"A.1.3.7 Basic up-to-date information on these topics can be
found in the current edition of NFPA 921. NFPA 921 is written
on a basic level for competency in fire and explosion investigation
and updated on a three-year cycle “to establish guidelines
and recommendations for the safe and systematic investigation
or analysis of fire and explosion incidents” and “is
designed to produce a systematic, working framework or outline
by which effective fire and explosion investigation and
origin and cause analysis can be accomplished.” As stated in
NFPA 921, “[It] is not intended as a comprehensive scientific
or engineering text. Although many scientific and engineering
concepts are presented within the text, the user is cautioned
that these concepts are presented at an elementary
level and additional technical sources, training, and education
may often need to be utilized in an investigation.... The documents
or portions thereof listed in this [document] are referenced
within this guide and shall be considered part of the
requirements of this document.”

“A.1.3.8 Fire investigation technology and practices are
changing rapidly. It is essential for an investigator’s performance
and knowledge to remain current. It is recommended
that investigators be familiar with the technical information
and procedural guidance presented in materials such as
NFPA 921 and Fire Protection Handbook.

Pat Kennedy, CFEI, CFPS, MIFireE
Fire and Explosion Analyst
Sarasota, Florida
[www.kennedy-fire.com]