1.7      Investigation methodology

1.7.1    The methodology used in this investigation is the Scientific Method, (NFPA, 2024). This is a systematic, seven stage process accepted as best practice for all investigative type work. It effectively requires collection of relevant facts and subsequent analysis.

1.7.2    The Scientific Method requires that all feasible and potential causes are considered on their own merits and only discounted where the evidence does not support their validity. In most cases the Scientific Method should result in one outstanding theory for the most probable cause of the fire. Where one or more theories cannot be discounted these should be explained in detail and the cause of the fire recorded as undetermined. Otherwise, the fire should be recorded as accidental or non-accidental (deliberate).

1.7.3    The Scientific Method is an internationally recognised seven step systematic process, which when properly followed and applied will formulate, test and validate a hypothesis of the cause, origin and spread of a fire.

These steps are:

• Recognising the need
• Defining the problem
• Collecting data
• Analysing the data
• Develop a working hypothesis
• Testing the working hypothesis
• Selecting a final hypothesis.