Ohio Arson Investigator Exam Practice

Ohio Arson Investigator Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which of the following is the most common cause of arson?
• Electrical malfunction
• Natural causes
• Intentional human action
• Mechanical failure

Rationale: Intentional human action is the most common cause of arson, as

it involves deliberately setting fires.

2. The point of origin of a fire is best determined by:

• Smoke patterns
• Fire department reports
• Burn patterns and fire indicators
• Witness testimony 1 / 4

Rationale: Burn patterns, such as V-shaped patterns, are critical in

identifying the point of origin.

3. Accelerants are typically detected using:

• Infrared cameras
• Fire extinguishers
• Portable hydrocarbon detectors or sniffing dogs
• Water hoses

Rationale: Accelerants are often hydrocarbon-based, and detection requires

specialized tools or trained dogs.

• Which of the following is a common indicator of an incendiary fire?
• Slow-spreading flames
• Multiple points of origin
• Single-source ignition
• Natural gas leak

Rationale: Multiple points of origin often suggest intentional ignition.

• Fire patterns that burn upward and outward from a specific spot

indicate:

• Smoke spread
• Point of origin
• Electrical fault
• Wind direction 2 / 4

Rationale: Fire spreads from its point of origin, creating upward and

outward burn patterns.

6. The first step in arson investigation is:

• Collecting evidence
• Interviewing witnesses
• Securing the scene
• Conducting lab analysis

Rationale: Securing the scene prevents contamination and preserves

evidence.

• Which of the following is considered physical evidence in arson cases?
• Witness statements
• Suspect alibi
• Burned debris and containers
• Police reports

Rationale: Physical evidence includes any material object that can

demonstrate a fire was intentionally set.

8. Flashover in a fire refers to:

• Smoke spreading
• Partial burning
• Simultaneous ignition of all combustible materials in a room
• Electrical sparking 3 / 4

Rationale: Flashover occurs when all flammable surfaces in a compartment

ignite nearly simultaneously.

• Which gas is commonly monitored in post-fire investigations?
• Oxygen
• Carbon monoxide
• Nitrogen
• Carbon monoxide and volatile hydrocarbons

Rationale: Carbon monoxide and volatile hydrocarbons indicate incomplete

combustion and potential accelerants.

• Which of the following best defines an incendiary fire?
• Fire caused by accident
• Fire from natural sources
• Fire caused by electrical malfunction
• Fire deliberately set to cause damage

Rationale: An incendiary fire is intentionally set for malicious or criminal

purposes.

• Which type of fire extinguisher is most effective for flammable

liquids?

• Water

B. CO2

• Foam or dry chemical
• Wet chemical
• / 4