This is a recommended change for the next edition of 921. This is not the first time this recommendation is being made. Previously, this Public Input appeared as “Reject but Hold” in Public Comment No. 274 of the (A2020) Second Draft Report for NFPA 921 and per the Regs. at 4.4.8.3.1. It seems that although the document is titled "Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations" An attempt may be/has been made to elevate it to something more. The language would simply further the emphasis on the fact that it is a guide.

Change

1.1 Scope.
This document is not intended to be an instruction manual. This document is designed to assist individuals who are charged with the responsibility of investigating and analyzing fire and explosion incidents and rendering opinions as to the origin, cause, responsibility, or prevention of such incidents and the damage and injuries that arise from such incidents.
1.1.1
The completion of reports for the United States National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) are outside the scope of this guide.
1.1.2
This guide considers NFIRS reports as incident reports and not as investigation reports. The information contained in an NFIRS report should generally be considered as the preliminary report of the fire department concerning any fire or explosion incident. An NFIRS report should not be used as a fire investigation report.

This Public Input appeared as “Reject but Hold” in Public Comment No. 274 of the (A2020) Second Draft Report for NFPA 921 and per the Regs. at 4.4.8.3.1. It seems that although the document is titled "Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations" An attempt may be/has been made to elevate it to something more. The language would simply further the emphasis on the fact that it is a guide.

I wonder what is the amount of support for this change from those involved in for investigation.

Jim Mazerat
Forensic Investigations Group