Certification Examination Practice

Illinois Fire Scene Evidence Technician Certification Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of fire scene evidence collection?
• To clean the scene
• To prevent public access
• To preserve evidence for investigation and prosecution
• To extinguish hidden fires

Rationale: Preserving evidence ensures that investigators can

accurately determine the origin, cause, and potential criminal aspects of a fire.

2. The term “point of origin” refers to:

• The first building to catch fire 1 / 4

• The location where the fire began
• The location where firefighters enter
• The area with the most damage

Rationale: Identifying the point of origin is critical for determining

the fire’s cause.

• Which of the following is a common accelerant used in arson?
• Water
• Sand
• Gasoline
• Concrete

Rationale: Gasoline is highly flammable and frequently used as an

accelerant in arson cases.

4. When documenting a fire scene, photographs should be taken:

• Only of the outside of the building
• Before evidence is moved
• After cleanup
• Only if requested by law enforcement

Rationale: Capturing images before altering the scene preserves the

original condition for investigative and legal purposes.

• Which type of evidence is most likely to degrade quickly after a fire?
• Metal objects
• Stone
• Biological evidence 2 / 4

• Concrete

Rationale: Biological evidence such as DNA or fingerprints can be

destroyed by heat, smoke, and water.

6. When collecting fire debris, the best container to use is:

• Plastic bag
• Cardboard box
• Clean, airtight metal can
• Open bucket

Rationale: Metal cans prevent the loss of volatile accelerants and

contamination.

7. The first priority at a fire scene is:

• Evidence collection
• Documentation
• Life safety
• Insurance evaluation

Rationale: Firefighter and civilian safety always takes precedence

over evidence collection.

8. Chain of custody is important because it:

• Reduces paperwork
• Makes the scene safe
• Ensures evidence integrity for court
• Improves firefighting efficiency 3 / 4

Rationale: Proper chain of custody prevents claims of evidence

tampering or contamination.

• Which of the following is a sign of an intentionally set fire?
• Random burn patterns
• Multiple points of origin
• Smoke damage only on the ceiling
• Burned wood in a pile

Rationale: Fires with multiple points of origin may indicate the use of

accelerants and arson.

10. Heat, oxygen, and fuel are components of:

• Smoke triangle
• Fire triangle
• Fire tetrahedron
• Combustion formula

Rationale: The fire triangle represents the three elements necessary

for combustion.

• Which documentation method is least likely to be disputed in

court?

• Notes in a personal notebook
• Photographs and sketches
• Memory recollection
• Emails to colleagues
• / 4