water are directed on
such fire, instead of going out as might be ordinarily expected the fire will burn with added intensity, and with a
different color of flame such as red, blue, yellow or orange.

Specific Heat- The heat capacity or the measure of the amount of heat required raising the temperature of a
unit mass of a substance one-degree. If the heating process occurs while the substance is maintained at a
constant volume or is subjected to a constant pressure the measure is referred to as a specific heat at constant
volume.

THE PHENOMENON OF SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION

Spontaneous combustion-according to the Handbook of Fire Prevention Engineering, “is a runaway
temperature rise in a body of combustible material that results from heat being generated by some
process taking place within the body”. Spontaneous combustion may be rapid or slow. It can result from
reactions of a susceptible material with air or water or from a chemical reaction. Materials involved can be
chemical, elements, or hydrocarbon compounds or a mixture.
Slow Spontaneous Combustion -can occur in two general ways: biological processes of some
microorganisms & slow oxidation.
Biological processes-occur within organic materials such as hay & grass clippings. The activity of biological
organisms within the material generates heat that is confined by the materials themselves until the ignition
temperature is reached & ignition occurs.
Slow oxidation -is a chemical reaction. Chemical reactions may produce heat; reactions that produce heat are
considered exothermic. If the heat is insulated from dissipating to the outside of the materials, it will continue to
build up.
Hydrocarbon compounds- usually undergo slow spontaneous combustion; are considered saturated or
unsaturated. Within saturated compounds, all of the chemical bonds among the elements in the compound are
single. Single bonds are "full," for there isn't room or a method for another element to attach. Double or triple
bonds are unsaturated.

COMMON MATERIALS THAT BY CHEMICAL NATURE ARE SUBJECT TO SPONTANEOUS

COMBUSTION
Diethyl zinc > It is an organo-metal compound & a dangerous fire hazard.
> It spontaneously ignites in air & reacts violently with water,
releasing flammable vapors & heat.
> It is a colorless pyrophoric liquid with a specific gravity of 1.2,
which is heavier than water, so it will sink to the bottom.
Pentaborane > It is a non-metallic, colorless liquid with a pungent odor.
> It decomposes at 300F if it has not already ignited & will ignite
spontaneously in air if impure.
> It is a dangerous fire & explosion risk, with a flammable range
of 0.46 to 98% in air.
Aluminum Alkyls > are colorless liquids or solids.
> they are pyrophoric & may ignite spontaneously in air.
> are pyrophoric materials in a flammable solvent.
> the vapors are heavier than air, water reactive & corrosive.
 Aluminum Phosphide > is a binary salt
> these salts have the specific hazard of giving off poisonous &
pyrophoric phosphine gas when in contact with air.
> this compound is composed of gray or dark yellow crystals &
is a dangerous fire risk.
Potassium Sulfide > is a binary salt.
> it is a red or yellow-red crystalline mass or fused solid.
> it is delinquescent in air, which means it absorbs water from
the air, & it is also soluble in water.
> it is a dangerous fire risk & may ignite spontaneously
> it is explosive in the form of dust & powder,
Sodium Hydride > is a binary salt that has a specific hazard of releasing
hydrogen in contact with water.
> it is an odourless powder that is violently water reactive.
White Phosphorus > also known as yellow phosphorus, is a non-metallic element
that is found in the form of crystals or a wax-like transparent
solid.
> it ignites spontaneously in air at 86F, which is also its ignition
temperature.
> it should be stored & shipped under water & away from heat.
> it is a dangerous fire risk, with a boiling point of 536F & a
melting point of 111F.

FLASHOVER, BACKDRAFT, BITE BACK & FLASH FIRE

 Flashover
 the sudden involvement of a room or an area in flames from floor to ceiling caused by thermal radiation
feedback.
 This radiation of energy to the contents of the room will raise ALL the contents to their ignition temperature.
 It’s when the contents of the room suddenly & simultaneously ignite.
 is a temperature-driven event. It requires that the fire’s energy be radiated back to the contents to produce
a rapid rise in temperature & simultaneous ignition.
 it indicates that the fire has grown to the fully developed stage.
 Smaller rooms will flash over faster. The contents of the room affect the flashover potential. A room loaded
with combustible furnishings will produce more fire, thus more heat, more radiated energy, & more
flashover potential.
 Most fires are air regulated, not fuel regulated.
 Insulation of walls & ceilings prevents heat from escaping to other areas, thereby increasing the room’s
flashover potential.
 BACKDRAFT
 is a smoke explosion that can occur when additional air is introduced into a smoldering fire & heated gas
enter their flammable range & ignite with explosive force. A backdraft is an “air-driven event,” unlike a
flashover, which is temperature-driven. The fact that most fires are air regulated & not fuel regulated makes
the understanding of backdrafts so important.
Warning signs of a possible backdraft include:
∙ Heavy dense smoke with no visible flame in a tightly closed occupancy.
∙ Black smoke pushing out around closed doors or window frames.
∙ Glass stained with smoke condensation & pulsating from the pressure of the fire. Reversal of air movement
pulling smoke back into a building through a doorway.
 BITEBACK FIRE-It is a fatal condition that takes place when the fire resists extinguishment operations
 & become stronger & bigger instead.
 FLASH FIRE- defined by NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) as a type of short-duration fire
that spreads by means of a flame front rapidly through a diffuse fuel, such as dust, gas, or the vapors of
an ignitable liquid, without the production of damaging pressure.
-It can also be said to be as a sudden, intense fire, which occurs when a flammable gas, dust or
combustible liquid is mixed with air in concentrations suitable for combustion
Hazards/Risk of flash fire

● Heat flux of approximately 84kW/m2 & typically last less than three seconds.

● Flash fire is a particular danger in enclosed spaces, as even a relatively small fire can consume enough

oxygen & produce enough smoke to cause death.

● When inhaled, the heated air resulting from a flash fire can cause serious damage to the tissue of the

lungs.

● Can cause damage from thermal radiation & secondary fires.

● It can possibly lead to death by asphyxiation.

● Flash fires can lead to smoke burns.

REPUBLIC ACT No. 9514: Repealed PD 1185

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES, REPEALING
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1185 & FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Abatement - Any act that would remove or neutralize a fire hazard.
Administrator - Any person who acts as agent of the owner & manages the use of a building for him.
Blasting Agent - Any material or mixture consisting of a fuel & oxidizer used to set off explosives.
Cellulose Nitrate or Nitro Cellulose - A highly combustible & explosive compound produced by the reaction
of nitric acid with a cellulose material.
Cellulose Nitrate Plastic (Pyroxylin) - Any plastic substance, materials or compound having cellulose nitrate
(nitro cellulose) as base.
Combustible, Flammable or Inflammable - Descriptive of materials that are easily set on fire.
Combustible Fiber - Any readily ignitable & free burning fiber such as cotton, oakum, rags, waste cloth, waste
paper, kapok, hay, straw, Spanish moss, excelsior & other similar materials commonly used in commerce.
Combustible Liquid - Any liquid having a flash point at or above 37.8_C (100_F).
Corrosive Liquid - Any liquid which causes fire when in contact with organic matter or with certain chemicals.
Curtain Board - A vertical panel of non-combustible or fire resistive materials attached to & extending below
the bottom chord of the roof trusses, to divide the underside of the roof into separate compartments so that
heat & smoke will be directed upwards to a roof vent.
Cryogenic - Descriptive of any material which by its nature or as a result of its reaction with other elements
produces a rapid drop in temperature of the immediate surroundings.
Damper - A normally open device installed inside an air duct system which automatically closes to restrict the
passage of smoke or fire.
Distillation - The process of first raising the temperature in separate the more volatile from the less volatile
parts & then cooling & condensing the resulting vapor so as to produce a nearly purified substance.
Duct System - A continuous passageway for the transmission of air.
Dust - A finely powdered substance which, when mixed with air in the proper proportion & ignited will cause an
explosion.
Electrical Arc - An extremely hot luminous bridge formed by passage of an electric current across a space
between two conductors or terminals due to the inc&escence of the conducting vapor.
Ember - A hot piece or lump that remains after a material has partially burned, & is still oxidizing without the
manifestation of flames.
Finishes - Materials used as final coating of a surface for ornamental or protective purposes.
Fire - The active principle of burning, characterized by the heat & light of combustion.
Fire Trap -A building unsafe in case of fire because it will burn easily or because it lacks adequate exits or fire
escapes.
Fire Alarm - Any visual or audible signal produced by a device or system to warm the occupants of the
building or fire fighting elements of the presence or danger of fire to enable them to undertake immediate
action to save life & property & to suppress the fire.
Fire Door - A fire resistive door prescribed for openings in fire separation walls or partitions.
Fire Hazard - Any condition or act which increases or may cause an increase in the probability of the
occurrence of fire, or which may obstruct, delay, hinder or interfere with fire fighting operations & the
safeguarding of life & property.
Fire Lane - The portion of a roadway or publicway that should be kept opened & unobstructed at all times for
the expedient operation of firefighting units.
Fire Protective & Fire Safety Device - Any device intended for the protection of buildings or persons to
include but not limited to built-in protection system such as sprinklers & other automatic extinguishing system,
detectors for heat, smoke & combustion products & other warning system components, personal protective
equipment such as fire blankets, helmets, fire suits, gloves & other garments that may be put on or worn by
persons to protect themselves during fire.
Fire Safety Constructions - Refers to design & installation of walls, barriers, doors, windows, vents, means of
egress, etc. integral to & incorporated into a building or structure in order to minimize danger to life from fire,
smoke, fumes or panic before the building is evacuated. These features are also designed to achieve, among
others, safe & rapid evacuation of people through means of egress sealed from smoke or fire, the confinement
of fire or smoke in the room or floor of origin & delay their spread to other parts of the building by means of
smoke sealed & fire-resistant doors, walls & floors. It shall also mean to include the treatment of buildings
components or contents with flame retardant chemicals.
Flash Point - The minimum temperature at which any material gives off vapor in sufficient concentration to
form an ignitable mixture with air.
Forcing -A process where a piece of metal is heated prior to changing its shape or dimensions.
Fulminate - A kind of stable explosive compound which explodes by percussion.
Hazardous Operation/Process - Any act of manufacturing, fabrication, conversion, etc., that uses or
produces materials which are likely to cause fires or explosions.
Horizontal Exit - Passageway from one building to another or through or around a wall in approximately the
same floor level.
Hose Box - A box or cabinet where fire hoses, valves & other equipment are stored & arranged for firefighting.
Hose Reel - A cylindrical device turning on an axis around which a fire hose is wound & connected.
Hypergolic Fuel - A rocket or liquid propellant which consist of combinations of fuels & oxidizers which ignite
spontaneously on contact with each other.
Industrial Baking & Drying - The industrial process of subjecting materials to heat for the purpose of
removing solvents or moisture from the same, &/or to fuse certain chemical salts to form a uniform glazing the
surface of materials being treated.
Jumper - A piece of metal or an electrical conductor used to bypass a safety device in an electrical system.
Occupancy - The purpose for which a building or portion thereof is used or intended to be used.
Occupant - Any person actually occupying & using a building or portions thereof by virtue of a lease contract
with the owner or administrator or by permission or sufferance of the latter.
Organic Peroxide - A strong oxidizing organic compound which releases oxygen readily. It causes fire when
in contact with combustible materials especially under conditions of high temperature.
Overloading - The use of one or more electrical appliances or devices which draw or consume electrical
current beyond the designed capacity of the existing electrical system.
Owner - The person who holds the legal right of possession or title to a building or real property.
Oxidizing Material - A material that readily yields oxygen in quantities sufficient to stimulate or support
combustion.
Pressurized Or Forced Draft Burning Equipment - Type or burner where the fuel is subjected to pressure
prior to discharge into the combustion chamber &/or which includes fans or other provisions for the introduction
of air at above normal atmosphere pressure into the same combustion chamber.
Public Assembly Building - Any building or structure where fifty (50) or more people congregate, gather, or
assemble for any purpose.
Public Way - Any street, alley or other strip of l& unobstructed from the ground to the sky, deeded, dedicated
or otherwise permanently appropriated for public use.
Pyrophoric - Descriptive of any substance that ignites spontaneously when exposed to air.
Refining - A process where impurities &/or deleterious materials are removed from a mixture in order to
produce a pure element of compound. It shall also refer to partial distillation & electrolysis.
Self-Closing Doors- Automatic closing doors that are designed to confine smoke & heat & delay the spread of
fire.
Smelting - Melting or fusing of metallic ores or compounds so as to separate impurities from pure metals.
Sprinkler System - An integrated network of hydraulically designed piping installed in a building, structure or
area with outlets arranged in a systematic pattern which automatically discharges water when activated by
heat or combustion products from a fire.
Standpipe System - A system of vertical pipes in a building to which fire hoses can be attached on each floor,
including a system by which water is made available to the outlets as needed.
Vestibule - A passage hall or antechamber between the outer doors & the interior parts of a house or building.
Vertical Shaft - An enclosed vertical space of passage that extends from floor to floor, as well as from the
base to the top of the building.

Section 5. Responsibility for the Enforcement of this Code. - This Code shall be administered & enforced
by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), under the direct supervision & control of the Chief of the Bureau of Fire
Protection, through the hierarchy of organization as provided for in Chapter VI of Republic Act No. 6975. with
the approval of the Secretary of the Department of the Interior & Local Government (DILG), the BFP, is hereby
authorized to:
 Issue implementing rules & regulations, & prescribe standards, schedules of fees/fire service charges &
administrative penalties therefore as provided in the pertinent provisions of this Code;
 Support & assist fire volunteers, practitioners & fire volunteer organizations in the country who shall
undergo mandatory fire suppression, inspection, rescue, emergency medical services & related
emergency response trainings & competency evaluations to be conducted by the BFP.
 Fire practitioners, they shall undergo mandatory continuous professional education & competency
evaluation of their expertise, knowledge & skills in the area of fire science, engineering & technology to
be conducted by the BFP:
 The BFP may enter into external party agreements for the conduct of training, education & evaluation of
fire volunteers, practitioners & fire volunteer organizations, which shall be under the full control &
supervision of the BFP.
 During firefighting operations, fire volunteer organizations shall be under the direct operational control
of the fire ground commanders of the BFP;
 Enter into long term agreement, either through public biddings or negotiations in accordance with the
provisions of Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act of
2003, for the acquisition of fire prevention, fire protection & fire fighting investigation, rescue,
paramedics, hazardous material handling equipment, supplies, materials & related technical services
necessary for the fire services;
  Enter into Memoranda of Agreement with other departments, bureaus, agencies, offices & corporations
of the government, as well as private institutions, in order to define areas of cooperation & coordination
& delineate responsibility on fire prevention education, fire safety, fire prevention, fire suppression &
other matters of common concern;
 Call on the police, other law enforcement agencies, & local government assistance to render
necessary assistance in the enforcement of this Code;
 Designate a fire safety inspector through his/her duly authorized representative, who shall conduct
an inspection of every building or structure within his area of responsibility at least once a year & every
time the owner, administrator or occupant shall renew his/her business permit or permit to operate;
 No occupancy permit, business or permit to operate shall be issued without securing a Fire
Safety Inspection Certification (FSIC) from the Chief, BFP, or his/her duly authorized
representative;
 Inspect at reasonable time, any building, structure, installation or premises for dangerous or hazardous
conditions or materials as set forth in this Code, provided that in case of single family dwelling, an
inspection must be upon the consent of the occupant or upon lawful order from the proper court. The
Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized representative shall order the owner/occupant to remove
hazardous materials &/or stop hazardous operation/process in accordance with the standards set by
this Code or its implementing rules or regulations or other pertinent laws;
 to order the owner/occupant of any building or structure to summarily abate such hazardous conditions
where conditions exist & are deemed hazardous to life & property.
 Require the building owner/occupant to submit plans & specifications, & other pertinent documents of
said building to ensure compliance with applicable codes & standards; &
 Issue a written notice to the owner &/or contractor to stop work on portion of any work due to absence,
or in violation of approved plans & specifications, permit &/or clearance or certification as approved by
the Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized representative. The notice shall state the nature of the
violation & no work shall be continued on that portion until the violation has been corrected.

Technical Staff. - The Chief, BFP shall constitute a technical staff of highly qualified persons who are
knowledgeable on fire prevention, fire safety, & fire suppression. They may be drawn not only from the
organic members of the BFP & other government offices & agencies, but also from other sources. In the latter
case, they will either be appointed into the service or hired as consultants in accordance with law.
Be required to comply with the following, as may be appropriate:
a. Inspection Requirement - A fire safety inspection shall be conducted by the Chief, BFP or his duly
authorized representative as prerequisite to the grants of permits &/or licenses by local governments & other
government agencies concerned
1. Safety Measures for Hazardous Materials - Fire safety measures shall be required for the
manufacture, storage, handling &/or use of hazardous materials
2. Safety Measures for Hazardous Operation/Processes

Violation, Penalties & Abatement of Fire Hazard. - Fire hazards shall be abated immediately. The Chief,
BFP or his/her duly authorized representative, upon the report that a violation of this Code or other pertinent
laws, rules & regulations is being committed, shall issue notice/order to comply to the owner, administrator,
occupant or other person responsible for the condition of the building or structure, indicating among other
things, the period within which compliance shall be effected, which shall be within ten (10) to fifteen (15) days
after the receipt of the notice/order, depending on the reasonableness to adequately comply with the same.

 RA 6975, CHAPTER IV BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION

The Bureau of Fire Protection, hereinafter referred to as the Fire Bureau, is hereby created initially consisting
of the existing officers & uniformed members of the fire service of the Integrated National Police as constituted
under Presidential Decree No. 765.
Powers & Functions– The Fire Bureau shall be responsible for the prevention & suppression of all destructive
fires on buildings, houses & other structures, forest, land transportation vehicles & equipment, ships or vessels
docked at piers or wharves or anchored in major seaports, petroleum industry installations, plane crashes &
other similar incidents, as well as the enforcement of the Fire Code & other related laws.
The Fire Bureau shall have the power to investigate all causes of fires &, if necessary, file the proper
complaints with the city or provincial prosecutor who has jurisdiction over the case.
Organization.
BFP HEAD- Chief, Assisted by Deputy Chief.
Provincial head- Provincial fire marshall
Function: implement the policies, plans & programs of the Department; & monitor, evaluate & coordinate the
operations & activities of the fire service operating units at the city & municipal levels.
District Head- District fire marshall
City/Municipality Head- City/Municipal fire marshall (fire station) in the case of large cities & municipalities, a
district office with subordinate fire stations headed by a district fire marshall may be organized as necessary.
The local government units (city & municipal levels) shall be responsible for the fire protection & various
emergency services such as rescue & evacuation of injured people at fire-related incidents &, in general, all
fire prevention & suppression measures to secure the safety of life & property of the citizenry.

 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11589, September 10, 2021

AN ACT STRENGTHENING AND MODERNIZING THE BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Section 1. This Act shall be known as the "Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act."
Section 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the State to ensure public safety through the prevention
and suppression of all kinds of destructive fires, with the active support of the community.
Towards this end, the State shall formulate and implement plans and programs to enhance and modernize the
Bureau of Fire Protection, expand its mandate and capability, and ensure its responsiveness to the changing
needs of the community.

 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9263, MARCH 10, 2004

"Bureau of Fire Protection & Bureau of Jail Management & Penology Professionalization Act of 2004."
Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA)- automatically appointed to the initial rank of fire/jail inspector
a) No person shall be designated to the following key positions of the BFP & the BJMP unless he/she has met
the qualifications provided therein:
1) Municipal Fire Marshal. – Should have the rank of senior inspector, who must have finished at least
second year Bachelor of Laws or earned at least 12 units in a master's degree program in public
administration, management, engineering, public safety, criminology or other related discipline from recognized
institution of learning, & must have satisfactory passed the necessary training of career courses for such
position as may be established by the Fire Bureau;
2) City Fire Marshal. - Should the rank of chief of senior inspector, who must have finished at least second
year Bachelor of Laws or earned at least 24 units in a master's degree program mentioned above.
3) District Fire Marshal, Provincial Fire Marshal, Assistant Regional Director for Administration,
Assistant Regional Director for Operations & Regional Chief of Directorial Staff. – Should have the rank
of superintendent, who must be a graduate of Bachelor of Laws or a holder of a mater's degree program
mentioned.
4) District Fire Marshal for the National Capital Region, Regional Director for Fire Protection & Director
of the Directorate of the National Headquarters Office. – Should have at least the rank of senior
superintendent, who must be a graduate of Bachelor of Laws or a holder of master's degree mentioned.
5) Deputy Chief for Administration of the Fire Bureau, Deputy Chief for Operations of the Fire Bureau &
Chief Directorial Staff of the Fire Bureau.- Should have the rank of superintendent, who must be a member
of the Philippine Bar or a holder of a master's degree mentioned.
6) Chief of the Fire Bureau. – Should have the rank of director, who must be a member of the Philippine Bar
or a holder of a master's degree mentioned.
Any uniformed personnel of the BFP & the BJMP who is currently occupying such position but lacks any of the
qualifications mentioned therein shall be given three(3) years upon the effectivity of this Act to comply with the
requirements, otherwise he/she shall be relieved from the position.

 REPUBLIC ACT No. 9592, May 08, 2009

AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE CERTAIN PROVISION OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9263
Professionalization & Upgrading of Qualification Standards in the Appointment of Uniformed Personnel to the
BFP & the BJMP.

RULE 6. FIRE BRIGADES, FIRE VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS & FIRE SAFETY PRACTITIONERS
This Rule shall govern the organization, equipage, operation, & proficiency training of company & community
fire brigades as well as continuous training & competency evaluation of fire volunteers & fire volunteer
organizations in the country who shall undergo mandatory fire suppression, inspection, rescue, emergency
medical services & other related emergency response training programs & competency evaluations to be
conducted by the BFP. This also prescribes the continuous professional education, competency evaluation &
recognition of Fire Safety Practitioners, to be conducted by the BFP. For this purpose, the term “company”
shall include government &/or private offices & buildings

TRAINING OF FIRE BRIGADES, FIRE SAFETY PRACTITIONERS & FIRE VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS
SECTION 6.0.3.4 ASSISTANCE IN TRAINING PROGRAMS
The BFP shall assist in setting up a training program for the fire brigade & fire volunteer organization.
RULE 8. FIRE SAFETY ENFORCERS
SECTION 8.2.1.1 FIRE SAFETY INSPECTORS
The following shall be the main duties & responsibilities of Fire Safety Inspectors:
A. Inspect any building, structure or facility &/or any part thereof, hazardous operations, storage facilities &
transportation vehicles of hazardous materials to ensure compliance of the Fire Code of the Philippines, this
IRR & other related laws, regulations, standards & ordinances within the area of responsibility;
B. Assess compliance with the fire safety requirements, identify & recommend corrective actions for
violations/defects & deficiencies & inform the owner/building administrator/occupants of such actions to comply
with the provisions of the Fire Code of the Philippines, this IRR & other related laws, regulations, standards &
ordinances; 33
C. Testify in any judicial & quasi-judicial bodies regarding matters relating to the Fire Code of the Philippines &
this IRR, &/or the performance of his/her duties related thereto, when needed;
D. Conduct fire safety lectures, seminars/workshop & drills; &
E. Prepare necessary documents & maintain files &/or records.
SECTION 8.2.1.2 PLAN EVALUATORS
The following shall be the main duties & responsibilities of Plan Evaluators:
A. Review & evaluate building plans & specifications including fire protection system to determine compliance
to the requirement of the Fire Code, this IRR, Building Code of the Philippines & other Life & Safety Standard;
&
B. Conduct site verification & inspection on building under construction to determine compliance with the
approved plans & specifications.

Fire Operations – include all actions from the time a call comes to the after-action review that is conducted
following an incident. Responding to an incident, fighting a fire, rescue & salvage/overhaul are considered
components of fire operations.
VENTILATION
 is the systematic removal of smoke, heat, & toxic gases from a structure & the replacement of these
gases with cooler air.
 In rescue operations, a ventilated area decreases the danger for trapped occupants because the hot,
toxic gases are channeled out of the structure.
 In fire-fighting operations, a ventilated area increases the fire crew's visibility & makes the working area
more bearable.
 When a building is not immediately ventilated, the smoke & gases rise, spread, & fill the entire room or
structure (mushrooming).
TYPES
 Vertical ventilation involves opening the structure directly above (or as close to) the seat of a fire as
possible.
 Horizontal ventilation involves opening one side of the structure & then the opposite side (probably
windows) to remove heated gases & smoke.
 Forced (mechanical) ventilation uses blowers or ejectors at a doorway or window to help remove the
smoke & heated gases.
Subtypes of Forced Ventilation
a. Portable Machines (mechanical)
 When using gasoline- or electric-powered, portable fans, locate them so that they will either pull out the
smoke or force in fresh air. Place smoke ejectors at the highest level to draw out more heat. Seal a fan
with curtains or drapes so the air cannot circulate around the fan & reduce its effectiveness.
b. Fog Streams (hydraulic)
 When using fog streams, fire crews must be inside the area that they are ventilating. The nozzle man will
place the hose stream in an area at the top of the windowsill with just enough fog pattern to fill the window
opening about 3/4 & hold the nozzle there. The smoke & heat will be drawn into the pattern & forced out
of the structure.

Determination of the Origin of Fire, Cause & Liability

Determining Fire Origin
 Generally, if the origin cannot be determined, the cause cannot be determined & if the correct origin is
not identified, the subsequent cause determination will also be incorrect.
Determining Fire Cause
 The determination of the cause of the fire requires the identification of materials, circumstances &
factors that were necessary for the fire to have occurred. It will expose whether or not a certain person
or entity must be held legally accountable for the occurrence of the fire.
Incident Command Post – the designated area for planning & communication point for members of the FAI
Fire Spread – the movement of fire from one place to another.
Fire Pattern - the visible or measurable physical changes, identifiable shapes, formed by a fire effect/s
Area of Fire Origin – the room or area where the fire began.
Point of Fire Origin/Base of Fire – exact physical location where a heat source & a fuel came in contact with
each other & where the fire begins.
Methodical Examination – the systematic approach in all relevant details found at the fire scene during the
actual conduct of investigation.
Scientific Method – the analytical process necessary in a successful conduct of investigation.
Evidence Spoliation – loss, destruction or material alteration of an object or document which can be used in a
legal proceeding by a person who has the responsibility for its preservation
Fire Arson Investigator (FAI) handling the case must follow the instructions pertaining to evidence collection
& handling of evidence as provided for MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2010-LAB-01
Inductive Reasoning – the process by which a person starts from a particular experience & proceeds to
generalizations. The process by which hypothesis are developed based upon observable or knows facts & the
training, experience, knowledge, & expertise of the observer.

INTERVIEW & QUESTIONING OF WITNESSES

 FAI issues Invitation Letter to all witnesses to appear before the Office of the Investigation &
Intelligence concerned for a formal interview.
 FAI requires the witness to execute & sign his/her Sworn Statement under oath & have the same duly
subscribed & sworn to before a person legally authorized to administer oath (Notary Public, Prosecutor,
Clerk of Courts & Judges) or at least a member of the BFP investigation team with the rank of Fire
Inspector.
 FAI conducts interviews & questioning to other experts/professional who can provide relevant
information about the occurrence of the fire.

ARSON & OTHER CRIMES INVOLVING DESTRUCTION

Revised Penal Code of the Philippines (Act No. 3815)
Art. 320. Destructive arson — The penalty of reclusion temporal in its maximum period to reclusion perpetua
shall be imposed upon any person who shall burn:
1. Any arsenal, shipyard, storehouse or military powder or fireworks factory, ordinance, storehouse, archives or
general museum of the Government.
2. Any passenger train or motor vehicle in motion or vessel out of port.
3. In an inhabited place, any storehouse or factory of inflammable or explosive materials.
Art. 321. Other forms of arson
Art. 322. Cases of arson not included in the preceding articles
Art. 323. Arson of property of small value
Art. 324. Crimes involving destruction
Art. 325. Burning one's own property as means to commit arson
Art. 326. Setting fire to property exclusively owned by the offender
Art. 326-A. In cases where death resulted as a consequence of arson
Art. 326-B. Prima facie evidence of arson

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1613

AMENDING THE LAW ON ARSON
Section 1. Arson. Any person who burns or sets fire to the property of another shall be punished by Prision
May
or. The same penalty shall be imposed when a person sets fire to his own property under circumstances which
expose to danger the life or property of another.
Section 2. Destructive Arson. The penalty of Reclusion Temporal in its maximum period to Reclusion
Perpetua shall be imposed if the property burned is any of the following:
1. Any ammunition factory & other establishment where explosives, inflammable or combustible materials are
stored.
2. Any archive, museum, whether public or private, or any edifice devoted to culture, education or social
services.
3. Any church or place of worship or other building where people usually assemble.
4. Any train, airplane or any aircraft, vessel or watercraft, or conveyance for transportation of persons or
property
4. Any building where evidence is kept for use in any legislative, judicial, administrative or other official
proceedings.
5. Any hospital, hotel, dormitory, lodging house, housing tenement, shopping center, public or private market,
theater or movie house or any similar place or building.
6. Any building, whether used as a dwelling or not, situated in a populated or congested area.
Section 3. Other Cases of Arson.
Section 4. Special Aggravating Circumstances in Arson.
The offense is committed by a syndicate if it is planned or carried out by a group of three (3) or more persons.
Section 5. Where Death Results from Arson. If by reason of or on the occasion of the arson death results, the
penalty of Reclusion Perpetua to death shall be imposed.
Section 6. Prima Facie evidence of Arson.
Section 7. Conspiracy to commit Arson. Conspiracy to commit arson shall be punished by Prision Mayor in its
minimum period.
Section 8. Confiscation of Object of Arson
Section 9. Repealing Clause. The provisions of Articles 320 to 326-B of the Revised Penal Code & all laws,
executive orders, rules & regulations, or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Decree are
hereby repealed or amended accordingly.
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1744
AMENDING ARTICLE 320 OF THE REVISED PENAL CODE PROVISIONS ON ARSON
Article 320. Destructive Arson. The penalty of reclusion temporal in its maximum period to death shall be
imposed upon any person who shall burn:
1. One (1) or more buildings or edifices, consequent to one single act of burning, or as result of simultaneous
burnings, or committed on several or different occasions;
2. Any building of public or private ownership, devoted to the use of the public in general, or where people
usually gather or congregated for a definite purpose such as but not limited to official governmental function or
business, private transaction, commerce, trade, worship, meetings & conferences, or merely incidental to a
definite purpose such as but not limited to hotels, motels, transient dwellings, public conveyance or stops or
terminals, regardless of whether the offender had knowledge that there are persons in said building or edifice
at the time it is set on fire, & regardless also of whether the building is actually inhabited or not.
3. Any train or locomotive, ship or vessel, airship or airplane, devoted to transportation or convenience, or
public use, entertainment or leisure.
4. Any building, factory, warehouse installation & any appurtenances thereto, which are devoted to the service
of public utilities.
5. Any building, the burning of which is for the purpose of concealing or destroying evidence of another
violation of law, or for the purpose of concealing bankruptcy or defrauding creditors or to collect from
insurance.
The penalty of death - the arson is perpetrated or committed by two (2) or more persons or by a group of
persons, regardless of whether their purpose is merely to burn or destroy the building or the edifice, or the
burning merely constitutes an overt act in the commission or another violation of law.
The penalty of reclusion temporal in its maximum period to death shall also be imposed upon any person
who shall burn:
(a) Any arsenal, shipyard, storehouse or military powder or fireworks factory, ordinance storehouse, archives
or general museum of the government.
(b) In an inhabited place, any storehouse or factory of inflammable or explosive materials.
If as a consequence of the commission of any of the acts penalized under this Article, death or injury results, or
any valuable documents, equipment, machineries, apparatus, or other valuable properties were burned or
destroyed, the mandatory penalty of death shall be imposed."
Section 2. Provisions of Articles 320, 321 & 322 of the Revised Penal Code which are or may be inconsistent
herewith are hereby repealed.

EVIDENCE TO ESTABLISH ON ARSON CASES, PD 1613

Section 6. Prima Facie evidence of Arson.
Any of the following circumstances shall constitute prima facie evidence of arson:
1. If the fire started simultaneously in more than one part of the building or establishment.
2. If substantial amount of flammable substances or materials are stored within the building note necessary in
the business of the offender nor for household us.
3. If gasoline, kerosene, petroleum or other flammable or combustible substances or materials soaked
therewith or containers thereof, or any mechanical, electrical, chemical, or electronic contrivance designed to
start a fire, or ashes or traces of any of the foregoing are found in the ruins or premises of the burned building
or property.
4. If the building or property is insured for substantially more than its actual value at the time of the issuance of
the policy.
4. If during the lifetime of the corresponding fire insurance policy more than two fires have occurred in the
same or other premises owned or under the control of the offender &/or insured.
5. If shortly before the fire, a substantial portion of the effects insured & stored in a building or property had
been withdrawn from the premises except in the ordinary course of business.
6. If a dem& for money or other valuable consideration was made before the fire in exchange for the
desistance of the offender or for the safety of the person or property of the victim.
Developing Evidence of Motive
 Motive is not normally a required element of the crime in arson cases.
 A wide range of evidence types have been held admissible by courts in the establishment of arson
motive. In commercial arsons, evidence of motive may include: depleted inventories; overvalued stock;
poor business conditions; change in character of the neighborhood; or over insurance.
 In residential arsons, motive may be shown by: physical condition of the· property (deterioration or
other indications of disinvestment); problems in selling the building; owner's desire to move from the
area; or evidence of domestic problems.
Insurance Evidence
Evidence of arson motive may be developed from many different sources. Insurance companies may have a
significant advantage over public investigators in the examination of the fire scene & the collection of
information & documents from the insured because of the terms of the insurance contract.

REPORT WRITING IN ARSON INVESTIGATION

FIRE REPORT CLASSIFICATIONS & REPORTING SYSTEM
A. Spot Investigation Report (SIR) – Shall be made & accomplished by the FAI concerned during the actual
response to a fire incident. The SIR should contain basic information about the fire incident.
 All SIR must be submitted IMMEDIATELY (within 24 hours) to respective Fire Marshals with copy
 furnished the OFFICE OF THE CHIEF, BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION, thru fax message at the
office of the INVESTIGATION & INTELLIGENCE DIVISION – BFP National Headquarters with
Telephone / Fax Number: (02) 911-7223, for immediate information & recording purposes.
 The copy (original copy / photo copy) of the SIR of all fire incident transpired within the respective Area
Of Responsibility (AOR) shall be consolidate & be submitted thru proper CHANNEL.
 The respective OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR FIRE PROTECTION shall then submit
the consolidate SIR to the office of the IID – BFP National Headquarters in BI-MONTHLY basis (every
15th & 30th day of the month) thru mail courier, for recording & proper disposition.
B. Progress Investigation Report (PIR) – Shall be made & accomplished by the FAI concerned
 after the conduct of follow-up investigation was made. The PIR or any succeeding PIRs (2nd PIR) shall
be accomplished within 7 to 15 days.
 The copy (original copy / photo copy) of the PIR of all fire incident transpired within the respective
(AOR) shall be consolidate & be submitted thru proper CHANNEL. The respective OFFICE OF
 THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR FIRE PROTECTION shall then submit the consolidate PIR to the
office of the IID – BFP National Headquarters in BI-MONTHLY basis (every 15th & 30th day of the
month) thru mail courier, for recording & proper disposition.
C. Final Investigation Report (FIR) – Shall be made & accomplished by the FAI concerned upon
 the completion of the exhaustive investigation. All completed FIR should be signed by the concerned
FAI & its respective Chief of the Investigation & Intelligence Office.
 The maximum allowable time for the investigating body to submit the FIR shall be 30 to 45 DAYS
commencing from the first day of investigation. On the given period, the FAI shall already come up with
a proper RESOLUTION or RECOMMENDATION about the case being investigated.
 For the lower investigating units, the FIR shall be accomplished in (5) complete copies for distribution
to:
1. Office of the Chief, BFP thru the office of the Investigation & Intelligence Division, BFP NHQ
2. Office of the Regional Director for Fire Protection;
3. Office of the District / Provincial Fire Marshal;
4. Office of the City / Municipal Fire Marshals.
The last copy (ORIGINAL or DOCUMENT ORIGINAL) shall remain in the possession of the FAI concerned for
his own personal copy & for future verification. No UNDETERMINED cause should be reflected in any FIR.
D. Fire Incident Investigation Report (FIIR) – This kind of investigation report can only be made in such
circumstances that the investigation report cannot be completed for some reasons independent of the will of
the FAI. (Please see attached standard FIIR format for reference –Annex I) FIIR can only be accomplished in
fire cases with UNDETERMINED cause & this kind of case should be considered as ON_PENDING
INVESTIGATION, subject to REOPENING in circumstances that relevant evidence & / or a witness shall
surface in the future.
The copy (original copy/photocopy) of the FIIR of all fire incidents transpired within the respective AOR should
also be consolidated & be submitted thru proper CHANNEL to the higher headquarters in BI-MONTHLY basis
(every 15th & 30th day of the Month) thru mail courier, for recording & proper disposition

Abatement Order- refers to notice issued by the appropriate BFP Official concerned after a verification
inspection has been conducted on the Notice to Correct Violation previously given. This notice includes the
imposition of the administrative fines for the second time.
Supplemental Guidelines on Arson Law
1. It is a well-settled principle of criminal law that a conviction for a crime cannot be unless the corpus delicti is
established. (State v. Sullivan, 17 L. R. 902). To establish the corpus delicti in arson, the proof of two elements
is required:
a) The burning of the house or other thing, and
b) The criminal group that caused it. (Spears v. State, 16 LRA (N.S.) 285; People v. Ong Chiat Lay, 60
Phil. 788).
2. Arson is established by proving the corpus delicti, usually in the form of CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE
such as the criminal agency, meaning the substance used, like gasoline, or other combustible materials which
caused the fire. It can also be in the form of electrical wires, mechanical, or electronic contrivance designed to
start a fire; or ashes or traces of such objects which are found in the ruins of the burned premises.
3. If the crime of ARSON was employed by the offender as a means to kill the offended party, the crime
committed is MURDER. The burning of the property as the MEANS to kill the victim is what is contemplated by
the word “fire” under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code which qualifies the crime to MURDER.
4. When the burning of the property was done by the offender only to cause damage but the ARSON resulted
in the DEATH of the person, the crime committed is still ARSON because the death of the victim is a mere
CONSEQUENCE and not the INTENTION of the offender.
5. There is no special complex crime of ARSON WITH HOMICIDE. What matters in resolving cases involving
arson is the CRIMINAL INTENT of the offender.
6. When the burning of one’s property results from reckless imprudence and it leads to serious physical injuries
and/or damage to property of another, the penalty to be imposed shall not be for the crime of arson under P.D.
1613 but rather, the penalty shall be based on Article 365 of the Revised Penal Code as a felony committed by
means of culpa – imprudence and negligence. (e.g. Reckless Imprudence Resulted to Damage to Property /
Reckless Imprudence Resulted to Serious Physical Injuries)

ARSON
a. What are the laws governing Arson?
- PD 1613 which repealed Arts. 3 to 320-b of the RPC
- RA 7659 as regards the imposition of death penalty.
b. What are the elements of the crime of Arson?
1. Any person burning a structure (edifice or building or dwelling).
2. The burning is intentional and with intent to damage the property.
3. Other analogous acts
c. What are the evidences needed to file the crime of Arson?
1. Testimonial Evidence – Affidavit of complainant and witnesses
2. Documentary Evidence – photographs, videos, police reports and other documents
3. Object Evidence – flammable substances and burned debris with forensic reports
4. Other relevant evidence

ARSON INVESTIGATION
 As mandated by law, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) shall have the power to investigate all causes
of fire and if necessary, file the proper complaint with the City or Provincial Prosecutor who has
jurisdiction over the case.
 The tasks and responsibility of the fire arson investigators are not only limited to conducting exhaustive
investigations and filing complaints with the prosecutor’s office but also incincludee appearance and
giving of testimonies before the court of law during legal proceedings.
 It is provided in the rule that it is the prosecution who has the burden of proof and the quantum of
evidence is proof beyond reasonable doubt. Once proven, the maximum highest penalty for the
commission of arson is life imprisonment under the present law since the abolition of the death penalty
law.
Arson is a classic heinous crime that requires skillful, scientific and systematic investigation procedures thus,
the respective chiefs of the investigation and intelligence offices of the BFP are enjoined to closely supervise
the conduct of the investigation in order to attain effective and plausible results.

Specific Investigative Procedures

Arson Investigation
Laws and Jurisprudence
 The criminal offense of Arson is punishable under Articles 320 to 326-B of the Revised Penal Code as
amended by Presidential Decree 1613, 1744 and Section 10 of Republic Act 7659 (Heinous Crime Law).
 As mandated by the provisions of Section 50, Rule VIII, Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic
Act 6975, otherwise known as the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990,
stipulates among others that the Bureau of Fire Protection shall have the power to investigate all causes
of fire and if necessary, file the proper complaint with the City or Provincial Prosecutor who has
jurisdiction over the case.
1. Elements of Arson
a) Actual burning took place.
b) Actual burning is done with malicious intent.
c) The actual burning is done by person(s) legally and criminally liable.
2. Levels of Offense for Arson
a) ATTEMPTED ARSON
 A begins the commission of the felony directly by overt acts but does not fulfill all the acts of execution
necessary to produce the felony by reason of the timely arrival of the policeman.
b) FRUSTRATED ARSON
 A had already performed all the acts of execution necessary to produce the felony but the felony was not
produced by the reason of the timely arrival of B, which is independent of the will of A.
c) CONSUMMATED ARSON
 A had already performed all the acts of execution necessary to produce the felony. The consummation
of the crime does not depend upon the extent of damage caused. Any charring of the wood or any
structure, whereby the fiber of the wood is destroyed, is already sufficient. It is not necessary that the
wood or structure should be ablaze. Setting fire to the contents inside the building can constitute the
consummated crime of arson, whether if no part of the building was burned.

3. Authority in the conduct of Fire / Arson Investigation

The investigation of all fire incidents and arson cases shall be referred to or turned over to the Bureau of Fire
Protection, under the provisions of Section 50, R.A. 6975.

COMPOSITION OF INVESTIGATION TEAM & THEIR DESIGNATED RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Team Leader – assumes overall control of the fire scene.
2. Lead Fire Arson Investigator – coordinates with the Team Leader regarding appropriate investigation
approach.
3. Fire Scene Photographer – photographs the fire scene prior to entry of the investigation team & during the
walk-through.
4. Fire Scene Sketch Preparer – diagrams & illustrates the immediate area of the fire scene.
5. Evidence Recovery Personnel & Custodian – conducts an actual exhaustive search of probable pieces of
evidence with the direct guidance of the Team Leader & Lead FAI at the fire scene.
6. Team Security Personnel – ensures the overall security/safety of the investigating team.
Incident Command Post (ICP) – the designated area for planning & communication point for members of the
Fire Arson Investigation.
Basic Methods of Fire Investigation
1. Preservation of the Fire Scene
2. Examination of the Fire Scene
3. Recording the Fire Scene
Take photographs of the following:
a) Exterior Views.
b) Identification of the property / Signage or house address number.
c) Out-building and grounds / Aerial photographs.
d) Interior of the building, room by room, in a logical sequence. The series of shots should start at the main
door/entrance of the premises going inside. A Series of photographs should also depict unburned areas of the
building.
e) Evidence, before removal, in close-up and wide-angle shots. Use of “Title Sheet” that shows identifying
information of evidence is mandatory (date/location of evidence/investigating team and other situational
information).
f) Travel of fire or burn and flame spread patterns.
g) Label each canister of film used to prevent confusion or loss and maintain a Photographic Log (photo
record).
4. Fire Scene Sketch
5. Physical Evidence Examination and Testing
6. Sources of Information
7. Preliminary interview with the owners/occupants
This interview is conducted to ascertain the name/s of owner/s/occupant/s, insurance data, employment, etc.
Warning: Nothing should be said or implied during this interview to indicate any suspicion about the person
interviewed. Information obtained in these preliminary contacts may provide a possible clue as to an accidental
fire or leads on possible suspects and motives.
8. Insurance Firm
9. Neighborhood Inquiry
10. Public Records
 Legal records: deeds, mortgages of real estate and chattels; liens, encumbrance; local and national
taxes; hospital and mental records.
 Financial and credit information: building and loan associations; charge accounts; public utilities (i.e., gas,
water, electricity, telephone) servicemen (i.e., newsboy, milkman, etc.) Employment records, military
records, school records, juvenile court records.
Collection and Preservation of Evidence
 Evidence can be anything that furnishes proof and assists in supporting a theory.
 In the case of a fire scene investigation, evidence is typically used to support the cause of the fire or
other issues related to the fire scene.
 Fire investigators should attempt to protect and preserve the fire scene and its contents as much as
possible in an effort to properly identify the prefire conditions.
 This is why the establishment of a controlled-access perimeter around the scene is important.
 The entire scene should be protected as evidence until the completion of the fire scene examination as
the determination of the cause of the fire is generally not known until the end of the investigation.
 Items of evidence are often found at a fire scene and include fire patterns and artifacts from the initial
fuel or ignitions source.
 Should fire investigators suspect that ignitable liquid was used to promote the rapid growth and fire
spread within a building, samples of materials or debris should be collected for laboratory analysis to
detect the presence of any unconsumed ignitable liquids (accelerants).
 Examples of other items which might be collected or documented at the fire scene include portions of a
door and lock that indicate forced entry, containers of suspected ignitable liquids, tire or foot
impressions, tools, documents, and blood.
 As each fire scene is unique, it is the responsibility of the trained fire investigator to determine what
constitutes evidence, and then make the proper arrangements for the collection and preservation of
these items.
 The determination of what constitutes evidence and the need for the collection of the items can change
depending on the responsibility and role of the investigator.
 In the case of an accidental fire caused by a product failure, the government or public sector
investigator may choose not to collect the suspect product from the fire scene but, rather, defer to the
insurance investigator for collection of the item, subsequent analysis, and potential civil litigation.
 The government fire investigator, however, should always collect evidence related to criminal activity.
 The evidence most frequently collected from the scene of a suspected incendiary fire is debris and
other materials such as flooring, carpet, baseboard, and pieces of furnishings.
 These items are collected for later examination for the presence of an ignitable liquid.
 Information developed by fire investigators from witnesses and the fire scene examination will generally
lead to a determination as to the origin of the fire.

PROCEDURE IN FILING CRIMINAL CASES

POLICY: In cases of willful or deliberate failure to correct the deficiency or abate the fire hazard, the
City/Municipal Fire Marshal concerned, at his own instance or upon the recommendation of Chief, FSES or
upon directive of the higher offices, shall initiate the filing of criminal charges against any responsible person/s
pursuant to Rule 13 of IRR of RA 9514.
PURPOSE: To ensure that all persons who willfully or deliberately disregard the provisions of RA 9514 are
prosecuted.
SCOPE: This covers the procedures in the filing of criminal cases arising from violations of the provisions of
RA 9514.
RESPONSIBILITIES: City/Municipal Fire Marshal (C/MFM) – prepares the Complaint Affidavit and files the
same at the Office of the Prosecutor having jurisdiction.
PRE/BERORE 1. Upon determination of any of the condition cited above, the Office of the City/Municipal
Fire Marshal prepares an Affidavit of Complaint. The affidavit of complaint is to be supported with pertinent
documents/pieces of evidence, such as the Summary Inspection Report with the after-inspection reports,
sketches, pictures, measurements, photographs taken, and other necessary documents or evidences.
2. The City/Municipal Fire Marshal affixes his/her signature on the affidavit.
ACTUAL/DURING 3. The affidavit of complaint is then filed before the office of the prosecutor having
jurisdiction.
POST/AFTER 4. The City/Municipal Fire Marshal complies with all the notices
and/or compliances required by the Office of the Prosecutor
having jurisdiction.

FILING OF COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

 If a prima facie evidence of arson is established or the case is suspected to be INTENTIONAL in
nature, the FAI concerned with the guidance of their respective City / Municipal Fire Marshal, should
IMMEDIATELY file the appropriate charge to the prosecutor’s office who has jurisdiction over the case
and the same must also be reported to the IID, BFP National Headquarters for further appropriate
disposition and guidance.
 Whenever death results in any fire incident identified to be INTENTIONAL in nature, the MOTIVE for
the commission of arson must be immediately established in order to ascertain whether a crime of
MURDER qualifies. Murder cases committed thru the burning of one’s property may be referred to the
Philippine National Police for proper disposition. However, the FAI should still pursue the filing of the
arson case.
 The FAI can immediately effect an arrest on any suspect/s once such person is/are POSITIVELY
IDENTIFIED by a complaint or witnesses to be the one who perpetrated the commission of the crime
during the course of actual investigation, most specifically during the event of the actual fire incident,
and in accordance with the law.
 The following rights of the arrested suspect shall be observed by the FAI during CUSTODIAL
INVESTIGATION as embodied under the provisions of R.A. 7438. The suspect shall be apprised of his
constitutional rights in accordance to Section 12, Article III, 1987 Constitution.
 All suspects once arrested / invited by the FAI and determined to have the probability to commit the
crime must immediately be INQUEST to the city / municipal prosecutor before the lapse of (36) hours
or the legal regulated period.
READ: BFP-Operational-Procedures-Manual.pdf