If the cause of a fire is undetermined, what action should be taken?

• A. Request a Fire Marshal's Office (FMO) fire investigator.
• B. Immediately redeploy all units to base
• C. Close the investigation and re-enter the building
• D. Convert the case to an insurance claim

Answer: (A)

When the cause of a fire cannot be determined in the field, bringing in a qualified fire investigator from the Fire Marshal's Office is the appropriate next step. These investigators are trained to preserve evidence at the scene, analyze burn patterns, and conduct a formal origin-and-cause determination using established procedures and, if needed, laboratory analysis. Their specialized training and authority ensure the investigation is objective, thorough, and legally defensible, and they can coordinate with other agencies as necessary.

Redeploying all units to base would prematurely end the investigation and could leave hazards or unanswered questions unaddressed. Closing the investigation and re-entering the building without a proper determination risks safety and liability issues. Converting the case to an insurance claim is outside the fire department's role and would not provide an independent, official determination. Therefore, requesting a Fire Marshal's Office fire investigator is the best course of action.