It is important that personnel are aware of the powers available to them to support their role in the investigative process.

UK legislation affords authorised firefighters the power to enter premises for investigating the cause and development of a fire and, where necessary, to seize and remove material.

Where fire and rescue services are requested to aid police investigating a fire scene, there should be clear local guidance and procedures for arrangements regarding powers of entry.

The police will investigate fires believed to be suspicious or deliberate. Identifying the cause of the fire will usually be a necessary and important part of their investigation but their primary aim is to identify those responsible for the offence(s).