More than 16,500 fires destroy homes and lives each year in Quebec. It is the firefighters who fight these fires to put them out. But who figures out the cause when everything has burned down and only rubble remains? It is the job of fire investigators to read the signs and identify the starting point of the fire.
The possibility of arson is always present. Upon arriving at a case of a burned-out vehicle, investigators wonder: are there any signs that could indicate criminal intent? How to prove it? It takes a lot of experience to smell a scam, and investigators are always on the prowl.
Fire investigation and prevention are closely linked. It is important to understand how fires start in order to avoid future tragedies. When the smoking article appears to be involved, but the witness's story does not match, what conclusion will investigators reach? One thing is certain: there is no smoke without fire.
A fire is a succession of events, and the job of investigators is to trace this chain. Today's technology ensures that everyone has a smartphone on hand, ready to capture the action. But be careful, don't be fooled by appearances. Sometimes it just doesn't go where you think it is.
Whether it is residential or industrial construction, electricity is an obvious source of heat that can cause a fire and do a lot of damage. Investigators are trying to shed light on the scene because when it comes to electricity, it is better to call in the professionals.
Being the victim of a fire is a traumatic event, but sometimes the aftermath is just as dramatic. For several reasons, it can take a long time to receive payment. Fortunately, investigators are doing everything to find out what happened, to help the victims move on and look forward to the future.
Martin Paquette
Director
Érika Reyburn
