Assignment:
Arsons are devastating and can have a great impact in people's lives. There are a few things that an investigator needs to do when investigating a fire. First thing is to out if an arson or criminal act did take place (Lentini, J. J., 2012). That is the first step in any investigation. There is no need to start an arson investigation if one did not take place. The next thing is to evaluate the scene. Talk a walk through and point out areas that may need further investigation. An investigator will want to start from where there is the least amount of damage to the greatest amount of damage. This can help find a point of origin. While walking the scene also look for other evidence of a crime like a body or blood (National Institute of Justice, "A Guide for Investigating Fire and Arson," May 31, 2009).
Also look for fire accelerants like gas (National Institute of Justice, "A Guide for Investigating Fire and Arson," May 31, 2009). The next thing you want to do is talk to the first responders that where first on scene. Ask question like what did they seen when they arrived. Somethings to ask is what did the smoke look like and if they saw anyone in the area (National Institute of Justice, "A Guide for Investigating Fire and Arson," May 31, 2009).
Also you want to talk to witnesses that where in the area. Also go door to door and talk to the neighbors. They might have not saw anything the hour it happened, but they might have saw something or someone in the area the day of or day before the incident took place (National Institute of Justice, "A Guide for Investigating Fire and Arson," May 31, 2009).