Protect the Fire Scene From the Public:
- Traffic control and direction.
- Crowd control
- Assist as needed.
- Protect potential crime scene.
General Response Guidelines:
- Be alert for other police or fire equipment traveling at right angles to
- If you encounter fire equipment in transit, yield to the fire equipment.
- Be alert for suspicious persons running, or autos leaving the scene or close vicinity of the fire.
- Be alert in responding to alarms for persons responsible; interview witness for information.
- Do not block fire scene or hydrants.
- Make mental note if doors or windows are open, closed, locked or broken open. (Important in arson cases).
- Provide first-aid to victims.
- Use a squad car for shelter in the wintertime; Metropolitan Council Transit Operations will provide a bus for large numbers. Clear pedestrian and auto traffic so fire equipment will not be delayed in getting into position.
- Isolate general scene area by use of squad and officer at vital intersections.
- Reroute traffic from the fire scene.
- Request additional help if necessary and state what intersection they should go to.
- Protect the fire hose from being driven over. A fire department official is the only person who can give consent for vehicles to drive over the hose. Tags should be issued for violations, regardless if the hose is carrying water or not.
- Be alert for persons in the crowd that appear worked up, excited, or greatly enthused over the fire and excitement. That person may be an arsonist. They may have been seen at the other fires.
- Notify police district supervisor if relief will be needed at end of shift, or the dispatcher if extra police help is needed on arrival at the scene.
- Aid fire personnel as much as possible.
Special Details at Fire Scenes Where a Crime May Be Involved:
- Guarding a fire scene where arson is suspected. While fire suppression is ongoing the fire chief is in command of the scene. After the fire is out and the fire investigators are conducting their investigation, they are in charge. If arson is determined, a police arson investigator will be summoned and then will take charge of the scene. Police officers on scene security will keep all civilians, including the owner and insurance people, out of the scene and log all fire and police personnel entering the scene.
- Guarding a fire death scene. Investigation of fire deaths are the responsibility of the police department. They are somewhat different than other death investigations in that the officers must coordinate with the fire department, as above, and that police arson investigators are responsible for the investigation. Usually the fire investigator or the arson investigator will make the death investigation report. Scene security will be handled the same as above.
- Be aware of danger to public from:
A. Collapsing building.
B. Iced streets and sidewalks.
Special Alarm Fires:
- Police supervisor will respond.
Revised July 1, 2011