How to Create a Vehicle Fire Investigation Report: 2024 Guide + Free Template Workbook Download
Randy Elmore
July 22, 2024
How Do You Write a Vehicle Fire Investigation Report?
Writing a vehicle fire investigation report requires a critical eye and attention to detail. It also calls on investigators to be thorough and never miss a detail. For these reasons, we’ve created a widely accessible Vehicle Fire Investigation Report Template to ensure nothing is missed and all is documented. Vehicle Fire Investigation Workbook Template (Download: Editable | Checkbox | Dropdown | PDF) here, for free. Our guide below will walk you through each section of a well-rounded report to ensure you cover all your bases.
A thorough vehicle fire investigation report will include these essential steps:
1. Receipt of Assignment: Establishes a clear starting point for investigation.
2. Incident Synopsis: Gives a concise overview of the incident.
3. Safety Assessment: Identifies and documents any potential hazards.
4. Weather Information: Records any environmental influences on the fire.
5. Exposures: Describes any nearby structures or vehicles that are affected.
6. Photography/Video Surveillance: Records names and roles of photographers, as well as any surveillance details.
7. Exterior Examination: Examines & documents the condition of exterior and any damages to exterior.
8. Engine Compartment: Assesses and documents damage levels.
9. Vehicle Interior Assessment: Documents the interior condition and damages therein.
10. Area(s) of Fire Origin: Identifies and describes where the fire originated.
11. Delayering/Reconstruction: Documents de-layering and reconstruction efforts.
12. Heat/Ignition and Fuel Sources Identified/Confirmed in Area of Origin: Identifies and confirms the sources of heat or ignition.
13. Point(s) of Fire Origin: Specifies the exact point where the fire began.
14. Evidence Collected: Lists the types of evidence collected as well as the labs used for analysis.
15. Ignition Sequence/Hypothesis Development and Tested: Outlines and tests each developed hypothesis.
16. Dollar Loss Estimate: Gives information on estimates of structural, vehicle, and content losses.
17. Fire Cause Classification: Provides the cause of the fire.
18. Definitions: Offers relevant definitions from NFPA 921.
In addition to the detailed steps outlined below, we have provided free fire investigation report workbook templates for download in both Microsoft Word and PDF formats. Fire investigators are welcome to use, modify, and share these templates as needed. We kindly request that you credit this blog post with a link on your social media or other platforms when you use or share them.
The free Fire Investigation Workbook Templates include:
You can download all files as a ZIP file here or individually above.
Each template is available in four different versions to best fit the workflow of your fire investigation unit. The versions include:
Fully Editable (Microsoft Word document where users can edit questions and add answers with text box options for Yes/No/Other answers.)
Checkbox (Microsoft Word document with the Protect Form option turned on. Users can enter answers but cannot edit questions with checkbox options for Yes/No/Other answers.)
Dropdown (Microsoft Word document with the Protect Form option turned on. Users can enter answers but cannot edit questions, with dropdown options for Yes/No/Other answers.)
PDF (Fillable PDF file with buttons available for Yes/No/Other answers.)
For your convenience, we've included a vehicle fire investigation report template so that all documentation is comprehensively covered.
Creating Vehicle Fire Investigation Reports with Blazestack
Blazestack is an innovative arson investigation tool that is designed for creating and referencing fire investigation reports.
When it comes to vehicle fire investigation, Blazestack understands that it's so much more than just another vehicle fire investigation report template you're utilizing. Blazestack simplifies the entire complex process of fire investigations, so they can be much more efficient and effective.
With Blazestack, you get many unique advantages:
Specialized Design: Blazestack can handle the unique challenges and complexities of fire investigations, providing an all-in-one solution that addresses all aspects of the investigative process.
Automation of Administrative Tasks: Administrative duties, such as tracking progress are automated. This means investigators can focus on the actual investigation instead of administrative tasks.
Data Management: Blazestack makes it easier to manage and reference crucial information. This is because it can handle large volumes of data including photos, videos, witness statements, and lab results, all in one centralized location.
Detailed Evidence Collection: The Blazestack platform supports detailed evidence collection techniques. This includes tagging and cataloging physical and chemical evidence to ensure that all data is organized and easy to access for the case.
Professional Report Generation: With a single click, Blazestack creates professional, NFPA 921-compliant reports. This streamlines the reporting process and you can rest assured that all the necessary details are included.
Collaborative Capabilities: All investigators and team members can simultaneously enter and edit data to ensure they're up-to-date with the latest findings and progress in the investigation.
Mobile Accessibility: Blazestack is available on mobile devices, allowing investigators to input and access data from the field.
How to Write a Vehicle Fire Investigation Report: Step-by-Step
As we know through arson investigation training, for a truly, thorough car fire analysis, preparation is key. In vehicle fire investigations, this is how we determine the cause, origin, and progression of the fire. With a car fire report, the goal is to create comprehensive documentation that will stand up to scrutiny and provide a clear record of the investigation. Below, we'll go over each of the steps in detail.
1. Receipt of Assignment
For car fire analysis reports, the receipt of an assignment sets the stage for your investigation. It involves documentation that establishes a clear starting point and ensures all parties involved are aligned.
Key Elements:
Date & time that you were notified of the incident.
Source who notified you about the fire
Any preliminary information provided.
Investigator assigned to the case
Case number to the investigation for easy reference.
Best practices:
Record all times in the same time zone.
Verify the names of the investigators with official records.
2. Incident Synopsis
In a vehicle fire investigation report, the incident synopsis will provide a brief overview of the fire incident. The summary should be informative and offer a snapshot of the event for quick reference.
Key Elements:
The nature of the incident (vehicle fire, arson, accident-related fire).
Date & time when the incident occurred.
The location of the fire (address, any relevant landmarks).
Fire department that responded to the incident.
Note any injuries or fatalities that resulted from the fire.
Document any arrests or citations made at the scene of the fire.
Best Practices:
Ensure accuracy in the details provided.
Keep the synopsis concise yet comprehensive.
3. Safety Assessment
During vehicle fire investigations, safety assessment is absolutely vital. In this part of the report, details should be made about the safety measures taken during the investigation, and any hazards identified at the scene must be documented.
Key Elements:
Document the air quality and note any hazardous fumes or smoke.
Note any risks of structural damage or collapse that could be a threat to investigators.
Document potential dangers like leaking fuel or electrical hazards.
Identify the PPE required for investigators to work safely.
Best Practices:
Conduct a thorough safety assessment before beginning the investigation.
Continuously monitor safety conditions throughout the investigation.
4. Weather Information
For proper vehicle fire investigations, weather information can prove to be valuable, as it can significantly impact a fire and the investigation. It's important to document the weather at the time of the incident. This will provide context and may help explain specific fire behaviors.
Key Elements:
Be sure to record the ambient temperature at the time of the fire.
Take note of any humidity levels. These affect fire spread and intensity.
Document wind conditions, such as direction and spread. These can influence a fire's progression.
Record any type of precipitation such as rain or snow. This could have a potential impact on the fire and evidence.
Best Practices:
Obtain weather data from reliable sources, such as weather stations or meteorological reports.
Note any significant changes in weather conditions during the incident.
Download Our Free Fire Investigation Report Workbook Template
Within a vehicle fire investigation report, the exposures section refers to any nearby structures, vehicles, or objects that could be affected by the fire. In this section, describe these exposures as well as any damage sustained.
Key Elements:
Record the structures, vehicles, or objects near the fire.
For each exposure, document the extent of damage.
Be sure to note the proximity of each exposure from the fire's origin.
Best practices:
Verify details with official records.
Document meticulously, including photographs of exposures.
How to Describe Exposure
For proper documentation of a vehicle fire, it's vital to assess and describe both internal and external exposures that could have influenced the fire's behavior, spread, and impact. Here's how to approach this in vehicle fire investigations:
Internal Exposures:
During car fire analysis, remember that internal exposure refers to the factors inside a vehicle that could contribute or hinder the fire's progression. Key components to consider include: passenger compartment, stored materials, engine & components, and any natural pathways (air vents or gaps). If there are any safety features or fire-resistant materials that are designed to prevent internal fire spread, you'd note them within the vehicle fire investigation report as well.
External Exposures:
These are the outside factors that could influence the fire's behavior. Be sure to consider things such as the proximity to structures (construction materials or nearby buildings), note the presence of nearby vehicles (type, distance from fire), the surrounding environment (open spaces, vegetation, or flammable materials), and any potential for heat transfer to surrounding objects. Additionally, mention any barriers or firewalls that could prevent the spread of fire to outer areas.
6. Photography/Video Surveillance
For thorough car fire analysis, the section on photography/video surveillance is critical. This section includes details of any photography or video surveillance conducted at the scene of the vehicle's fire.
Key Elements:
Include the names & roles of individuals taking photographs or video.
Detail the type of cameras used as well as the camera's settings.
Make sure all photographs are time-stamped.
Document the areas and aspects of the fire scene captured.
Best Practices:
Ensure all critical areas are photographed or recorded.
Use high-quality equipment for clear and detailed visuals.
7. Exterior Examination
The next section of the report is the exterior examination. It involves assessing the outer parts of the vehicle to understand the fire's impact, as well as possible entry points or ignition.
Key Elements:
Document vehicle fire patterns. Note the burn patterns for any area of intense heat to the vehicle's exterior.
Look at the structural damage to the vehicle. This includes deformation or melting.
Identify anything that indicates heat exposure, such as blistering paint or melted components.
Examine and document the condition of outer components of the vehicle such as tires, windows, and mirrors.
Best practices:
Use a checklist to ensure all exterior aspects are examined.
Take detailed notes and photographs of each observation.
8. Engine Compartment
When conducting vehicle fire investigations, the engine compartment is among the most critical areas to investigate. This is because many fires begin here. In this section of the report, you will conduct a thorough examination of the engine and its components.
Key Elements:
Take a look at the level of damage done to the engine and surrounding components and document it.
Check for any signs of electrical failures, such as short circuits or melted wires.
Examine the fuel system for ruptures or leaks.
Record the condition of the engine components. This includes the battery, alternator, and wiring.
Best practices:
Take a systematic approach, examining each component in detail.
Use specialized tools if necessary to access hard-to-reach areas.
9. Vehicle Interior Assessment
Within the vehicle fire investigation report, the interior of the vehicle can provide clues about the fire's origin and progression. This section of the report will involve a detailed assessment of the interior's condition.
Key Elements:
Within the interior, look for vehicle fire patterns. Document these burn patterns inside the vehicle.
Take a look at the condition of the seats, dashboard, and other interior components.
Look for any indication of the fire's origin inside the vehicle, such as localized burn marks.
Record any personal items located inside the vehicle along with their condition.
Best Practices:
Take detailed photographs of the interior from multiple angles.
Note any unusual or suspicious findings.
10. Area(s) of Fire Origin
All vehicle fire investigations must include a section on the area(s) of fire origin. This is important in understanding how the fire began and how it spread. Within this section, the suspected area(s) of origin should be identified and detailed.
Key Elements:
For vehicle fire patterns, use burn patterns and other indicators to determine where the fire likely began.
Best Practices:
Use systematic methods to pinpoint the area of origin.
Verify findings with multiple sources of evidence.
Burn Patterns
V-Patterns: These patterns often point towards the origin of the fire. The bottom of the 'V' indicates the point of origin.
Inverted Cone Patterns: Typically indicate that the fire was intense at a specific point and spread outward.
Other Indicators:
Clean Burn Areas: Sections where combustible materials have been completely consumed, suggesting high-intensity heat.
Charring: Depth and direction of charring can help determine the fire's path and origin.
Heat Lines: Markings on surfaces that indicate the level of heat exposure. Higher heat lines closer to the origin.
Smoke Staining: Darker and more intense staining closer to the fire origin.
Describe in detail the identified areas, including their location and condition.
Document any evidence that supports the identification of these areas. This includes melted materials and burn marks.
11. Delayering/Reconstruction
Delayering and reconstruction is another important part of any car fire analysis. This helps uncover hidden evidence and reconstruct the fire scene. This section aims to help you understand the fire's progression and origin.
Key Elements:
Record the process of removing debris and layers from the scene of the fire.
Take photos at each stage of delayering for a visual record.
Detail efforts to reconstruct the scene note any findings that are significant.
Best practices:
Take a methodical approach, carefully removing debris layer by layer.
Keep detailed notes and photographs at each stage.
12. Heat/Ignition and Fuel Sources Identified/Confirmed in Area of Origin
Within a vehicle fire investigation report, it's crucial to identify the heat or ignition sources in the area of origin in order to determine the fire's cause. This section of the report involves documenting these sources and confirming their presence.
Key Elements:
Find and document potential heat sources in the area of origin. This could be things such as electrical equipment or engine components.
Look for possible ignition sources, like sparks or open flames.
Record any fuel source present, such as oil or gasoline.
Use this method of elimination to systematically eliminate or confirm potential sources.
Best Practices:
Use multiple methods to confirm the presence of heat, ignition, and fuel sources.
Vehicle fire investigations include a section within the report that determines the exact point of fire origin. This gives a clear understanding of just where and how the fire started. This section of the report involves pinpointing the specific location within the area of origin.
Key Elements:
You'll identify the precise point where the fire began with the area of origin.
Use of many sources of evidence to confirm the exact point. This will include vehicle fire patterns, heat damage, and eyewitness accounts.
Document the descriptions and photographs of the point of origin.
Best Practices:
Cross-verify findings with other evidence.
Ensure clarity and precision in documentation.
14. Evidence Collected
The evidence collected is another important piece of vehicle fire investigations. It involves analyzing the information gathered to conclude the fire's cause. Below are the types of evidence that could be collected:
Physical Evidence:
Burn Patterns: Observations of charring, soot, and melted materials to determine the fire's origin and spread.
Debris: Collection of fire debris, such as ash, melted components, and residues.
Fuel Samples: Samples of any remaining fuel or accelerants.
Electrical Components: Examination and collection of wiring, batteries, and electrical devices that may have contributed to the fire.
Mechanical Parts: Inspection of engine components, fuel systems, and other mechanical parts.
Personal Belongings: Items within the vehicle such as personal electronics, documents, and other contents.
Documentation Evidence:
Photographs and Videos: Visual documentation of the fire scene, burn patterns, and collected evidence.
Witness Statements: Testimonies from witnesses who observed the fire and its aftermath.
Fire Scene Sketches: Diagrams depicting the vehicle's position, fire spread, and location of collected evidence.
Analytical Labs that may involve:
Chemical Analysis Labs: These labs focus on identifying accelerants, fuel residues, and other chemical compounds.
Materials Science Labs: Analyzes the structural components and materials involved in the fire to determine failure points and ignition sources.
Electrical Engineering Labs: Examines electrical components and systems to identify potential electrical faults or malfunctions that could have caused the fire.
Analyze the data, consider all possible sources, eliminate those that are not plausible to determine the cause of the fire.
Clearly state the determined cause of the fire, support it with gathered evidence.
Provide documentation of the reasoning and evidence that supports the determined cause of the fire.
Best practices:
Use a systematic approach to analyze data.
Ensure that conclusions are supported by clear, documented evidence.
15. Ignition Sequence/Hypothesis Development and Tested
In this section of the vehicle fire investigation report, we outline the developed hypotheses as it pertains to the ignition sequence. Then, we test hypotheses against known facts.
Key Elements:
Clearly describe each hypothesis as it relates to the potential ignition sources as they lead up to the fire.
Test each hypothesis against the gathered evidence, eliminating those that aren't plausible.
Provide a detailed explanation of why each hypothesis is considered or discarded.
Best Practices:
Use fire modeling tools to support analysis.
Cross-reference observations with fire dynamics principles.
16. Dollar Loss Estimate
Within each vehicle fire investigation report, the dollar loss estimate section gives a thorough fire damage assessment of structural, vehicle, and content losses due to a fire.
Key Elements:
For structural loss, calculate the structural damage to the vehicle. This includes any repairs or total loss considerations.
For vehicle loss, you'll determine the pre-fire market value along with the post-fire condition of the vehicle. Pre-fire market value uses resources like Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guides, along with make, model, year, mileage, and condition.
When it comes to content loss, you'll create a detailed list of all items within the vehicle, then estimate their value before the fire. You'll use receipts, owner statements, and market value resources to estimate the value of each item. For unknown or unseen items, use data from similar items in comparable conditions.
Best practices:
Use detailed records and photographs to support estimates.
Review property records, including purchase prices and previous appraisals, to establish baseline values.
17. Fire Cause Classification
When it comes to vehicle fire investigations, the fire cause classification section of the report offers a clear understanding of the circumstances that led up to the fire.
Key Elements:
Determine the cause of fire as incendiary, accidental, natural, or undetermined. This will be based on evidence gathered throughout the report.
Document the fire classification with supporting evidence.
Best Practices:
Follow a systematic approach to classify the fire cause, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
Clearly document the rationale for the classification, supported by evidence of fire cause and analysis.
18. Definitions
The final part of car fire analysis and reports is to provide clear definitions from the NFPA 921. This helps maintain consistency and clarity throughout the report.
Key Elements:
The definitions included must come from the NFPA 921. Be sure to include any additional notes or observations that pertain to vehicle fires.
Define key terms related to fire dynamics and behavior in vehicle fires.
Best Practices:
Use consistent terminology throughout the report. Be sure to reference standard definitions.
Provide clear explanations of terms to help with understanding.
Fire Dynamics and Behavior in Vehicle Fires
For the most accurate vehicle fire investigation report, it's important to understand certain definitions. The definitions below provide a foundation for fire analysis as to how they spread within vehicles and aid in identifying fire causes and patterns:
Combustion: The chemical process of burning fuel, producing heat, light, and gasses within the vehicle.
Flameover: Ignition of combustible gasses in the hot gas layer inside the vehicle cabin.
Flashover: Rapid ignition of most exposed materials in the vehicle, leading to a fully developed fire.
Backdraft: Explosive combustion occurring when oxygen is introduced to an oxygen-depleted environment with combustible gasses inside the vehicle.
Ceiling Jet: Horizontal flow of hot gasses under the vehicle's roof during a fire.
Radiant Heat: Heat transfer from the fire to nearby objects without direct contact, potentially igniting other parts of the vehicle.
Conduction: Heat transfer through vehicle materials, causing them to ignite.
Convection: Heat transfer by hot gasses moving within the vehicle.
Creep: Slow spread of fire through vehicle materials.
Drop Down: Burning materials falling from higher parts of the vehicle to lower parts, spreading the fire.
Vehicle Fire Patterns: Physical effects remaining after the fire, indicating fire movement, intensity, and duration.
Smoke: Visible products of incomplete combustion within the vehicle.
Soot: Black residue produced by incomplete combustion, often found on vehicle surfaces.
Fire Cause and Ignition in Vehicle Fires
For vehicle fire investigations, determining the cause and ignition sources of vehicle fires is essential. Here's definitions that explain some of the key terms related to fire cause and ignition:
Fire Cause: Circumstances bringing together a heat source and fuel, resulting in a vehicle fire.
Ignitable Liquid: Any liquid with a flash point below 100°F (37.8°C), such as gasoline.
Ignition Temperature: Minimum temperature at which vehicle materials ignite and sustain combustion.
Competent Ignition Source: Source capable of generating enough heat to ignite vehicle materials.
Spontaneous Heating: Self-heating of materials in the vehicle due to internal chemical reactions.
Spontaneous Ignition: Ignition without an external flame or spark, usually due to spontaneous heating.
Autoignition: Ignition due to high temperatures without an external flame or spark.
Electric Spark: Discharge of electricity through the air, capable of igniting flammable materials in the vehicle.
Incendiary Fire: Fire intentionally ignited under circumstances where it should not be.
Arson: Criminal act of deliberately setting the vehicle on fire.
Fire Investigation Methods and Evidence in Vehicle Fires
An effective car fire report relies on structured methods and thorough evidence collection. Here's some key terms that are used to describe these methods and evidence types:
Systematic Approach: Methodical process for conducting vehicle fire investigations.
Fire Origin and Progression in Vehicle Fires
Another critical step in a fire investigation is identifying the fire's origin and understanding its progression. Here's some terms that help clarify these concepts within the vehicle fire investigation report:
Point of Origin: Specific location where the vehicle fire started.
Area of Origin: General location encompassing the point of origin.
First Fuel Ignited: Initial material ignited by the heat source, starting the fire.
Arcing Through Char: Electrical arcing through a charred path in the vehicle.
Mass Loss: Reduction in material mass due to combustion.
Char: Carbonaceous residue remaining after incomplete combustion.
Clean Burn: Areas where fire burned so intensely that all combustibles were consumed, leaving a clean surface.
Vehicle and Material Considerations in Vehicle Fires
When conducting vehicle fire investigations, the materials and components involved must be considered, as they can significantly influence the fire's behavior. Here's some terms to provide insight into these considerations:
Fuel Load: Total quantity of combustible contents within the vehicle.
Thermoplastic: Materials in the vehicle that soften when heated and harden upon cooling.
Calcination of Gypsum: Chemical change in gypsum caused by heat, leading to dehydration and a powdery texture.
Bead: Small, round globules of glass or metal formed by intense heat, often seen in electrical fires.
Bonding: Permanent joining of metallic parts to form an electrically conductive path.
Poor Connections: Faulty or loose electrical connections generating heat and igniting materials.
Fire Safety and Prevention in Vehicle Fires
It's vital to understand fire safety and prevention to reduce the risk of vehicle fires. When working on a car fire report, these definitions are key concepts:
Ventilation: Movement of air into and out of the vehicle, influencing fire behavior.
Failure: Breakdown of a system or component leading to malfunction and potential fire causes.
Cause: The reason for the fire, encompassing the ignition source, first fuel ignited, and circumstances leading to ignition.
Like all arson investigation tools, the fire investigation report above is designed to ensure that all aspects of the incident are thoroughly documented and analyzed. When investigators follow the outlined structure and best practices, they can provide comprehensive and accurate reports that support vehicle fire cause and determination efforts.
We encourage you to share our vehicle fire investigation report template with your colleagues and peers. At Blazestack, we believe our tools and resources can truly enhance the accuracy and efficiency of vehicle fire investigations. When you and your team of investigators choose to leverage our platform, you can streamline the entire process of creating reports, improve the processes of evidence collection, and gain access to a wealth of knowledge related to fire investigations. By using Blazestack, your vehicle fire reports will be more thorough, accurate and reliable.
You and your colleagues are welcome to modify and share these fire investigation template workbooks as needed to suit professional requirements. This template is provided under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA) license. We encourage you to share your adaptations and applications of this template on social media platforms and include links back to our full fire investigation reports breakdown - this way, you help us reach and assist more professionals in the field. Please ensure that credit is attributed to Blazestack for the original creation of the template and include the original disclaimer provided with every instance of the template's use or distribution. This ensures that the information remains within the intended scope of use and that all parties are aware of the terms under which the template is provided. By adhering to these guidelines and licensing terms, users help maintain the integrity and intended purpose of the template while effectively managing its dissemination.
Any questions or comments? Just reach out to the Blazestack Support Team at support@blazestack.com.
Disclaimer:
The fire investigation templates provided herein are intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered as professional, legal, engineering, or expert advice. Users of this template should consult with professional fire investigators or other qualified professionals as needed. The creators of this template disclaim all liability for any damages, injuries, or losses resulting from or related in any way to the use of this template, including without limitation, those resulting from errors or omissions in the content of the template. This template is provided "as is," and no warranty, express or implied, is made regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of any information provided. By using this template, users acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer and assume all risks associated with its use.
