UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY

(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
(078) 844-1147/4215/4079/8978 CAMPUS
– (Trunk Line) (078) 844-8979
(078) 844-8978– (Fax) (078) 844-8981 (College
E-mail address: [email protected]
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY

COURSE TITLE: CDI 6 FIRE PROTECTION AND ARSON INVESTIGATION

PRE-REQUISITE: CDI 5
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course covers the principles of fire protection and technology and its
behavior. Likewise, it focuses on fire investigation and the role of fire fighters during
fire suppression and investigation, the study of Fire and Building Codes, and law on
destructive arson, including arson investigation and evidence. It also emphasizes fire
investigation and the role of fire-fighters during fire suppression and investigations,
the study of Fire and Building Code, and law on destructive arson, including arson
investigation.
CREDIT UNITS/HOUR: 3 units (3 lecture hrs. per week)

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
1. Understand the concept of combustion.
2. Identify the different classification of fires.
3. Analyze the causes of fire and have a knowledge on how to prevent and
control it.
4. Discuss the practical applications on how to conduct fire-fighting
operations.
5. Understand the powers and functions of the Bureau of Fire Protection.
6. Understand the law under R.A 9514 or the Revised Fire Code of the
Philippines, relevant provisions of the Building Code of the Philippines
and the law on Destructive Arson.
7. Discuss the different stages of arson investigation, on how it is being
conducted, the proper care and handling of evidence, as well as the
process of filing charges in court.

FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION

Intro: The incidence of fire suspected to be arson, always on the run fire incidence is common
occurrence in any place, where ever you are, where ever you stay. ”It’s better to be a victim of
robbers than to be a victim of a fire.” The only similarity is, they both attack without your
knowledge.
 Historically speaking, fire is very important in all walks of life of the human race because
of its natural uses.
 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
(078) 844-1147/4215/4079/8978 CAMPUS
– (Trunk Line) (078) 844-8979
(078) 844-8978– (Fax) (078) 844-8981 (College
E-mail address: [email protected]
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY

 Fire incidence has been increasing over the past years and most often, fire incidence is
always occurred on where the informal settlers(squatter areas) are commonly converge to
a certain place.
Cause : usually electrical short circuit, bitterly known as faulty (electrical) wiring.
Overloading of power connection

EARLY YEARS OF ORANIZED FIRE FIGHTING

ROME- The first Roman fire brigade was a group of slaves who were hired by Marcus Ignatius
Rufus. Augustus take his idea from Rufus and then built on it to form the vigils in 6 A.D. to
combat fires using buckets and pumps, as well as poles and hooks to tear down buildings in
advance of the flames. The Vigiles patrolled the streets of Rome to watch for fires and served the
police force.
1666-United Kingdom (The Great Fire of London)- The Great Fire of London in 1966 started
in baker’s shop in Pudding Lane, which consumed about 2 square miles (around 5 square
kilometers) of the city, leaving tens of thousands homeless, prior to this fire, London had no
organized fire protection system. Afterwards insurance companies formed private fire brigades
the company insured. These building were identified through fire insurance marks. This was a
turning point in the fire service.
Hans Hautsh- A German inventor who improved the manual pump by creating the first suction
and force pump and adding some flexible hoses to the pump.
Jan Van Der Heyden- A Dutch inventor who invented the fire hose in 1672. Constructed from
flexible leather and coupled every 50ft (15meters) with brass fittings, the length and connections
remained the standard up to this day.
Richard Newsham- A native from London further developed the fire engine in 1725, pulled as a
cart to the fire scene, these manual pumps were manned by teams of men and could deliver up to
160 gallons per minutes at up to 120 ft (40meters).
Governor John Winthrop-Boston Governor who outlawed wooden chimneys and thatched
roofs in 1631.
Governor Peter Stuvvesant- New Amsterdam Governor who in 1648, appointed four men to
act as fire wardens; they were empowered to inspect all chimneys and to fine any violators of the
rules. The city burghers later appointed eight prominent citizens to the Rattle watch, these men
volunteered to patrol the streets at night carrying large wooden rattles. If fire were seen the men
spun (spin) the rattles then direct the responding citizens to form bucket brigades.
Other Events and Personalities Significance to Fire Service
Bucket Brigade- first known fire fighting unit organized thousands of years B.C
Dr. Nicolas Barton- underwrote the first insurance policy and organized the first known fire
department.
Paul Hodge- designed and built the first steam-powered fire engine in New York in 1840.
Moses Latta- built fire engines in 1852 that was successfully put into service during the
Cinsinnati, Ohio fire on Jan. 01, 1853.
National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA)- organized in 1896 to set standards on fire
prevention and fire fighting procedures.
Great Triangle Fire- occurred in 1911 in New York which led to the adoption and
promulgation of fire codes.
Regimen De Pompier- fire fighting unit organized in France during the first World War.
Manila Fire Department- first organized fire department in the Philippines, established on
August 6, 1901 with Captain F.R. Hodge as it first fire chief.
Captain Jacinto Lorenzo- first Filipino was appointed as Fire Chief on October 19, 1935 before
the inauguration of the Philippine Commonwealth Government. He also reduced the schedule of
 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
(078) 844-1147/4215/4079/8978 CAMPUS
– (Trunk Line) (078) 844-8979
(078) 844-8978– (Fax) (078) 844-8981 (College
E-mail address: [email protected]
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY

duties of firemen from straight 4 days service to 7 hours day off and 15 hours night off to 48
hours duty to 24 hours off duty.
Presidential Decree (PD) 765- signed on August 8, 1975 by then President Marcos establishing
the Integrated National Police (INP) integrating all local police and fire forces into one national
organization.
Presidential Decree (PD) 1185- the first known fire code of the Philippines, signed into law by
then Pres. Marcos on August 26, 1977.
National Fire Service Council- created by Juan Ponce Enrile who was a Minister of defense at
the time; the council recommended the establishment of a national training center for the fire
service.
National Fire Service Training Center (NFSTC)- established on Oct. 1, 1979 with FCol. Jose
V. Cajipe as the first training commandant; now known as the Fire National Training Institute
(FNTI).

CHEMISTRY OF FIRE
Fire is the manifestation of rapid chemical reaction occurring between fuel and an oxidizer-
typically the oxygen in the air. Such rapid chemical reaction releases energy in the form of heat
and light. On the other hand, combustion is a chemical reaction between substances, usually
including oxygen and accompanied by the generation of heat and light in the form of flame.
Before the combustible materials will ignite or burn, we need to understand first the basic
concept and importance of the 3 things in order that the fire will occur and these are the fuel,
oxygen and heat. In order to produce fire, there must be a sufficient heat to vaporize of some fuel
e.g solid and or liquid to ignite the vapor after it mixes with the oxygen to sustain burning.

3 elements of Fire:
1. Fuel- refers to materials or a substances being oxidized or will burned in the ignition
process.
combustible materials or substance that is used to provide heat, ,usually by being burned.
(ex.wood, coal, oil or gas)
2. Oxygen- aids in combustion; it comes from the atmosphere we breathe
The atmosphere contains:
21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, 1% impurities
-normal air contains 21% oxygen enriched atmosphere
3. Heat- source of ignition
-
 The combination of this 3 elements forms the so-called Fire-Triangle.

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 a vapor state. The
chemical process whereby fire consumes most solids materials is called pyrolysis.

Fire Tetrahedron
For the past several years the chemistry of fire is always referred to a fire triangle(fuel,
oxygen and heat) its true this simple example is useful, but it is not technically correct. For
 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
(078) 844-1147/4215/4079/8978 CAMPUS
– (Trunk Line) (078) 844-8979
(078) 844-8978– (Fax) (078) 844-8981 (College
E-mail address: [email protected]
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY

combustion to occur, four components must co-exist in order to create a fire. Fire can be
prevented or suppressed by controlling or removing one or more of the sides of the tetrahedron.
The so called components are,
-oxygen
-fuel
-heat
- -self-sustaining agent(Chemical Chain Reaction)

PROPERTIES OF FIRE
A. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
1. IGNITION OR KINDLING TEMPERATURE- the minimum temperature at which
the substance must be heated in order to initiate combustion.
2. FLASH POINT- the temperature at which the material is not hot enough to keep
burning, but still gives off enough vapours to cause a flame to flash across the surface.
3. Fire point- the temperature at which the material will give off ample vapours to keep
burning.

B. THE CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

1. ENDOTHERMIC REACTIONS- changes wherein energy(heat) is absorbed or is
added before the reaction takes place
2. EXOTHERMIC REACTIONS- those that release or give off energy(heat) thus,
they produce substances with less energy than reactants
3. OXIDATION- a chemical change that is exothermic, a change in which combustible
material and an oxidizing agent, react.
4. FLAMES- are incandescent(very bright or glowing with intense heat) gases. It is a
combustion product and a manifestation of fire when it is in its gas phased
combustion.

TYPES OF FLAMES
1. Based on Color and Completeness
a. Luminous Flame- orange-red, deposit soot at the bottom of a vessel being heated due
to incomplete combustion and has a low temperature
b. Non-luminous Flame- blue, there is complete combustion of fuel and has relatively
high temperature
2. Based on Fuel and Mixture
a. Pre-mixed Flame- is exemplified by a Bunsen-type laboratory burner where hydro-
carbon is thoroughly mixed with air before reaching the flame zone.
b. Diffusion Flame- is observed when gas alone is force through a nozzle into the
atmosphere which diffuses in the surrounding atmosphere in order to form a
flammable mixture.
3. Based on Smoothness
a. Laminar Flame- when a particle follows smooth through a gaseous flame
 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
(078) 844-1147/4215/4079/8978 CAMPUS
– (Trunk Line) (078) 844-8979
(078) 844-8978– (Fax) (078) 844-8981 (College
E-mail address: [email protected]
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY

b. Turbulent Flame- are those having unsteady, irregular flows. As physical size, gas
density or velocity is increases, all laminar gas flows tend to become turbulent.

CLASSIFICATION OF COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS

1. Class A Fuels- They are ordinary combustible materials that are usually made of organic
substances such as wood and wood based products. It includes some synthetic or inorganic
materials like rubber, leather, and plastic products.
2. Class B Fuels- materials that are in the form of flammable liquids such as alcohol acidic
solutions, oil, liquid, petroleum products, etc.
3. Class C Fuels- they are normally fire resistant materials such as materials used on electrical
wiring and other electrical appliances.
4. Class D Fuels- they are combustible metallic substances such as magnesium, titanium,
sodium and potassium.
5. Class K Fuels- oils and grease, commonly found in commercial kitchens

HEAT – is the transfer of energy from one part of substance to another or from one body to
another by virtue of a difference in temperature.
3 WAYS TO TRANSFER HEAT:
1. CONDUCTION- it is the transfer of heat through a circulating of medium, usually air or
liquid. Heat transfer by convection is chiefly responsible for the spread of fire in
structures
2. RADIATION- radiated heat moves in wave and rays much like sunlight. Radiated heat
travels the speed, as does visible light: 186,000 miles per second. Heat waves travel in a
direct or straight line from their source until they strike an object
3. CONVECTION- Convection occurs when a liquid or gas is in contact with a solid body
at a different temperature and is always accompanied by the motion of the liquid or gas.

FIRE BEHAVIOR, CAUSES AND CLASSIFICATION

THERMAL BALANCE- refers to the rising movement or the pattern of fire, the normal
behaviour when the pattern is undisturbed.
THERMAL IMBALANCE- refers to the abnormal movement of fire due to the interference of
foreign matters. Thermal imbalance often confuses the fire investigator in determining the exact
point where the fire is originated.

DANGEROUS BEHAVIOR OF FIRE

1. BACKDRAFT- it is the sudden and rapid burning of heated gas in a confined area that
occurs in the form of explosion (combustion explosion).
2. FLASH OVER- it is the sudden ignition of accumulated racial gases produced when
there is incomplete combustion of fuels. It is the sudden burning of free radicals, which
is initiated by a spark or flash produced when temperature rises until point is reached.
3. FLASH FIRE – better known as dust explosion
This may happen when a metal post that is completely covered with dust is going to be
hit by lighting. The dust particles covering the metal turn simultaneously thus creating a
violent chemical reaction that produces a very bright flash followed by an explosion
 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
(078) 844-1147/4215/4079/8978 CAMPUS
– (Trunk Line) (078) 844-8979
(078) 844-8978– (Fax) (078) 844-8981 (College
E-mail address: [email protected]
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY

THE THREE STAGES OF FIRE

1. INCIPIENT PHASE
2. FREE BURNING PHASE
3. SMOLDERING PHASE

CAUSES OF FIRE
Since in most cases of fire, the causes of fire is always talk of the town on what is the origin of
fire and or what is the main causes of fire or what particular things that ignite the combustible
materials. The following are the common causes:
1. NATURAL CAUSES- When we say natural causes, we usually refers this to a natural
calamity such as lightning, volcanic eruption, and the extreme radiation of the solar heat
energy.

2. ACCIDENTAL CAUSES- Since common denominator of the causes of fire is always

an accidental such as unattended appliances, overloading of electrical power connection,
and or short circuit. Other causes accidental fire are unattended gas lamp or candle and
sometimes the children who are playing with safety matches.

3. INTENTIONAL CAUSES (INCENDIARY)- Intentional fire is consciously setting a

fire on a certain combustible materials but bear in mind that if a person intentionally set a
fire of file or garbage and it propagate to another property and the intention is only to rid
the garbage then he is not liable for arson. But if the person has an ill motive to destroy
the others property and this motive will establish by the fireground investigator, then he
is liable for arson. Bear in mind that not all setting a fire are criminally liable, it will
depend on the motives or intention of a person.

*It is considered as intentional if in the burned property, there are preparations or traces of
accelerant, plants and trailers.
Accelerant- Highly flammable chemicals that are used to facilitate flame propagation
Plant- refers to the preparation and or gathering of combustible materials needed to start
a fire
Trailer- the preparation and distribution of flammable substances in order to spread the
fire

THE FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT THEORY

The theory of fire extinguishment is based on removing any one or more of the four elements in
the Fire Tetrahedron to suppress the fire. We need to interrupt or eliminate the supply of any of
all the elements of fire. Fire can be extinguished by reducing the temperature, eliminating the
fuel supply or by stopping the chemical chain reaction.

FIRE CONTROL- An act or process of preventing the fire from spreading, thus preventing
further damage.
FIRE SUPPRESSION- Act or process of lowering down the intensity of heat
FIRE PREVENTION- refers to all measures towards the inception of fire
 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
(078) 844-1147/4215/4079/8978 CAMPUS
– (Trunk Line) (078) 844-8979
(078) 844-8978– (Fax) (078) 844-8981 (College
E-mail address: [email protected]
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY

GENERAL METHODS OF FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

1. Quenching/Cooling- temperature of the substance is lowered below the burning point by

using water or water solution(reduction of heat).
2. Starving- the supply of fuel or material is cut off. Elimination of the fuel supply/source
which may be done by stopping the flow of liquid fuel, preventing the production of
flammable gas, removing the solid fuel at the fire path, allowing the fire to burn until the
fuel is consumed. (removal of fuel)
3. Blanketing/Smothering- the oxygen content of air is reduced below 15% (from normal
21%) in volume by using chemicals, water, fog, sand blankets, etc.
(Reduction of oxygen concentration)
4. Inhibiting- breaking the chemical chain reaction. This method is effective only on
burning gas and liquid fuels as they cannot burn in smoldering mode of combustion.

*CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE BASED ON FUEL

1. Class A Fire- ordinary fires; this is the type of fire resulting from the burning of woods,
paper, textiles, rubber and other carbonaceous materials. This is the type of fire caused by
ordinary combustible materials. This can be extinguished by quenching or cooling.
2. Class B Fire- Liquid fires; they are caused by flammable and or combustible liquids such as
kerosene, gasoline, oil products, alcohol and other hydrocarbon deviations. This can be
extinguished by blanketing or smothering.
3. Class C Fire- Electrical fires; they are fire that starts in live electrical wire, equipment,
motors, electrical appliances and telephone switch boards. This fire can be controlled by a non-
conducting extinguishing agent(de-generize the electrical circuit).
4. 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.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER- is a mechanical device , usually made of metal, containing chemicals,

fluids, or gasses for stopping fires. It is a portable device used to put out fires of limited size.
 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
(078) 844-1147/4215/4079/8978 CAMPUS
– (Trunk Line) (078) 844-8979
(078) 844-8978– (Fax) (078) 844-8981 (College
E-mail address: [email protected]
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY

Four steps of operating the fire extinguisher (TPASS)

Twist the pin.

Pull the pin (then test for pressure).
Aim the nozzle.
Squeeze the operating lever.
Sweep the base of the fire.

TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER

1. Water Extinguisher- extinguisher filled with water use of fight of Class A and Class B
fires except Class C fires.
2. Liquified Extinguisher- extinguishers that contain Carbon Monoxide Gas use to fight
Class A, B and C fires.
3. Dry Chemical Extinguisher- those that contain chemical powder intended to fight all
classes of fires.
4. Foam Extinguisher- contains sodium bicarbonate and a foam-stabilizing agent in a
larger compartment and a solution of aluminum sulfate
5. Soda-Acid Extinguisher- filled with sodium bicarbonate mixed with water
6. Vaporizing Liquid Extinguisher- contains non-conducting liquid, generalization carbon
tetrachloride or chlorobromethane.
7. Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher- effective against burning liquids and fires in live
electrical equipment; used mainly to put out Class C fires.
 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
(078) 844-1147/4215/4079/8978 CAMPUS
– (Trunk Line) (078) 844-8979
(078) 844-8978– (Fax) (078) 844-8981 (College
E-mail address: [email protected]
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY

MIDTERM COVERAGE

THE BFP ORGANIZATION AND ITS MANDATES

The Bureau of Fire Protection was created by virtue of R.A 6975(DILG Act of 1990). RA
6975 took effect on January 1, 1991 which paved the way for the establishment of the PNP,BFP
and BJMP as a separate entities.

Functions of the BFP

 Responsible on the prevention and suppression of all destructive fires on buildings,
houses, forest, land transportation vehicles, plane crashes, petroleum industry
installation, airports and etc.
 Responsible on the enforcement of the Fire Code of the Philippines and some other
related laws.
 They have the power to investigate all causes of fires, and if necessary file a proper
complaint within the jurisdiction of the case.
 Conduct rescue at times of disasters, whether man-made or natural, and respond to other
emergencies, involving hazardous materials and other emergencies.
 Establish and maintain at least one fire station with adequate personnel, sufficient
facilities and equipment in every provincial, capital, city and municipality as mandated
under the DILG Act of 1990
 Request the assistance of the PNP, AFP or any other agency of the government ,
including government owned or controlled corporations, in exercising its powers and
functions
 Conduct training of its personnel and officers pertaining to fire prevention and
suppression, investigation, disaster preparedness, rescue, emergency medical, hazmat,
and other similar emergencies.
 Perform such other functions as the President or Secretary of DILG may assign.

Organization and Key Position of the BFP

The organization of the BFP shall be composed of a National Headquarters, Regional
Headquarters, Provincial Headquarters, district headquarters, city and municipal fire station.
The BFP shall be headed by a Chief, who shall be assisted by a two Deputy Chief’s, one for
Administration and one for Operations.

BFP Ranks

Fire Director
Fire Chief Superintendent
Fire Senior Superintendent
Fire Superintendent
Fire Chief Inspector
Fire Senior Inspector
Fire Inspector
Senior Fire Officer IV
Senior Fire Officer III
Senior Fire Officer II
Senior Fire Officer I
Fire Officer III
 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
(078) 844-1147/4215/4079/8978 CAMPUS
– (Trunk Line) (078) 844-8979
(078) 844-8978– (Fax) (078) 844-8981 (College
E-mail address: [email protected]
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY

Fire Officer II
Fire Officer I

Position Rank
Chief, BFP ----------------------------------------------------- Director
Deputy Chief for Administration ------------------------------- F. Chief Superintendent
Deputy Chief for Operation ------------------------------------- F. Chief Superintendent
Chief, Directorial Staff ------------------------------------------- F. Chief Superintendent
Board of Directors ------------------------------------------------ F. Sr. Superintendent
Regional Directors ------------------------------------------------ F. Sr. Superintendent
NCR Fire Marshal ------------------------------------------------ F. Sr. Superintendent
Asst. RD for Administration ------------------------------------- Fire Superintendent
Asst. RD for Operation ------------------------------------------- Fire Superintendent
Directorial Staff ---------------------------------------------------- Fire Superintendent
Provincial Fire Marshal ------------------------------------------- Fire Superintendent
City Fire Marshal -------------------------------------------------- Fire Chief Inspector
Municipal Fire Marshal ------------------------------------------- Fire Sr. Inspector

Commissioned Officers ------------ Fire Inspector to Fire Director

Non-Commissioned Officers ------ FO1 to SFO4
NUP (Non-Uniformed Personnel) – refers to the civilian employees, appointed and assigned to
positions which are purely administrative, technical and clerical in nature and other positions
which are not directly related to operations.

Lateral Entry for BFP includes those with highly specialized and technical qualifications such
as but not limited to, engineers (civil,mechanical,electrical,chemical), chemists, architects,
criminologists, certified public accountants, nurses, physical therapists and dentists which shall
have the initial rank of Fire Inspector. Doctors, priests and lawyers shall have the initial rank of
Fire Senior Inspector.

Promotion System
a. Rationalized Promotion- shall be based on merits and availability of ranks
b. Requirements for promotion –
 Minimum qualification
 Special Promotion- Exhibited conspicuous courage and gallantry at the risk of his
life beyond the call of duty, to be validated by the DILG and CSC

Qualification Standards in the Appointment of Uniformed Personnel

a. A citizen of the Republic of the Philippines
b. A person of good moral character
c. Must have passed the psychiatric or psychological, drug, and physical test for the purpose
of determining the physical and mental health
d. Must possess baccalaureate degree from a recognized institution of learning
e. Must possess the civil service eligibility, board or bar eligibility(RA 1080) or Fire Officer
Examination passer
f. Must not have been automatically discharged or dismissed from previous assignment
g. Must not have been convicted by final judgment of an offense or crime involving moral
turpitude
h. Must be at least 5’2 for male and 5’0 for female
 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
(078) 844-1147/4215/4079/8978 CAMPUS
– (Trunk Line) (078) 844-8979
(078) 844-8978– (Fax) (078) 844-8981 (College
E-mail address: [email protected]
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY

i. Must weigh not more or less than 5kg from the standard weight corresponding to the
height, age and sex

SALIENT FEATURES OF RA 9514

Republic Act No. 9514 is known as Revised Fire Code of the Philippines which was approved by
the former president Gloria M. Arroyo, repealing P.D No.1185(Old Fire Code of the
Philippines) and for other purposes.

Section 2. It is the policy of the state to ensure public safety and promote economic development
through the prevention and suppression of all kinds of destructive fires and promote the
professionalization of the fire service as a profession. The state shall also enforce all laws, rules
and regulations in order to ensure adherence to standard fire prevention and safety measures, and
promote accountability for fire safety in the fire protection service and prevention service.

Sec.4. Applicability of the Code – The provisions of the Fire Code shall apply to all persons and
all private and public buildings, facilities or structures erected or constructed before and after its
effectivity.

Sec.5 Responsibility for the Enforcement of this Code

This Code shall be administered and enforced by the BFP, under the direct supervision and
control of the Chief of the BFP, through the hierarchy of organization as provided for in Chapter
VI of RA 6975 , with the approval of the Secretary of DILG, the BFP is hereby authorized to :
A. Issue implementing rules and regulations, and prescribe standards, schedules of fees/fire
service charges and administrative penalties therefore as provided in the pertinent
provisions of this code;
B. Reorganize the BFP as may be necessary and appropriate;
C. Support and assist fire volunteers, practitioners and fire volunteer organization in the
country who shall undergo mandatory fire suppression, inspection, rescue, emergency
medical services and related emergency response trainings and competency evaluation to
be conducted by the BFP. Provided, however, that during fire-fighting operations, fire
volunteer organizations shall be under the direct operational control of the fire ground
commanders of the BFP;
D. Enter into memoranda of agreement with other departments, bureaus, agencies, offices
and corporations of the government, as well as private institutions, in order to define
areas of cooperation and coordination and delineate responsibility on fire prevention
education, fire safety, fire prevention, fire suppression and other matters of common
concern;
E. Call on the police or other law enforcement agencies, and local government assistance to
render necessary assistance in the enforcement of this code;
F. 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 year and every time the owner, administrator or occupant shall renew his/her
business permit or permit to operate; no occupancy permit or permit to operate without
securing a Fire Safety Inspection Certification (FSIC) from the Chief, BFP, or his/her
duly authorized representative.
 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
(078) 844-1147/4215/4079/8978 CAMPUS
– (Trunk Line) (078) 844-8979
(078) 844-8978– (Fax) (078) 844-8981 (College
E-mail address: [email protected]
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY

In case of single family dwelling, an inspection must be upon the consent of the
occupant or upon the lawful order from the proper court. The Chief, BFP or his/her duly
authorized representative shall order the owner/occupant to remove hazardous materials and/or
stop hazardous operation/process in accordance with the standards set by this code or its
implementing rules or regulations or other pertinent laws;
G. Where conditions exist and are deemed hazardous to life and property, to order the
owner/occupant of any building or structure to summarily abate such hazardous
conditions;
H. Require the building owner/occupant to submit plans and specifications, and other
pertinent documents of said building to ensure compliance with applicable codes and
standards; and
I. Issue a written notice to the owner and or contractor to stop work on portion of any work
due to absence, or in violation of approved plans and specifications, permit and/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 and no work shall be
continued on that portion until the violation has been corrected.

Section 6. Technical staff

The Chief, BFP shall constitute a technical staff of highly qualified persons who are
knowledgeable on fire prevention, fire safety, and fire suppression. They may be drawn not only
from the organic members of the BFP and other government offices and 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 the law. The Technical staff shall study, review and evaluate
latest developments and standards on fire technology; prepare plans/programs on fire safety,
prevention and suppression and evaluate implementation thereof.

Section 7. Inspections, Safety Measures, Fire Safety, Constructions and Protective and/or
Warning Systems.
As maybe defined and provided in the Rules and Regulations, owners, administrators or
occupants of the building, structures and their premises or facilities and other responsible
persons shall be required to comply with the following:

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 and/or licenses by local governments and other
government agencies concerned.
b. Safety measures for Hazardous Materials- fire safety measures shall be
required for the manufacture, storage, handling and/or use of hazardous
materials.
c. Safety measures for Hazardous Operation/Processes
d. Provision on Fire Safety Construction, Protective and Warning System-
owners, occupants or administrator or buildings, structures and their
premises or facilities, except such other buildings or structures as maybe
exempted in the rules and regulations to be promulgated under section 5
hereof, shall incorporate and provide therein fire safety construction,
protective and warning system and shall develop and implement fire
safety programs to wit; sprinkler system, hose boxes, hose reels and
standby systems and other fire fighting equipment, Fire alarm system, fire
 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
(078) 844-1147/4215/4079/8978 CAMPUS
– (Trunk Line) (078) 844-8979
(078) 844-8978– (Fax) (078) 844-8981 (College
E-mail address: [email protected]
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY

walls, fire exit plan, roof vents and properly marked and lighted exits with

e. provision for emergency lights to adequately illuminate exit ways incase

of power failure
Sec.8 Prohibited Acts
a. Obstructing or blocking exit ways
b. Locking fire exits during period when people are inside the building
c. Giving false or malicious fire alarms
d. Smoking in prohibited areas
e. Abandoning or leaving a building by the occupant or owner without appropriate safety
measures
f. Use of jumpers or tampering with electrical wiring or overloading the electrical system
beyond its designated capacity
g. Obstructing designated fire lanes or access to fire hydrants and other more

Sec.9 Violation, Penalties and Abatement of Fire Hazard

Fire hazards shall be abated immediately. Upon the report that a violation of this code is
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 10 to 15 days after
the receipt of the notice or order, depending on the reasonableness to adequately comply with the
same. If after the lapse of the aforesaid period, the owner/administrator/occupant or other
responsible person failed to comply, the Chief, BFP or his or her authorized representative shall
put up a sign in front of the building or structure that it is Fire Hazard. Specifically, the notice
shall bear the words, “WARNING: THIS BUILDING/STRUCTUFRE IS A FIRE HAZARD.”

Sec.11 Penalties
1 Against the private individual
a. Administrative fine- any person who violates any provision of the Fire Code or any of the
rules and regulations promulgated under this act shall be penalized by an administrative
fine of not exceeding 50,000 pesos or in the proper case, by stoppage of operations or by
closure of such buildings, structure and their premises or facilities which do not comply
with the requirements or by both such administrative fine and closure/ stoppage of
operation to be imposed by the Chief, BFP.
b. Punitive- incase of willful failure to correct the deficiency or abate the fire hazard as
provided in the preceding sub section, the violator shall, upon conviction be punished by
imprisonment of not less than 6 months nor more than 6 years or by a fine of not more
than 100,000 pesos or both such fine and imprisonment.

ARSON is the intentional or malicious destruction of property by means of fire. The following
are the legal aspects of arson/fire investigation

1.It is the concern of the fire investigator to prove malicious intent of the offender. Intent must be
proved, otherwise no crime exists.
2. The law presumes that a fire is accidental, hence criminal design must be shown.
3. Fire caused by accident or criminal de4sign must be shown.
 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
4. Fire caused by accident or negligence CAMPUS
(078) 844-1147/4215/4079/8978 does not constitute arson.
– (Trunk Line) (078) 844-8979
(078) 844-8978– (Fax) (078) 844-8981 (College
E-mail address: [email protected]
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY

BASIS OF CRIMINAL LIABILITY OF ARSON

1.Kind and character of the building
2. Location of the building
3. Extent of value of the damage
4. Whether inhabited or not

Destructive arson is committed by burning of the following:

1.Any arsenal, shipyard, storehouse, military installation powder of fireworks factory, archives
or general museum of the government
2.Any passenger train or motor vehicle in motion, or vessel out of ports.
3.In an inhabited place, any storehouse or factory of inflammable or explosive materials.
4. Any theatre, church, cockpit arena or other buildings where meetings are held, when occupied
by numerous assemblage.

ART.325, RPC
Burning of one’s own property is a means of committing arson. This article punishes the burning
one’s own property for the purpose of committing arson or great destruction of property.

Fire Fighting Equipment

1.communications systems
2. Fire Vehicles
3. Rescue vehicles
4. Ladders
5. Protective Clothing- includes special boots, helmets and gloves. They also use breathing
apparatus to avoid inhaling smoke and toxic gases

Fire Fighting is an activity to save lives and property. It is one of the most important emergency
services in the community
Fire Fighting Operations- refers to the fire suppression activities. In general the following
procedures should be observed:
1. Pre-Fire Planning- this activity involves developing and defining systematic course of
actions that maybe performed in order to realize the objectives of fire protection: involves
the process of establishing the SOP in case of break out.
2. Evaluation- Size- Up- this is the process of knowing the emergency situation. It involves
mental evaluation by the operation officer-in-charge to determine the appropriate course
of action that provides the highest probability of success.
3. Evacuation- this is the activity of transferring people, livestock, and property away from
burning area to minimize damage or destruction that the fire might incur incase it
propagates to other adjacent buildings
4. Entry- this is the process of accessing the burning structure
5. Rescue – this is the operation of removing, thus, saving people and other livestock from
the burning building and other involved properties conveying them to a secure place
6. Exposure – also called cover exposure, this is the activity of securing other buildings
near the burning structure in order to prevent the fire from extending to another building
 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
7. Confinement – this is the activity
(078) 844-1147/4215/4079/8978 of restricting the fire at
CAMPUS
the placeLine)
– (Trunk where it is started, the process of844-8979
(078) preventing fire
from
(078)extending from another section (078) 844-8981 (College
844-8978– (Fax)
E-mail address: [email protected]
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY

8. Ventilation – this is the operation purposely conducted to displace toxic gases

9. Salvage – the activity of protecting the properties from further damage
10. Extinguishment – this is the process of putting out the main body of the fire by using the
four general methods of fire extinguishment
11. Overhaul- this is the complete and detailed check of the structure and other materials
therein to eliminate conditions that may cause reflash; involves complete extinguishment
of sparks to prevent possibilities of re-ignition or rekindling.
12. Fire Scene Investigation- this is the final stage of the fire suppression activities. It is an
inquiry conducted to know or determine the origin or cause of fire.

MODULE IN FIRE TECHNOLOGY

FINAL COVERAGE

Course Content :
 Explain the Operational Standards on Comprehensive Fire and Arson Investigation and
Filing of Criminal Complaint Procedure
Sub-topics :
 Purpose of BFP SOP
 Initial actions during fire alarm
 Duties of the Fire Arson Investigator
 Fire Report Classification and Reporting System
 Level of Authority to Conduct Investigation
 Turn Over of Investigation to Higher Headquarters
 Filing of Complaint Procedure
Preserving of Evidence
 General Responsibilities
 Administrative Sanction/Penalty

BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (BFP-

SOP) NUMBER: IID 2008-01 OPERATIONAL STANDARDS ON COMPREHENSIVE
FIRE AND ARSON INVESTIGATION AND FILING OF CRIMINAL COMPLAINT
PROCEDURES

I. GENERAL

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’s Office which has jurisdiction
over the case.
 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
(078) 844-1147/4215/4079/8978 CAMPUS
The tasks
– (Trunk and responsibility of the fire
Line) arson
(078) investigators
844-8979
are not844-8978–
(078) only limited (078) 844-8981
(Fax)in conducting exhaustive (College
investigations
E-mail address: [email protected]
and filing of
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY
complaints to the prosecutor’s office but also includes the appearance and giving of
testimonies before the court of law during legal proceedings. The criminal offense of
Arson is punishable under the Revised Penal Code particularly Articles 320 to 326-B as
amended by Presidential Decree 1613, 1744 and Section 10 of Republic Act 7659
(Heinous Crime Law). As provided by law it is the prosecution who has burden of proof
and the quantum of evidence is proof beyond reasonable doubt.

Once proven, the maximum highest penalty for its commission is life imprisonment
under the present rule since the abolition of the death penalty law. Arson is a classic
heinous crime that requires skillful, scientific and systematic investigation procedure
thus, the respective chiefs of the investigation and intelligence offices of the BFP are
joined closely supervise the conduct of the investigation in order to attain effective and
plausible results.

This BFP Standard Operating Procedure Nr. IID 2008 – 01 shall be known as:
OPERATIONAL STANDARDS ON COMPREHENSIVE FIRE AND ARSON
INVESTIGATION AND FILING OF CRIMINAL COMPLAINT PROCEDURES.

II. PURPOSE
A. To have a uniform and systematic procedures in the conduct of fire and arson
investigation from the BFP National Headquarters down to the lowest
investigation and intelligence units, to include the prompt submission of fire
investigation reports.

B. To have a clear and explicable guidelines in conducting fire and arson

investigation and the filing of the necessary complaint documents before the
office of the City/Provincial Prosecutor.

C. To ensure the quality and value of the investigation being conducted by all BFP
fire and arson investigators and to expedite the investigation process and
disposition of fire and arson cases.

III. INITIAL ACTIONS DURING FIRE ALARM

During the occurrence of a fire incident, the following initial actions should be assumed by the
fire arson investigator.
 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
Section(078)
1. – 844-1147/4215/4079/8978
Upon the notification of a CAMPUS
fire call or fire incident, the
duty Fire ArsonLine)
– (Trunk Investigator (FAI) who has(078)
jurisdiction
844-8979over the
location(078)
of the (Fax) shall mandatory(078)
fire incident
844-8978– 844-8981 (College
to immediately
E-mail address: [email protected]
respond at
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY
the
soonest
possible time. The conduct of initial inquiry through interview and elicitation
from all available witnesses at the fire scene must be done instantaneously.

Section 2. – As soon as the area of origin or the focal point of the fire is
ascertained, the FAI shall make necessary coordination with BFP firefighting
personnel to include the volunteer fire brigades to exert diligent and careful
efforts in the conduct of fire suppression operation in the identified AREA OF
ORIGIN to preserve the EVIDENTIAL VALUE and the focal point of the fire
that might be destroyed due to excessive flooding in the area.

Section 3. – The fire scene should be well protected and secured. Coordination
with the local police units or barangay personnel should be done in order to secure
the fire scene from looters and other persons who has intention of entering the
burned premises, so as to avoid contamination of the fire area.

Section 4. – In the event that the FAI discovered SUSPECTED HAZARDOUS

MATERIALS / suspected illegal or regulated chemicals, during the conduct of
investigation of the burned premises, the circumstances shall be immediately
reported to proper office ( e.g: BFP Hazardous Materials Office, or other law
enforcement agency).

Section 5. – Once the Fire Ground Commander (FGC) declared “FIRE OUT” the
FAI shall take cognizance the responsibilities of PROTECTING and SECURING
the whole fire scene by sealing / closing the perimeter with barricade tape (Fire
Lines). Posting of uniformed BFP personnel for security purposes may also be
carry out as deemed necessary.

1V. DUTIES OF THE FIRE ARSON INVESTIGATOR

The following are the mandatory duties of the Fire Arson Investigators conducting
thorough investigation on the fire scene:

Section 1. – Shall perform systematic scientific examinations and visual reconstruction

of the fire scene. This is also to include the COMPLETE DOCUMENTATION AND PROPER
RECORDING of the fire area by the use of photography, diagrammatic sketch and notes. The
diagrammatic sketch should clearly depict the FIRE SCENE, its AREA / POINT OF ORIGIN,
AREA MEASUREMENTS, LOCATION OF EVIDENCE and other important details.

Section 2. – Conduct interview to all witnesses. The interview should be done in

QUESTION AND ANSWER FORM and shall be done under oath preferably by a person of
authority whenever available, or be administered by the concerned BFP officer with the rank of
INSPECTOR and above. The authority of a BFP officer to administer oath is pursuant to the
 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
provisions of Chapter
(078) III, Section 50 of R.A.
844-1147/4215/4079/8978 6975. All witnesses to
CAMPUS
be conducted with
– (Trunk a formal interview shall be(078)
Line) FORMALLY
844-8979
INVITED to the
(078) fire station
844-8978– (078) 844-8981
(Fax) / investigation office concerned(College
in a
E-mail address: [email protected]
form of
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY
INVITATION LETTER.
(Please see attached
Invitation Letter for reference – Annex A)

Section 3. – Conduct THOROUGH ANALYSIS of the fire scene in order to identify the
IGNITION SOURCE, initial materials ignited and other factors which bring them together to
produce a fire. Examination of FIRE SPREAD and FIRE PATTERN which includes thermal
effects on materials such as charring, oxidation, consumption of combustibles, smoke and soot
deposits, distortion, melting effect, color change, changes of material structure and structural
collapse, must be conducted.

Section 4. – Identify, recognize and collect physical evidence found at the fire scene that
have PROBATIVE VALUE on fire cause determination. Pieces of evidence to be collected shall
be photographed first and shall be collected in the presence of witnesses independent to the
investigating body. PROPER DOCUMENTATION, SEALING and PACKAGING of evidence
recovered prior to submission to Arson Laboratory Section (ALS) – BFP National Headquarters
for laboratory examination shall be observed.

The FAI shall strictly follow the instructions pertaining to evidence collection and
handling as stipulated in MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NR: 2006-01: GUIDELINES IN THE
HANDLING, PRESERVATION, TRANSPORT AND SUBMISSION OF PHYSICAL
EVIDENCE AT THE ALS – BFP NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS. (Memorandum Circular Nr.
2006-01 is hereto attached for reference – Annex B)

Section 5. – On the first phase of the investigation, the FAI shall prepare the LISTING
OF DOCUMENTS needed to be accomplished / submitted by the fire victim/s, building
occupant/s and other parties affected by fire. The required documents are as follows:

- Affidavit of Loss pertaining to Fire Damage (itemized and duly notarized)

- Sworn statement of loss submitted to insurance adjusters / companies
- Latest complete inventory of stocks prior to the fire incident Complete inventory of
salvaged items after the fire incident
- Complete copies of insurance policies to include co-insurances Income Tax Return
(ITR) for the last three (3) years
- Financial statements for the last three (3) years Balance sheets for the last three (3)
years
- Mayor’s permit and Business License Occupancy permit Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI) registration
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registration Latest Fire Safety
Inspection Certificate (FSIC)
- Complete list of employees Approved Floor, Building and Electrical Plans
- Copy of lease contract agreement Land title / tax declaration

Section 5.1 – The above listed documents to be secured to the fire victim will vary based
on the TYPE OF UCCUPANCY or the INVOLVED STRUCTURE gutted by fire. Any other
 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
documents that
(078) may be irrelevant based on
844-1147/4215/4079/8978 type of occupancy may
CAMPUS
not be required. In addition, the FAI are also(078)
– (Trunk Line) AUTHORIZE
844-8979 TO
REQUIRE any844-8978–
(078) other pertinent (078) 844-8981
(Fax) documents, materials (College
and items to
E-mail address: [email protected]
the fire victims as
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY
determined by the FAI
concerned, that will give
support to the conduct of investigation.

Section 6 – The FAI must inform all concerned persons, occupants and managements of
the burned premises that the fire scene is RESTRICTED TO ENTRY to any person until the
investigation being conducted by the BFP at the burned premises is COMPLETED and / or
TERMINATED. Any REMOVAL, RETRIEVAL of items stored at the scene of the fire,
DEMOLITION, RECONSTRUCTION and REHABILITATION of the fire scene is only
allowed upon securing approval to the investigating body through submission of a formal written
request by the fire victim.

The said formal written request should contain specific purpose. It should be addressed to
the respective CHIEFS OF THE BFP INVESTIGATION AND INTELLIGENCE OFFICES
through the FIRE ARSON INVESTIGATOR handling the case. The concerned Chief of the
Investigation and Intelligence Office, together with his proper recommendation, shall endorse the
subject letter request of the fire victim to the concerned BFP HEAD OF OFFICE, who shall then
issue the PROPERTY RECOVERY AND CLEARING PERMIT (PRCP), to the requesting
party. (Please see attached standard PRCP format for reference – Annex D) In such case that the
fire incident is suspected to be INTENTIONAL in nature, issuance of PRCP is temporarily
RESTRICTED, until proven otherwise. If the fire incident is found to be intentional in nature
and case was already filed in the court of law, it will be the discretion of the court handling the
case whether to issue appropriate document in the clearing or demolition of the burned premises.

Section 7. – In such event that death results from a fire incident (FATAL FIRES), the
concerned FAI shall immediately sought the assistance of the Philippine National Police – Scene
Of the Crime Operation (PNP – SOCO), or any other legal / recognized group for lifting and
autopsy of the cadaver / body found at the fire / crime scene.

Section 8. – All conduct of follow-up investigation to the fire incident should be covered
with appropriate Letter / Mission Order signed by the respective BFP Head of Office. (Please see
attached standard form of Mission Order for reference – Annex E)

Section 9. – All FAI are also directed and mandated to perform any other task as deemed
essential to the development of case build-up and the exhaustive investigation being conducted.

V. FIRE REPORT CLASSIFICATIONS AND REPORTING SYSTEM

A. Spot Investigation Report (SIR) – Shall be made and accomplished by the FAI
concerned during the actual response to a fire incident. The SIR should contain basic
information about the fire incident. (Please see attached standard SIR format for
reference – Annex F) All SIR must be submitted IMMEDIATELY (within 24 hours)
to respective Fire Marshals with copy furnished the OFFICE OF THE CHIEF,
 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
BUREAU
(078) OF FIRE PROTECTION,
844-1147/4215/4079/8978 CAMPUSthru fax message
at theLine)
– (Trunk office of the INVESTIGATION AND
(078) 844-8979
INTELLIGENCE
(078) (078)National
844-8978– (Fax) DIVISION – BFP 844-8981 (College
E-mail address: [email protected]
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY
Headquarters with Telephone / Fax Number: (02) 911-7223, for immediate
information and 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 and 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 and 30th day
of the month) thru mail courier, for recording and proper disposition.

B. Progress Investigation Report (PIR) – Shall be made and 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. (Please see
attached standard PIR format for reference –Annex G)

The copy (original copy / photo copy) of the PIR of all fire incident transpired within
the respective (AOR) shall be consolidate and 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 and 30th day of the
month) thru mail courier, for recording and proper disposition.

C. Final Investigation Report (FIR) – Shall be made and accomplished by the FAI
concerned upon the completion of the exhaustive investigation. All completed FIR
should be signed by the concerned FAI and its respective Chief of the Investigation and
Intelligence Office. (Please see attached standard FIR format for reference – Annex H)
The FIR should be submitted the soonest time the case was resolved by the investigating
office handling the case. 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 five (5)
complete copies for distribution to:
1. Office of the Chief, BFP thru the office of the Investigation and
Intelligence Division, BFP National Headquarters;
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 and for future
verification. No UNDETERMINED cause should be reflected in any FIR.
 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
D. Fire
(078)Incident Investigation Report
844-1147/4215/4079/8978 (FIIR) – This kind of
CAMPUS
investigation
– (Trunk Line) report can only be made(078)
in such circumstances
844-8979
that the844-8978–
(078) investigation (078)
(Fax) report cannot be 844-8981 (College
completed for
E-mail address: [email protected]
some reasons
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY
independent to 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 and this
kind of case should be considered as ON_PENDING INVESTIGATION, subject to
REOPENING in circumstances that relevant evidence and / or a witness shall surface in
the future.

The copy (original copy / photo copy) of the FIIR of all fire incident transpired
within the respective AOR should also be consolidated and be submitted thru
proper CHANNEL to the higher headquarters in BI-MONTHLY basis (every 15th
and 30th day of the Month) thru mail courier, for recording and proper
disposition.

VI. LEVEL OF AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT INVESTIGATION

Since fire incidents entails damages to property, the level of authority in conducting fire and
arson investigation and completion of FIR will be based on the degree or the amount and value
of the total (aggregated) damages incurred in a certain fire incident. These levels of authority are
as follows:

A. Municipal Fire Marshal – Municipal Limit, LEVEL 1 – The municipal level, through its
MUNICIPAL INVESTIGATION AND INTELLIGENCE UNIT (MIIU) shall have the full
responsibility and power to investigate fire incidents with a total amount of damage not
exceeding to Twenty Million Pesos (Php 20,000,000.00).

B. City Fire Marshal – City Limit, LEVEL 2 – The city level, through its CITY
INVESTIGATION AND INTELLIGENCE SECTION (CIIS) shall have the full responsibility
and power to investigate fire incidents with a total amount of damage not exceeding to Thirty
Million Pesos (Php 30,000,000.00).

C.District Fire Marshal – District Limit, LEVEL 3 – The district level, through its DISTRICT
INVESTIGATION AND INTELLIGENCE BRANCH (DIIB) shall have the full responsibility
and power to investigate fire incidents with a total damages amounting to above Thirty Million
Pesos (Php 30,000,000.00), but not exceeding

to Forty Million Pesos (Php 40,000,000.00). DIIB operatives can assume the
conduct of investigation on fire incidents with damages amounting to more than 20
Million Pesos in Municipal Levels only within their respective jurisdictions.

D. Provincial Fire Marshal – Provincial Limit, LEVEL 3 – The provincial level, through its
PROVINCIAL INVESTIGATION AND INTELLIGENCE BRANCH (PIIB) shall have the full
 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
responsibility and power to investigate fire
(078) 844-1147/4215/4079/8978 incidents with a total
CAMPUS
damages– (Trunk
amounting
Line) to above Thirty Million Pesos
(078) (Php
844-8979
30,000,000.00), exceeding to Forty(078)
but not(Fax)
(078) 844-8978– 844-8981
Million Pesos(College
(Php
E-mail address: [email protected]
40,000,000.00). PIIB
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY
operatives can assume
the conduct of
investigation on fire incidents with damages amounting to more than 20 Million Pesos in
Municipal Levels only within their respective jurisdictions.

E. Regional Director for Fire Protection – Regional Limit, LEVEL 4 – The regional director
for fire protection level, through its REGIONAL INVESTIGATION AND INTELLIGENCE
BRANCH (RIIB) shall have the full responsibility and power to investigate fire incidents with a
total damages amounting to above Forty Million Pesos (Php 40,000,000.00), but not
exceeding to Sixty Million Pesos (Php 60,000,000.00).

F.Chief, Bureau of Fire Protection – National, LEVEL 5 – The Chief, Bureau of Fire
Protection, through the office of the INVESTIGATION AND INTELLIGENCE DIVISION –
BFP National Headquarters (IID) shall have the full responsibility and power to investigate
fire incidents with a total damages amounting to above Sixty Million Pesos (Php
60,000,000.00). -

SPECIAL PROVISIONS ON CHAPTER VI OF THIS SOP:

Section 1. – In determination of the total damages incurred in a certain fire incident, the copy of
the AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS (duly notarized and itemized) from the fire victim shall prevail. The
amount of damages to be determined with regards to the Level of Authority to Conduct
Investigation shall be the TOTAL AGGREGATED DAMAGES or the TOTAL SUM OF
DAMAGES of all fire victims of the subject fire incident.

Section 2. – The fire damage estimate made by the investigating team / FAI shall not be the full
basis for determination of jurisdictional level of investigation. Be it noted that Aggregate
Damages refers to the total damage of the whole area burned, which will be used to determine
the Level of Authority to Conduct Investigation. In such circumstances that the damage to
property is apparently high or evidently beyond the level of authority of the present investigating
units, the case shall be turned-over to higher investigating unit.

Section 3. – In circumstances that the property gutted by fire is currently insured in any
insurance company, all copy of the duly accomplished SWORN STATEMENT OF LOSS
submitted to the INSURANCE ADJUSTERS by the fire victim must also FORM PART and be
ATTACHED together with the AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS submitted by the fire victim to the BFP
investigating body.

Section 4. – In connection with the Level of Authority to Conduct Investigation, the concerned
office handling the investigation of the fire incident shall issue FIRE CLEARANCE

CERTIFICATE (FCC) to the fire victim in lieu of the Final Investigation Report (FIR), for
purposes of insurance claims and for other lawful applications. FCC can only be issued to fire
incidents which is ACCIDENTAL in nature. (Please see attached two forms of FCC, for
insurance and non-insurance purpose – Annex J)
 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
In such case
(078) that any BUILDING PREMISES
844-1147/4215/4079/8978 CAMPUS WITH MULTIPLE
OCCUPANCIES were gutted by fire, the FCC
– (Trunk Line) should
(078) only be
844-8979
issued to(078)
the concerned party where the FIRE(078)
844-8978– (Fax) 844-8981 (College
ORIGINATED.
E-mail address: [email protected]
Other occupants
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY
AFFECTED by the fire
incident shall be issued
with FIRE INCIDENT CERTIFICATION (FIC) for their record purposes and other legal use
upon request. (Please see attached two forms of FCC, for insurance and non-insurance purpose –
Annex K)

Section 5. – Issuance of the copy of the FIR to any concerned party can only be allowed in
circumstances that RELEVANT LEGAL ISSUES and or QUESTIONABLE MATTERS may
arise. The request for FIR should be made in writing by the requesting party and should be
addressed to respective Chiefs of BFP Offices / Fire Marshals who handled the conduct of
investigation on the fire incident for their appropriate action.

Section 6. – All written request for a copy of the FIR should COPY FURNISHED the Chief,
Bureau of Fire Protection with attention to the office of the IID – BFP National Headquarters, for
documentary reference.

VII. TURN OVER OF INVESTIGATION TO HIGHER HEADQUARTERS

Once a fire incident could be determined by the investigating body to be beyond their
Level of Authority to Conduct Investigation, the Conduct of Investigation, the conduct of
investigation should be immediately turned-over to the proper office concerned in a form
of ENDORSEMENT, together with the SIR and or PIR, to include all pertinent
documents / attachments. (Please see attached standard Endorsement form for reference –
Annex L)

Any other recognized investigating body of the government cannot INTERCEDE in the
conduct of fire and arson investigation without formal communication to the concerned
office handling the investigation. The intercession of any investigating body of the
government should have LEGAL AUTHORITY in order to be allowed to conduct
LATERAL INVESTIGATION in the investigation being conducted by the BFP. In case
that a CONTROVERSY INVOLVED and / or CONCERNING TO CONFLICTING
ISSUES arises in the conduct of investigation, subject fire incident case shall be turned
over to the NEXT LEVEL OF INVESTIGATING BODY for appropriate action and
disposition.

However, lower investigating units are fully encouraged to resolve fire cases that fall
within their respective Level of Authority. In case that a fire incident resulted to a
GREAT NUMBERS OF FATALITY / MULTIPLE DEATHS (death of 10 persons
and above), or any other issues concerning to the death of the fire victims, the
investigation of the subject fire incident upon the approval of the Chief BFP, should be
turned over to the office of the IID – BFP National Headquarters for appropriate
action. Any other fire incidents shall be immediately turned over to the higher
headquarters for investigation and completion of the Final Investigation Report upon the
written order and direction of the Chief, Bureau of Fire Protection.

VIII. FILING OF COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
If(078)
a prima facie evidence of arson
844-1147/4215/4079/8978 is established or the
CAMPUS
case is suspected
– (Trunk Line) to be INTENTIONAL (078)in844-8979
nature, the FAI
concerned the guidance of their (078)
with (Fax)
(078) 844-8978– 844-8981
respective (College
City /
E-mail address: [email protected]
Municipal
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY
Fire Marshal,
should
IMMEDIATELY file the appropriate charge to the prosecutors 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.

Elements of Arson:
a. That there has been a burning property
b. the burning is incendiary in origin
c. the burning was started with the intent of destroying the property

Preserving evidence of incendiary fires:

- All physical evidence of incendiary fires should be labeled, recorded, and carefully
preserved.
- Evidence thus collected can be placed in bottles, jars and cans that are clean and not
contaminated with foreign material
- In the event that the evidence cannot be removed from the scene, it must be protected
in such a way that it remains exactly as it was discovered.
- Personnel may be assigned to guard the area or it can be roped off
- Barricades can also be made to safeguard and protect the evidence from being
tampered with or disturbed
- Only authorized personnel should be allowed on the premises
- Care should be taken that fingerprints are not destroyed in handling
- Photographs should be taken with all the evidences that have obtained that can be
used as an evidence of arson
- Whenever photographs are taken, the pictures should be made before anything is
moved
- Laboratory analysis should be made of any material of an inflammable character
found or suspected at the scene so that there will be confirmed evidence as to the
nature of a possible accelerant.
- If there is a probability that the fire was incendiary, guards should be kept in the
premises until the investigation is completed.

Scientific Method in Conducting Arson Investigation

a.Recognize the need (identify the problem)
b.Define the problem
c.Collect data
d.Analyze the data(Inductive reasoning)
e.develop a hypothesis
f.Test the hypothesis(deductive reasoning)
g.Select final hypothesis (determine cause(

Whenever death results in any fire incident identified to be INTENTIONAL in nature, the
MOTIVE for the commission of arson must 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.
 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
(078) 844-1147/4215/4079/8978 CAMPUS
– (Trunk Line) (078) 844-8979
(078) 844-8978– (Fax) (078) 844-8981 (College
E-mail address: [email protected]
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY
Motive of the
arsonists:
a.due to revenge
b. due to jealousy
c. in exchange of reward
d.in order to destroy important documents
e. in order to hide or cover the evidence of the commission of another crime

The FAI can immediately effect 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, to wit:

a. Any person under investigation for the commission of an offense shall have the right
to be informed of his right to remain silent;
b.To have competent and independent counsel preferably of his own choice;
c.If the person cannot afford to the services of counsel, he must be provided with one;
d.These rights cannot be waived except in writing and in the presence of a counsel.

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 thirty six (36) hours or the legal regulated period.

The following are the special / supplemental guidelines for FAI in conducting arson
investigation and filing of complaint procedures:

- Arson is established by proving the corpus delicti, usually in the form of

CIRCUMSTANCIAL EVIDENCE such as the criminal agency, meaning the substance
used, like gasoline, kerosene, or other combustible materials which caused the fire. It can
also be in the form of electrical wires, mechanical, chemical 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. –

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.

- When the burning of the property was done by the offender only to cause damage but
the ARSON resulted to 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
 UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY
(Formerly Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
BALZAIN CAMPUS COLLEGE AVENUE
(078) 844-1147/4215/4079/8978 CAMPUS
– (Trunk Line) (078) 844-8979
(078) 844-8978– (Fax) (078) 844-8981 (College
E-mail address: [email protected]
the offender. -
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY
There is no special
complex
crime of ARSON WITH HOMICIDE. What matters in resolving cases involving arson is
the CRIMINAL INTENT of the offender.

- 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

IX. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Section 1. – The respective Regional Directors for Fire Protection / District and
Provincial Fire Marshals / City and Municipal Fire Marshals shall supervise the proper
implementation of this Standard Operating Procedure to ensure that their subordinates
will comply and respond effectively to the requirements as stipulated in this Standard
Operating Procedure.

Section 2. – City / Municipal Fire Marshals shall seek assistance from their respective
District / Provincial / Regional Investigation and Intelligence Offices or at the office of
the Investigation and Intelligence Division – BFP National Headquarters, if deemed
needed.

Section 3. – As the highest fire and arson investigating agency of the Bureau of Fire
Protection, the Office of the Investigation and Intelligence Division – BFP National
Headquarters shall have the authority to monitor, evaluate, conduct of arbitrary
verification to the fire cases and investigation procedures conducted by the lower
investigating units of the BFP. The aforementioned office may also be sought to provide
technical knowledge, assistance, suggestions and recommendations to lower investigating
units of the BFP.

X. RESCISION CLAUSE All publications, memoranda and SOPs in which by any

form or part found to be inconsistent with this new Standard Operating Procedures are
hereby rescinded.

XI. ADMINISTRATIVE SANCTION / PENALTY

All BFP personnel found violating any provision of this Standard Operating Procedure
shall be subjected to administrative action for neglect of duty / any other related charges
(criminal), and if found guilty, shall be immediately relieved from post.

Administrative sanctions shall be governed by the R.A. 6713, otherwise known as

The Code of Ethics and Professional Standards for Government Employees, other
pertinent Civil Service Laws, Office Rules, Regulations and Policies, without prejudice
of filing criminal charges if evidence so warrants.

*** END ***