Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:35 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Determine origin and cause of wildfire

Determine origin and cause of wildfire

Unit of competency
National Code
PUAFIR603
State Code
OAY41
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
16/07/2019
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
08/04/2020
Field of Education
039905 - Fire Technology
Original Release Date
08/04/2020
Nominal Hours
55
Description
This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge 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 focuses on developing and applying a systematic approach to fire investigation in a wildfire context and is applicable to wildfire fire investigators who are required to determine the origin and cause of a wildfire. It includes coordinating wildfire investigations, securing fire scenes and preserving evidence, 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. The fire sector is those sections of government departments, statutory authorities or organisations that have responsibility under jurisdictional arrangements for the delivery of firefighting and fire management services.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Coordinate wildfire investigation
  • 1.1 Roles and responsibilities of agencies or organisations and support personnel involved in the wildfire investigation are confirmed
  • 1.2 Cooperation of personnel from a range of agencies/organisations consistent with their designated roles and responsibilities for a wildfire investigation is achieved
  • 1.3 Information required by fire investigator from personnel from other agencies or organisations is identified, sought and received
  • 1.4 Activities of personnel involved in the wildfire investigation are coordinated, in accordance with organisational procedures, to enable an efficient and effective investigation
  • 1.5 Personal protective clothing and equipment is used, in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 1.6 Work, Health and Safety (WHS)/Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) procedures appropriate to the wildfire incident are followed
2 Secure fire scene and preserve evidence
  • 2.1 Legal obligations of fire investigators are adhered to throughout the investigation
  • 2.2 Methods of scene security prior to examination are implemented, in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 2.3 Procedures to monitor and log access to a wildfire scene are identified and applied
  • 2.4 Strategies for locating, collecting and evidence are implemented, in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 2.5 Methods of preservation of evidence at a wildfire scene are implemented
  • 2.6 Scene is protected from unnecessary damage, destruction or contamination
3 Conduct scene investigation
  • 3.1 Investigation activities are coordinated with Incident Controller, in accordance with organisational procedures, when active fire management operations are still occurring in relation to the incident
  • 3.2 Fire incident information, data and records are collected and assessed, in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 3.3 Witness information is obtained
  • 3.4 Survey of scene is conducted to identify hazards and to preserve areas or items of evidential value
  • 3.5 Effect of fuels, weather and topography on wildfire development and spread are identified
  • 3.6 Effects of firefighting actions on fire scene and investigation are assessed
  • 3.7 Fire scene is reviewed, in accordance with organisational procedures, to determine areas of interest and to record observation of factors which may have a bearing on the determination of the origin and cause or development of wildfire
  • 3.8 Physical indicators related to path of fire or development of wildfire are identified, assessed and recorded
  • 3.9 Indicators of damage or destruction of assets caused by wildfire are identified, in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 3.10 Cause of fire, based on recognised cause categories, is determined by wildfire investigation
4 Identify and collect evidence to investigate a wildfire
  • 4.1 Control, comparison and residual samples are identified and extracted, in accordance with organisational procedures requirements
  • 4.2 Samples are protected to avoid contamination and to ensure continuity of evidence
  • 4.3 Samples are recorded, collected, packaged and secured, in accordance with organisational continuity of evidence protocols and procedures
  • 4.4 Procedures for capturing fire scene records are implemented
  • 4.5 Forensic and physical evidence is interpreted
  • 4.6 Organisational and legal reports are completed, in accordance with organisational procedures
5 Analyse information to determine origin and cause of fire
  • 5.1 Collected information and evidence is analysed and interpreted
  • 5.2 Fire origin and cause determination theories are developed and assessed using organisationally approved scientific methods, in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 5.3 Findings are reported and documented, in accordance with organisational procedures and policies
  • 5.4 Evidence is secured for subsequent action, in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 5.5 Wildfire investigation report is completed and forwarded to relevant authorities and stakeholders
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WG155 PUAFIR603A Determine origin and cause of wildfire Unit of competency