In the event of a fire in an apartment or house, experts investigating the cause of the fire turn to the police after the firefighters have finished their work. Then the reconstruction begins: where the fire broke out and what could have been the cause of the fire. Chief Inspector Torben Konrad is part of the investigation team and is pleased that the state of North Rhine-Westphalia is now providing the Düsseldorf police with a special vehicle that will facilitate the investigators’ work.
The new bus for the Düsseldorf police team investigating the cause of the fire
Previously, the fire investigators had converted a van in which they brought their work equipment, such as shovels, brooms, sample boxes and protective clothing, to the site. Torben Konrad explains that this has not been a good solution from an occupational safety point of view for a long time. Because soot and fire residues were everywhere in the car and would contaminate clean clothing and emergency services documents. The new vehicle has a so-called “white area” and “black areas”. The clean white area is located just behind the cockpit and is equipped with a table and bench, the latest generation radio and an office container. Interviews or meetings with witnesses can also be held there thanks to the revolving driver’s seat.
Separately in the back of the conveyor is the working area, in which contaminated materials and things have their place. In the door there are holders for brooms and shovels. In the drawers and compartments there are tools such as cordless screwdrivers, protective clothing, there is a ladder and a hand trolley. Ventilation is built into the roof, the area is illuminated and, most importantly, there is a separate power supply.
In researching the cause of the fire, investigators use the principle of exclusion. What was the weather like, is there a possibility of spontaneous combustion, was electricity involved, is there evidence of arson or negligence, for example using fire accelerators? Usually, investigators work in teams of two. But when it comes to complex issues, the teams are bigger and they are called in outside experts.
Samples that need to be analyzed in more detail are placed in these foil pouches
In most cases, the cause of the fire can be determined, explains Konrad, who has been working in this field for eleven years. What conclusions are drawn therefore is no longer up to the fire investigators.
The state of North Rhine-Westphalia is gradually equipping all police authorities with new fire engines. 30 of the 47 authorities have already been provided and are thus receiving a tool focused on safety at work and the effective work of the emergency services.
