CFI-I

The NFPA CFI-I (Certified Fire Investigator-International) exam covers a broad range of topics related to fire investigation. There isn't a publicly available, detailed breakdown of the exact weighting of each topic, as that's considered proprietary to the NFPA. However, the main points generally revolve around these key areas:

I. Fire Science & Chemistry:

• Combustion: Understanding the fire triangle (fuel, oxidizer, heat), the fire tetrahedron (adding chain reaction), and the various types of combustion (e.g., flaming, smoldering). This includes knowledge of different fuels and their behavior.
• Fire Dynamics: How fires spread, grow, and extinguish. This includes factors like ventilation, heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation), and flashover/backdraft phenomena.
• Fire Patterns: Recognition and interpretation of fire patterns (V-patterns, U-patterns, etc.) to determine the point of origin and direction of fire spread. This includes understanding how different fuels and construction materials impact fire patterns.
• Explosion Investigation: Fundamentals of explosions, including different types (e.g., deflagrations, detonations) and investigative techniques.

II. Investigative Procedures & Techniques:

• Scene Safety & Preservation: Securing the scene, protecting evidence, and ensuring the safety of investigators and others. This includes proper documentation and photography techniques.
• Evidence Collection and Analysis: Proper methods for collecting and preserving physical evidence (e.g., accelerants, electrical components). Understanding chain of custody procedures is crucial.
• Interviewing & Report Writing: Effective interview techniques for witnesses and occupants. Producing clear, concise, and accurate investigative reports.
• Legal Aspects: Understanding legal issues related to fire investigations, including search warrants, admissibility of evidence, and potential liabilities.

III. Specific Causes & Origins of Fires:

• Electrical Fires: Identifying and analyzing electrical causes of fires, including malfunctions in wiring, appliances, and other electrical equipment.
• Heating Equipment Fires: Understanding the causes of fires related to furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters, and other heating appliances.
• Cooking Fires: Identifying the causes of cooking fires and their patterns.
• Arson: Recognizing signs of arson, including accelerant use and other indicators of intentional fire setting.
• Other Ignition Sources: Understanding various ignition sources, including smoking materials, sparks, and other potential causes.

IV. Advanced Topics (often less emphasized, but potential inclusion):

• Fire Modeling: Understanding basic principles of fire modeling and computer simulations.
• Forensic Science: Application of forensic science principles to fire investigation.
• Specific Building Codes & Regulations: Familiarity with relevant building codes and regulations.

Remember: The exam is comprehensive and tests a candidate's ability to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. Reviewing NFPA standards, participating in hands-on training, and studying from reputable resources are essential for success. The specific emphasis on each area might vary from exam to exam. Consult the latest NFPA CFI-I exam materials for the most accurate and up-to-date information.