Deputies shall prepare a Fire Field Report (SH-R-84) in all of the following cases:
- Fires involving vehicles in which arson is suspected; or
- Fires in which damage to a vehicle exceeds $7,500, but arson is not involved.
A vehicle fire report need not be made when the fire is the DIRECT result of a traffic accident handled by the Department or CHP; however, the accident report shall contain all pertinent information. Final responsibility for determining whether or not a requested investigation shall be immediate or routine shall rest with Arson/Explosives Detail.
Fire Field Reports on vehicle fires shall contain the following information:
- Complete physical description of the vehicle and the registration;
- List of any contents of the vehicle which were damaged;
- Extent of the fire (areas of confinement);
- Evidence found, if any;
- Estimated loss;
- Number of the engine company responding and the name of the fire officer in charge;
- Probable cause of fire, including any statements obtained from the victim or witnesses; and
- Name of the insurance company and of the agent with whom the victim usually deals (if vehicle insured).
The reports shall be processed as follows:
- Assign an URN;
- Image into electronic archive SECDA;
- Forward two copies of the report to Arson/Explosives Detail;
- Retain sufficient copies for Unit needs; and
- Additional assignment, notification and copy of report to VMTD when identity of vehicle is in doubt.