Purpose Statement
The Scene Information section within Fire Investigations allows users to document detailed findings related to various incident types (e.g., structure, vehicle, wildfire, marine). This ensures accurate reporting, supports compliance requirements, and provides a comprehensive record for analysis and legal documentation.
Background Information
Scene Information is a core component of the Fire Investigation module. It enables investigators to capture standardized and customizable data across multiple incident types. Users can document general incident details, property data, weather conditions, and specialized information depending on the selected scene type(s).
This feature supports:
- Multi-scene investigations (e.g., structure + vehicle)
- Configurable investigation types and templates
- Detailed documentation for compliance and reporting
Prerequisites:
- Access to the Fire Investigation module
- Configured investigation types and templates (optional, managed in Field Management)
Required Permissions
To access and complete Scene Information, users typically need:
- Fire Investigations: View
- Fire Investigations: Create/Edit
- Fire Investigations: Complete
- Field Management (optional, for managing investigation types/templates)
Note: Permissions may vary by agency configuration.
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Navigate to Fire Investigations
- Click the First Due icon
- Select Fire Investigation
Click Investigation List
2. Create or Edit an Investigation
- To edit: Select an existing incomplete investigation
- To create new: Click Add (top right)
3. Complete General Tab Information
- Upon entry, the General tab opens by default
- Enter:
- Fire Incident Data
- Property Information
- Scene Information
- Weather Conditions
- Select Investigation Type (right panel)
- Managed under Fire Investigation Setup in Field Management
- Enter Investigation Number and required fields
4. Select Scene Type(s)
- Locate Scene Type section
- Select one or multiple scene types:
- Structure Fire
- Vehicle
- Compartment Fire
- Wildfire
- Marine
- Selected types will activate corresponding tabs at the top
5. Complete Scene-Specific Tabs
Structure Fire
- Click Structure Fire tab
- Enter:
- Occupancy Type
- Property Status
- Building Construction
- Alarm Information
- Doors/Windows
- Add Comments and Findings
Use templates if configured
Vehicle
- Click Vehicle tab
- Enter:
- General Vehicle Information
- Theft Status
- Tires, Doors, Body Panels
- Under Hood Details
- Add additional notes as needed
Compartment Fire
- Click Compartment Fire tab
- Document:
- HVAC Systems
- Wall Tightness
- Lighting Materials
- Doors/Windows/Openings
- Fire History
- Initial Fuel Items
- Use Add buttons to input multiple entries
Wildfire
- Click Wildfire tab
- Enter:
- General Wildfire Information
- Ignition Sequence
- Comments
Marine
- Click Marine tab
- Enter:
- Vessel Information
- Theft Status
- Exterior/Interior Details
6. Save and Complete
- Review all entered information
- Click Save and Complete
Best Practices
- Select all applicable scene types at the start to avoid missing data
- Use templates for consistent findings documentation
- Be thorough with comments and observations for compliance and legal use
- Double-check required fields before completing the investigation
- Standardize terminology across reports for clarity and reporting accuracy
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Q: Why can’t I access certain scene tabs?
A: Scene tabs only activate after selecting corresponding scene types in the General tab.
Q: Can I customize investigation types?
A: Yes, investigation types are managed in Fire Investigation Setup under Field Management.
Q: Where do templates come from?
A: Templates are configured in the Fire Investigation setup and can be used in Comments/Findings sections.
Q: What happens if I forget to select a scene type?
A: You can return to the General tab, select the scene type, and the tab will become available.
Q: Can I enter multiple data points in sections like fuel items?
A: Yes, use the Add button to input multiple entries.