In an Australian first for public agency fire investigation, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has begun using a ground-breaking, three-dimensional scanner to record fire scenes and capture evidence.
The LEICA 3D Laser Scanner has a measuring rate of up to two-million points per second and advanced High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging to accurately record the dimension of a fire scene in both panoramic image and dot cloud forms.
Use of earlier generation scanners
FRNSW has purchased the scanner and its software at a cost of about $130,000
FRNSW has purchased the scanner and its software at a cost of about $130,000. Inspired by the use of earlier generation scanners by NSW Police forensic investigators, Fire and Rescue NSW has become the first fire agency in the country to embrace the technology.
Police used a similar scanner to capture virtual images of the scene of the deadly Rozelle fire in 2014.
later plot ignition points
"Using a tablet to control this upgraded model, we can direct its three cameras to record a 360-degree image of a burnt room, for example," said FRNSW Fire Investigation and Research Unit Manager, Michael Forbes, adding, "That allows us then to later plot ignition points and other reference data when we’re preparing our reports."
"We can tell a much better story than just presenting photographs to a jury," said Acting Superintendent Forbes.
Job of a fire investigator
FRNSW Deputy Commissioner – Field Operations, Paul McGuiggan, said, "The job of a fire investigator is to record a fire scene as best as possible. This terrific technology represents a significant boost to that capability."
"Visually, this can place a Judge or a Coroner within a virtual fire scene to accurately consider the evidence put before them," adds Deputy Commissioner, Paul McGuiggan.
FRNSW’s fire investigation team
Paul McGuiggan continues: "This scanning technology represents the future, as in the past, these investigators could only rely on written observations and two-dimensional photos. The 3D scanner is a game-changer that allows FRNSW’s fire investigation team to collect and save evidence in the most accurate visual form available."
He concludes, "Our use of this technology places us up there with America’s foremost fire investigators, as world pioneers in this field of expertise."
