In second of The Courier’s interviews on arson, we spoke to Detective Inspector Michael Roberts from the Arson & Explosives Squad of the Victoria Police about the procedures involved in investigating a suspicious fire and identifying the culprit.
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The Courier: What is the first thing a fire investigator looks for? Obviously the point of incidence, but what else?
D.I. Roberts: “Safety is paramount. An investigation will only commence once the scene has been declared safe for investigators to enter.
“Bushfire investigation is undertaken using the same crime investigation principles as if it were any other crime scene. Having an understanding of fire causation is paramount in terms of investigative actions and options.
“An investigator will seek to identify the origin of the fire and the cause in order to establish whether or not a crime has been committed. A ‘Natural Fire Cause’ – a fire caused without direct human intervention or action, for example a lightning strike. An understanding of basic fire chemistry and fire phenomenon will greatly assist the fire investigator in interpreting the fire scene.”
The Courier: How do investigators work with a community to identify 'people of interest'?
D.I. Roberts: “It is often the case that members of the public are aware of irregularities within their geographical area, be it through rumour or otherwise, but are reluctant to come forward. Consequently, it is incumbent on investigators to engage with the community in order to encourage people to say something rather than be a bystander.”
The Courier: Are there factors in Australian bushfires that make it more difficult to pinpoint how they have started? Extreme heat, wind changes that cause fires to burn back across ignition points and so on?.
D.I. Roberts: “The main factors are usually the remoteness and topography of the location. Access and egress become difficult as does communication via phone etcetera.”
The Courier: How valuable is the information provided by the CFA, DELWP, local graziers or inhabitants?
D.I. Roberts: Absolutely invaluable. Firefighters first on scene often have the most valuable information and are able to provide full details of suppression activities. Information from the public can and often is critical in assisting criminal investigations, and this is no less true of bushfire investigations.
The Courier: When we have a series of fires occurring in a region, over time - how is the possible culprit profiled? I know there's no 'type' of arsonist - it could be anyone - so what's the investigatory method that goes into finding someone lighting fires.
D.I Roberts: “It boils down to sheer hard work. Investigators must follow all avenues of enquiry open to them to seek solutions.”