Have key evidence areas been secured inside and outside the structure?
A quick assessment of possible areas of origin will provide a guideline for what key evidence areas need to be secured. These areas should be taped off and personnel should be instructed to leave them undisturbed. In addition, protect exterior areas that may hold evidence like footprints, tire tracks, or discarded accelerant containers. Witnesses Have all initial witnesses been identified and contact information secured, including members of the crowd? Upon arrival, there may be crowds gathered, victims wandering around, and neighbors milling about. The immediate area should be canvassed as quickly as possible and witnesses identified. Securing their contact information immediately and asking those with information to remain until an interviewer can see them will ensure that fleeting witnesses do not leave the scene when the action calms down-thereby taking their information with them. Also ask the police and fire departments who they identified upon arrival. The police department can
