Firefighter Exam Reading Comprehension Practice Test 5 — Flashcards

Answer the questions that come after each, based solely on the information in the passage.    

While preserving evidence is not the firefighter's main priority, certain steps can be taken, while fighting a fire, to maintain site integrity and maximize efforts of investigators.    
Try to determine the point of origin from wind direction or the way the fire spread. Take notes, mentally and on paper, of suspicious people or vehicles. Use ribbon or other practical material to flag potential evidence, such as tracks near the suspected point of origin and items such as matches, bottles, rags, cigarette butts, lighters, paper, or exposed wires. Keep other personnel away from these areas unless doing so would hamper firefighting efforts.    
After flagging the evidence, notify the commanding officer as soon as possible. If evidence must be removed, handle it carefully to maintain fingerprint integrity.    
Once the fire is declared under control, create a map of the scene, indicating the point of origin and areas where evidence is or was located. Compose an inventory of any evidence that was removed. Record any other useful information, such as conversations with witnesses, names, and descriptions. Before leaving, share your findings with the lead investigator.    
Remember, safety is the main priority during fighting of the fire. But by keeping an alert eye for clues, you can also contribute to an efficient investigation into its cause.