If arson is suspected after a vehicle fire, who should be contacted?

• A. Building inspector
• B. Arson investigator
• C. Police chief
• D. Fire marshal

Answer: (B)

When a vehicle fire may have been arson, you bring in a specialist who knows how to determine the cause and preserve evidence. An arson investigator is trained to assess ignition sources, search for accelerants, analyze burn patterns, and collect and document physical evidence so a proper determination can be made. They coordinate with law enforcement and fire department personnel to ensure the scene is handled correctly and findings are admissible if prosecution is involved.

Building inspectors focus on safety and code issues after fires, not on cause determination. The police chief is an administrator, not the on-scene investigator. The fire marshal can oversee fire investigations in some locations, but the on-the-ground responsibility for examining the scene and uncovering whether arson occurred rests with the arson investigator.