4A007E - Introduction to Fire Investigation 01 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2030 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 4A007E
Module Title: Introduction to Fire Investigation
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Policing and Criminology
Faculty Sub Group: Policing
Module Leader:
Module Team: Daniel Welch, Beth Dando, Helen Martin, Mark Iggulden, Austin Clark, Matthew Labanciw
First Intended Intake: SEP 2026 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100647 - public policy
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2026
Valid To 31 Aug 2030

Module Aims

The main aims of the module are:

  • To introduce students to the scientific, legal and professional principles that underpin the investigation of fire scenes.

  • To develop students' ability to plan, undertake, review and report a safe, systematic and evidence-led investigation of a straightforward fire incident.

Content Summary

As a student on this module, you will be introduced to the scientific, legal and practical foundations of fire investigation. You will examine the chemistry and behaviour of fire, including ignition, combustion, heat transfer, fire development and fire spread, and explore how these principles support the interpretation of fire scenes.

You will follow the full investigative process, from gathering initial information and planning a safe and lawful investigation through to scene examination, evidence recovery, debriefing and professional reporting. Through practical activities, you will develop skills in risk assessment, scene preservation, photography, note-taking, sketching, evidence handling and investigative decision-making.

You will also consider the legal, ethical and professional responsibilities of fire investigators, including lawful scene access, evidence integrity, disclosure, impartiality and the use of findings within criminal or civil proceedings. Attention will also be given to investigator welfare and the challenges associated with exposure to distressing incidents. Through practical exercises and simulated investigations, you will develop and test alternative hypotheses and communicate your findings clearly, objectively and responsibly.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Guided Independent Study 80
Directed Study 60
Practical Classes and Workshops (specialist resources, immersive investigation) 36
Assessment (preparation and professional debrief) 24
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Explain the scientific, legal and professional principles underpinning the investigation of fire scenes
LO2 Justify findings and conclusions arising from the fire investigation process using relevant scientific, legal and evidential information

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Report 1 Individual written industry report based on a simulated fire investigation 0 1500 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Report 1 ✔ ✔

Reading List

Week 1

Topic: Introduction to Fire Investigation

Essential reading: Icove, D.J. and Haynes, G.A. (2018) Kirk’s fire investigation. 8th edn. Harlow: Pearson. National Fire Chiefs Council, Institution of Fire Engineers and UK Association of Fire Investigators (2020) Code of practice for investigators of fires and explosions for the justice systems in the UK. 2nd edn. London: National Fire Chiefs Council.

Supplementary reading: National Fire Chiefs Council and Local Government Association (2021) Core code of ethics for fire and rescue services. London: National Fire Chiefs Council.

Week 2

Topic: Basic Fire Behaviour and Fire Chemistry

Essential reading: Drysdale, D. (2011) An introduction to fire dynamics. 3rd edn. Chichester: Wiley. Icove, D.J. and Haynes, G.A. (2018) Kirk’s fire investigation. 8th edn. Harlow: Pearson.

Supplementary reading: National Fire Protection Association (2024) NFPA 921: Guide for fire and explosion investigations. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association.

Week 3

Topic: Roles, Responsibilities and Legality

Essential reading: Great Britain (2004) Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004. London: The Stationery Office. National Fire Chiefs Council, Institution of Fire Engineers and UK Association of Fire Investigators (2020) Code of practice for investigators of fires and explosions for the justice systems in the UK. 2nd edn. London: National Fire Chiefs Council.

Supplementary reading: National Fire Chiefs Council and Local Government Association (2021) Core code of ethics for fire and rescue services. London: National Fire Chiefs Council.

Week 4

Topic: Information Gathering and Initial Assessment

Essential reading: Icove, D.J. and Haynes, G.A. (2018) Kirk’s fire investigation. 8th edn. Harlow: Pearson. National Fire Chiefs Council, Institution of Fire Engineers and UK Association of Fire Investigators (2020) Code of practice for investigators of fires and explosions for the justice systems in the UK. 2nd edn. London: National Fire Chiefs Council.

Supplementary reading: National Fire Protection Association (2024) NFPA 921: Guide for fire and explosion investigations. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association.

Week 5

Topic: Planning the Fire Investigation

Essential reading: National Fire Protection Association (2024) NFPA 921: Guide for fire and explosion investigations. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association.

Supplementary reading: Lentini, J.J. (2018) Scientific protocols for fire investigation. 3rd edn. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. Icove, D.J. and Haynes, G.A. (2018) Kirk’s fire investigation. 8th edn. Harlow: Pearson.

Week 6

Topic: Risk Assessment, Resources and Scene Management

Essential reading: National Fire Chiefs Council, Institution of Fire Engineers and UK Association of Fire Investigators (2020) Code of practice for investigators of fires and explosions for the justice systems in the UK. 2nd edn. London: National Fire Chiefs Council.

Supplementary reading: National Fire Chiefs Council (n.d.) Fire investigation: National Occupational Standards. London: National Fire Chiefs Council. Icove, D.J. and Haynes, G.A. (2018) Kirk’s fire investigation. 8th edn. Harlow: Pearson.

Week 7

Topic: Recovery Planning and Evidence Management

Essential reading: Forensic Science Regulator (2025) Forensic science activities: statutory code of practice. Version 2. London: Home Office. National Fire Chiefs Council, Institution of Fire Engineers and UK Association of Fire Investigators (2020) Code of practice for investigators of fires and explosions for the justice systems in the UK. 2nd edn. London: National Fire Chiefs Council.

Supplementary reading: Icove, D.J. and Haynes, G.A. (2018) Kirk’s fire investigation. 8th edn. Harlow: Pearson.

Week 8

Topic: Principles of Fire Scene Examination

Essential reading: Icove, D.J. and Haynes, G.A. (2018) Kirk’s fire investigation. 8th edn. Harlow: Pearson. National Fire Protection Association (2024) NFPA 921: Guide for fire and explosion investigations. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association.

Supplementary reading: Lentini, J.J. (2018) Scientific protocols for fire investigation. 3rd edn. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

Week 9

Topic: Origin, Cause and Different Fire Scenes

Essential reading: National Fire Protection Association (2024) NFPA 921: Guide for fire and explosion investigations. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association. Icove, D.J. and Haynes, G.A. (2018) Kirk’s fire investigation. 8th edn. Harlow: Pearson.

Supplementary reading: Lentini, J.J. (2018) Scientific protocols for fire investigation. 3rd edn. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. Drysdale, D. (2011) An introduction to fire dynamics. 3rd edn. Chichester: Wiley.

Week 10

Topic: Integrated Scene Examination and Secondary Scenes

Essential reading: National Fire Chiefs Council, Institution of Fire Engineers and UK Association of Fire Investigators (2020) Code of practice for investigators of fires and explosions for the justice systems in the UK. 2nd edn. London: National Fire Chiefs Council. Icove, D.J. and Haynes, G.A. (2018) Kirk’s fire investigation. 8th edn. Harlow: Pearson.

Supplementary reading: National Fire Protection Association (2024) NFPA 921: Guide for fire and explosion investigations. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association. Forensic Science Regulator (2025) Forensic science activities: statutory code of practice. Version 2. London: Home Office.

Week 11

Topic: Debrief, Review and Aftercare

Essential reading: National Fire Chiefs Council and Local Government Association (2021) Core code of ethics for fire and rescue services. London: National Fire Chiefs Council.

Supplementary reading: National Fire Chiefs Council, Institution of Fire Engineers and UK Association of Fire Investigators (2020) Code of practice for investigators of fires and explosions for the justice systems in the UK. 2nd edn. London: National Fire Chiefs Council.

Week 12

Topic: Reports, Report Writing and Assessment Support

Essential reading: National Fire Chiefs Council, Institution of Fire Engineers and UK Association of Fire Investigators (2020) Code of practice for investigators of fires and explosions for the justice systems in the UK. 2nd edn. London: National Fire Chiefs Council. Icove, D.J. and Haynes, G.A. (2018) Kirk’s fire investigation. 8th edn. Harlow: Pearson.

Supplementary reading: Forensic Science Regulator (2025) Forensic science activities: statutory code of practice. Version 2. London: Home Office. National Fire Protection Association (2024) NFPA 921: Guide for fire and explosion investigations. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association.