Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

PUAFIR603A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Determine origin and cause of wildfire

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency PUAFIR603A - Determine origin and cause of wildfire
Description This unit covers the competency required to undertake wildfire scene examination and assessment to determine the path, origin and cause of a wildfire based on fire behaviour, weather conditions, topography and fuel load.It includes identifying and recovering evidence relevant to a wildfire investigation, packaging items of evidence for examination and conducting an analysis of evidence to identify the cause and origin of a wildfire. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application Application of this unit is relevant to wildfire fire investigators who are required to determine the origin and cause of a wildfire. The unit focuses on the skills and knowledge required to develop and apply a systematic approach to fire investigation in a wildfire context.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites PUAFIR303B Suppress wildfire (Fire sector specific)PUALAW001B Protect and preserve incident scene (Fire sector specific)PUALAW002B Conduct initial investigation at incident scene (Fire sector specific)
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Coordinate wildfire investigation
  • Roles and responsibilities of supportpersonnel from the various agencies in a wildfire investigation are confirmed
  • Cooperation of personnel from a range of agencies consistent with their designated roles and responsibilities for a wildfire investigation is achieved
  • Information required by fire investigator from personnel from other agencies is identified, sought and received
  • Activities of all personnel involved are coordinated to enable an efficient and effective investigation
  • Protective clothing and equipment are used in accordance with agency procedures
  • Occupational health and safety procedures appropriate to the incident are followed
       
Element: Secure fire scene and preserve evidence
  • Legal obligations of fire investigators are adhered to throughout the investigation
  • Methods of scene security prior to examination are implemented
  • Procedures to monitor and log access to a wildfire scene are established and applied
  • Strategies for locating, collecting and processing evidence are implemented
  • Methods of preservation of evidence at a wildfire scene are implemented
  • Scene is protected from unnecessary damage, destruction or contamination
       
Element: Conduct scene investigation
  • Investigation activities are coordinated with the Incident Controller, when active fire management operations are still occurring in relation to the incident
  • Fire incident information, data and records are collected and assessed
  • Witness information and other related information is obtained in accordance with jurisdictional requirements
  • Survey of scene is conducted to identify hazards and to preserve areas or items of evidential value
  • Effect of fuels, weather and topography on wildfire development and spread are identified
  • Effects of firefighting actions on fire scene and investigation are assessed
  • Scene is reviewed to determine areas of interest and to record observation of factors which may have a bearing on the determination of the origin, cause or development of a wildfire
  • Physical indicators relating to the path of fire travel or development of the wildfire are identified, assessed and recorded
  • Indicators of damage or destruction of assets caused by wildfire are identified
  • Origin and cause determination options are developed and assessed using a scientific method
  • Cause of the fire, based on recognised cause categories, is determined by wildfire investigation
       
Element: Identify and collect evidence to investigate a wildfire
  • Control, comparison and residual samples are identified and extracted according to agency requirements
  • Samples are protected to avoid contamination and to ensure continuity of evidence
  • Samples are recorded, collected packaged and secured in accordance with continuity of evidence protocols and procedures
  • Procedures for capturing fire scene records are implemented
  • Forensic and physical evidence is interpreted
  • Agency and legal reports and requirements are implemented
       
Element: Analyse information to determine origin and cause of fire
  • Collected information and evidence is analysed and interpreted
  • Findings are reported and documented according to required practice and agency policy
  • Evidence is secured for subsequent action
  • Wildfire investigation report is completed and forwarded to appropriate authorities/stakeholders
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Critical aspects of assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

identify area/point of origin and suspected cause of fire

apply relevant laws, legislation, codes of practice and standards to fire investigation

apply a systematic approach to the examination of wildfire scenes based on scientific method

interpret and analyse forensic data and physical evidence

conduct interviews appropriately and accurately record information.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time and across a range of workplace and/or simulated situations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in the workplace and in a simulated workplace environment.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to gathering and managing evidence

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of offences likely to occur for which evidence needs to be gathered and managed.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this unit may include a combination of:

case studies

demonstration

observation

questioning

scenarios

authenticated evidence from the workplace.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

apply methods and techniques to collect, handle and store evidence

apply scientific method to wildfire investigation

conduct a scene assessment

conduct witness interviews

identify, document and preserve physical evidence

identify potential ignition sources and follow processes for elimination of cause

package, label and store evidence for transport

present evidence

preserve evidence to avoid damage (spoliation) or contamination

record information appropriately and accurately

take notes to support the recording of information

use equipment to collect, handle and store evidence

write reports

Required Knowledge

common causes of wildfire:

camp fire

debris burning

electrical

equipment use

incendiary

juvenile

lightning

machinery

miscellaneous

power lines

rail

smoking

vehicles

deliberate fire lighting motives and methodology

determinants of fire cause

evidence preservation

fatal fire and crime scene management

fire behaviour

fire scene examination

how to distinguish between accidental, negligent, deliberate and natural cause of fire

how to optimise eye witness accounts from professional witnesses such as first responders

implications of insurance involvement

indicators of fire cause

indicators of fire spread

interviewing protocols and their application

legal definitions of interviews and statements

matching of evidence to point of proof and offence provisions

methods for recording documentary and witness evidence, and their application

note taking processes and procedures

principles of investigation based on scientific method

principles of wildfire spread

procedures for collection of physical evidence i.e. handling and packaging

procedures for recording of physical evidence i.e. photographs, drawings, samples

relevant legislation such as the Fire Service Act, Coroner’s Act, Criminal Code and Evidence Act

role of expert witnesses

roles, responsibilities and limits of authority of personnel and agencies at a wildfire investigation

rules of evidence including identification, collection, continuity, and admissibility

scene preservation and security

standard operating procedures for conducting investigations

use of deductive evidence to determine point of origin

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Support personnel may include:

Government and private forensic chemists

Insurance investigators and assessors

Statutory bodies

Technical specialists (e.g. fire behaviour, meteorological experts)

Agencies may include:

Coronial services

Electrical authorities

Fire services

Gas authorities

Insurance investigators and assessors

Land management agencies

Other statutory authorities

Police

State/territory forensic services

Evidence collection may include:

Admissibility

Collection and preservation

Continuity

Identification

Witnesses may include:

Emergency services personnel

Members of statutory agencies

Members of the public

Property owners/occupants

Origin and cause determination must include:

Burn indicators:

advancing/head fire

backing/heel fire

lateral/flanking fire

grass stem indicators

protection indicators

transition zone

damage differential indicators

foliage/leaf freeze indicators

angle of char indicators

depth of char indicators

ash indicators

cupping indicators

curling indicators

die-out pattern indicators

sooting indicators

staining indicators

V-Pattern indicators

Identification of ignition sources

Scene observation and interpretation

Scene processing

Wildfire behaviour factors (weather, fuel load and topography)

Wildfire spread

Fire scene records may include:

Audio

Maps

Meteorological records

Notes

Photography (thermal, digital, multimedia, closed circuit television [CCTV], other media images)

Sketches and plans

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Roles and responsibilities of supportpersonnel from the various agencies in a wildfire investigation are confirmed 
Cooperation of personnel from a range of agencies consistent with their designated roles and responsibilities for a wildfire investigation is achieved 
Information required by fire investigator from personnel from other agencies is identified, sought and received 
Activities of all personnel involved are coordinated to enable an efficient and effective investigation 
Protective clothing and equipment are used in accordance with agency procedures 
Occupational health and safety procedures appropriate to the incident are followed 
Legal obligations of fire investigators are adhered to throughout the investigation 
Methods of scene security prior to examination are implemented 
Procedures to monitor and log access to a wildfire scene are established and applied 
Strategies for locating, collecting and processing evidence are implemented 
Methods of preservation of evidence at a wildfire scene are implemented 
Scene is protected from unnecessary damage, destruction or contamination 
Investigation activities are coordinated with the Incident Controller, when active fire management operations are still occurring in relation to the incident 
Fire incident information, data and records are collected and assessed 
Witness information and other related information is obtained in accordance with jurisdictional requirements 
Survey of scene is conducted to identify hazards and to preserve areas or items of evidential value 
Effect of fuels, weather and topography on wildfire development and spread are identified 
Effects of firefighting actions on fire scene and investigation are assessed 
Scene is reviewed to determine areas of interest and to record observation of factors which may have a bearing on the determination of the origin, cause or development of a wildfire 
Physical indicators relating to the path of fire travel or development of the wildfire are identified, assessed and recorded 
Indicators of damage or destruction of assets caused by wildfire are identified 
Origin and cause determination options are developed and assessed using a scientific method 
Cause of the fire, based on recognised cause categories, is determined by wildfire investigation 
Control, comparison and residual samples are identified and extracted according to agency requirements 
Samples are protected to avoid contamination and to ensure continuity of evidence 
Samples are recorded, collected packaged and secured in accordance with continuity of evidence protocols and procedures 
Procedures for capturing fire scene records are implemented 
Forensic and physical evidence is interpreted 
Agency and legal reports and requirements are implemented 
Collected information and evidence is analysed and interpreted 
Findings are reported and documented according to required practice and agency policy 
Evidence is secured for subsequent action 
Wildfire investigation report is completed and forwarded to appropriate authorities/stakeholders 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PUAFIR603A - Determine origin and cause of wildfire
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

PUAFIR603A - Determine origin and cause of wildfire

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: