Fire fighters and damage control personnel realize the value of good photographic records of a fire and its damage in helping determine both the cause of the fire and the effectiveness of the methods used to fight the fire.

One of the most important functions of any group of fire fighters is training. The most effective training method is, of course, actually practicing fire fighting. However, aboard ship and because of the cost ashore, this cannot always be done. The next best method of training is with visual aids. By studying still pictures and movies of a fire, firemen and members of the damage control party can receive instructions and observe proper procedures in the performance of their duties. Photography serves as a means of refreshing the memories of fire fighters and witnesses during the investigation of a fire.

Fires aboard ship and ashore should be photographed from the time the fire party arrives to the time the tire is out. Pictures of the fire should include overall views showing the positions of trucks, ladders, hoses, other types of equipment, personnel fighting the fire, and people watching the fire. Pictures of the progress of the fire must also be made. Fire progress pictures should show the structure, smoke, and flames.

Arson is becoming a big business in the civilian world. As sailors, we do not see much arson in the Navy, but there have been cases and will continue to be cases of arson in the Navy. We cannot afford to have an arsonist in our midst, particularly aboard ship or in the barracks.

Without evidence, arrest and prosecution of an arsonist is extremely difficult. Photography is an effective tool in recording and preserving the evidence of set fires. Much of the actual evidence may be destroyed during fire fighting, or if it survives the fire, it may be impossible to preserve.

Every effort should be made to photograph the scene of a fire, whether or not arson is suspected, before it is disturbed by other operations. You must work fast,

but never do a careless job. Your pictures may be used to prove the intent to commit arson.

The pictures you make of a fire should do the following:

Show the area or areas in which the fire started or was set.

Help identify spectators. An arsonist often remains to watch the fire.

Provide information about the speed of combustion and direction of spreading.

Show the progressive stages of burning and fire fighting from various angles. If possible, keep a record of the time each picture was made.

Help investigators determine the type of material burning. This is where the use of color film is recommended. The steam, color, and quantity of smoke and the color and size of flames are indications of what type of material is burning. The color of the smoke often indicates whether an accelerant, such as gas, was used to speed the burning.

Once the fire is out, pictures (fig. 6-7) are made of the rubble. Give particular attention to the most burned or charred areas. The structure should be photographed from all sides to show the damaged areas. Other things to look for are incendiary devices and combustible materials, such as matchbooks, paper, liquids (such as gas and paint thinner), and fuses. Although they may have burned completely, there could be a visible trail, defective wiring, and electrical or gas appliances that may have been the cause of the fire.

The exposure required to photograph the interior of a building after a fire may be considerably more than indicated by normal exposure calculation methods. So much light is absorbed by blackened and charred areas that it may be necessary for you to open up several stops over your indicated exposure, even for well-lighted close-ups. When using flash to light burned areas, hold the flash away from the camera to permit some improvement in the rendering of texture. This will bring out the alligator or checked pattern of burned wood, blistered paint, and so forth.

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Figure 6-7. A close-up damage to the USS Stark after it was struck by Iraqi-launched Exocet missile.

LT Gary A. Phillips 302.279

Figure 6-8. Crew members aboard the USS Forrestal fight fire on the flight deck.