t

i 

DEDICATION

This guide is dedicated to the memory of all who have lost their lives in the line of duty. 

Let us vow to learn from their tragedies and strive to prevent similar outcomes in the 

future. May our fallen rest in peace and not have died in vain.
ii

MANAGING THE INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT 

INVESTIGATION GUIDE

In order to ensure that the Interagency Serious Accident Investigation Guide evolves and 

improves in a responsive and organized manner, the subject matter leads from each of the 

representative agencies will form the Interagency Serious Accident Investigation Guide Task 

Team as identified by original executive task order as the change management board for this 

document. Each representative member will serve as his/her agency contact for all changes to 

the guide. The task team will annually solicit, collect, organize, and evaluate improvement and 

modification inputs, and update and distribute the Interagency Serious Accident Investigation 

Guide as necessary.

The Interagency Serious Accident Investigation Guide Task Team members are listed below. 

Please forward your improvement and modification suggestions to your agency task team

representative. 

BIA Juan Beitia, juan.beitia@bia.gov

BLM Michelle Ryerson (Task Team Lead), mryerson@blm.gov, or 

Ed Jerome, ejerome@blm.gov

FWS Jim Chandler, jim_chandler@fws.gov

NPS Michael Quinn, michael_m_quinn@nps.gov or Chad Fisher, chad_fisher@nps.gov

USFS Tony Montoya, ammontoya@fs.fed.us

NASF Dan Smith, desmith@blm.gov (adhoc member)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dedication ................................................................................................................................. i

Managing the Interagency Serious Accident Investigation Guide ....................................... ii

Chapter 1 – Serious Accident Investigations......................................................................... 1

1.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Policy................................................................................................................................................... 1

1.3 Purpose............................................................................................................................................... 2

1.4 Accident Definitions............................................................................................................................. 2

1.5 Authority .............................................................................................................................................. 3

1.6 Interagency (Multi-Agency) Investigations .......................................................................................... 3

1.7 Federal Wildland Fire Interagency Investigations............................................................................... 4

1.8 Collateral Investigations...................................................................................................................... 4

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)....................................................................................... 4

Aviation Accidents ................................................................................................................................................. 5

Aviation and Ground Accident ............................................................................................................................................. 5

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) ..................................................................... 5

United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General (OIG).......................................................... 5

Law Enforcement .................................................................................................................................................. 6

Other Potential Collateral Investigations ............................................................................................................... 6

1.9 Serious Accident Investigation Process.............................................................................................. 7

Exhibit 1-1: Memorandum of Understanding between the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture .. 8

Chapter 2 – Initial Actions to be taken by Unit....................................................................... 9

2.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 9

2.2 Initiate Unit Emergency Response Procedures .................................................................................. 9

2.3 Ensure Injured Firefighters receive Medical Treatment (Burn Injury Procedures).............................. 9

2.4 Secure Accident Scene....................................................................................................................... 9

2.5 Accounting for Incident Personnel ....................................................................................................10

2.6 Notification of Serious Injury or Fatalities..........................................................................................10

2.7 Notification to Law Enforcement of Fatalities....................................................................................11

2.8 Public Safety Officer Benefits Program and Firefighter Autopsy Protocol........................................11

2.9 Review of Incident Management Complexity (Post Accident) ..........................................................11

2.10 Collect Documentation for Incoming Serious Accident Investigation Team (SAIT)........................12

2.11 Assign Unit Point of Contact to the Serious Accident Investigation Team .....................................12

2.12 Information and Media Releases ....................................................................................................12

Exhibit 2-1: Local Unit Initial Actions for Serious Accident (SAI) Investigations .....................................13

Exhibit 2-2: NWCG Wildland Fire Fatality and Entrapment – Initial Report............................................19

Exhibit 2-3: Sample Letter to the Medical Examiner/Coroner................................................................. 21
iv

Chapter 3 – Team Membership, Initial Briefings, and Team Management..........................23

3.1 Composition of Investigation Team...................................................................................................23

Core Serious Accident Investigation Team Members..........................................................................................24

Team Leader..................................................................................................................................................................... 24

Chief Investigator.............................................................................................................................................................. 24

Safety Manager................................................................................................................................................................. 24

Interagency Representative (for wildland fire-related SAIs) ............................................................................................... 25

Other Potential Serious Accident Investigation Team Members..........................................................................25

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) ......................................................................................................................................... 25

Technical Specialists......................................................................................................................................................... 25

Documentation Specialist.................................................................................................................................................. 26

Public Affairs Officer (PAO)............................................................................................................................................... 26

Writer/Editor...................................................................................................................................................................... 26

Union Representative........................................................................................................................................................ 27

3.2 Delegation of Authority......................................................................................................................27

3.3 Team Selection and Activation .........................................................................................................27

3.4 Initial Team Briefing ..........................................................................................................................28

3.5 In-briefing with Agency Administrator ...............................................................................................28

3.6 Team Management...........................................................................................................................29

Logistics ..............................................................................................................................................................29

Team Meeting Location.......................................................................................................................................30

Team Safety, Health, and Wellness ....................................................................................................................30

Exhibit 3-1: Sample Delegation of Authority Letter.................................................................................31

Chapter 4 – Visiting the Accident Scene...............................................................................33

4.1 Site Controls......................................................................................................................................33

4.2 Planning the Accident Site Scene Visit.............................................................................................33

Required Field Attire and Fireline Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ...........................................................34

Field Attire......................................................................................................................................................................... 34

Wildland Fire..................................................................................................................................................................... 34

Visiting the Fireline..............................................................................................................................................35

Non-Escorted.................................................................................................................................................................... 35

Escorted Personnel........................................................................................................................................................... 35

Helicopter Flights (Fire and Non-Fire) .................................................................................................................35

4.3 Approaching the Accident Site..........................................................................................................36

4.4 Initial Description of the Accident Site...............................................................................................36

4.5 Integrity of the Accident Site .............................................................................................................36
v 

Chapter 5 – Evidence Gathering ............................................................................................37

5.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................37

5.2 Physical Evidence Preservation and Collection................................................................................37

Criminal Activity...................................................................................................................................................39

5.3 Types of Evidence.............................................................................................................................39

Human Evidence.................................................................................................................................................39

Human Factors ................................................................................................................................................................. 40

Material Evidence................................................................................................................................................41

Environmental Evidence......................................................................................................................................41

5.4 Measurements and Mapping ............................................................................................................42

Global Positioning System (GPS)........................................................................................................................42

Navigational GPS.............................................................................................................................................................. 42

Engineering GPS .............................................................................................................................................................. 42

5.5 Photographic .....................................................................................................................................43

Wildland Fire Photos ...........................................................................................................................................43

Video ...................................................................................................................................................................44

5.6 Witness Statements and Interviews..................................................................................................44

Preparing for Interviews.......................................................................................................................................45

Consideration of Critical Incident Stress..............................................................................................................46

Conducting the Interviews ...................................................................................................................................46

Recording Interviews...........................................................................................................................................47

5.7 Collateral Investigations – Evidence Sharing ...................................................................................50

5-8 Evidence Protection..........................................................................................................................50

Exhibit 5-1: Investigating Burnovers and Shelter Deployments – Assessing Personal Protective 

Equipment ...............................................................................................................................................51

General Information.............................................................................................................................................51

Part A – Steps to Take Before Technical Specialists Arrive ................................................................................51

Part B – Process to Follow to Send Personal Protective Equipment to MTDC....................................................52

Collection Precautions....................................................................................................................................................... 52

Supporting Documentation................................................................................................................................................ 52

Interview Questions........................................................................................................................................................... 52

Shipping Equipment to MTDC........................................................................................................................................... 54

Exhibit 5-2: Evidence Log .......................................................................................................................55

Exhibit 5-3: Evidence Chain-of-Custody Log ..........................................................................................56

Exhibit 5-4: Human Reliability/Performance Factors ..............................................................................57

Exhibit 5-5: Accident Investigation Witness List......................................................................................66

Exhibit 5-6: Accident Investigation Witness Statement...........................................................................67

Exhibit 5-7: Accident Investigation Witness Interview.............................................................................69
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Chapter 6 – Evidence Analysis and Deliberations................................................................71

6.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................71

Wildland Fire .......................................................................................................................................................71

6.2 Accident Chronology.........................................................................................................................72

Pre-Accident........................................................................................................................................................72

Accident...............................................................................................................................................................73

Post-Accident ......................................................................................................................................................73

Injuries .............................................................................................................................................................................. 74

Damage ............................................................................................................................................................................ 74

6.3 Findings.............................................................................................................................................74

Other Findings.....................................................................................................................................................75

6.4 Cause................................................................................................................................................75

Accident Trajectory/Swiss Cheese Model ...........................................................................................................76

Writing Cause(s)..................................................................................................................................................77

6.5 Recommendations ............................................................................................................................77

Chapter 7 – Reports................................................................................................................79

7.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................79

7.2 24-Hour Preliminary Report ..............................................................................................................79

7.3 72-Hour Expanded Report ................................................................................................................79

7.4 Safety Alert........................................................................................................................................80

7.5 Final Report.......................................................................................................................................80

7.6 Final Report Extensions and Status Report......................................................................................81

7.7 Factual Report...................................................................................................................................81

7.8 Management Evaluation Report (MER)............................................................................................81

7.9 Distribution of Accident Reports........................................................................................................82

7.10 Case Files and Physical Evidence..................................................................................................82

7.11 Release of Final Report ..................................................................................................................83

Exhibit 7-1: 24-Hour Preliminary Report Cover Letter and Format.........................................................84

Exhibit 7-2: 72-Hour Expanded Report Cover Letter and Format...........................................................85

Exhibit 7-3: Safety Alert...........................................................................................................................86

Exhibit 7-4: Factual Report......................................................................................................................87

Exhibit 7-5: Management Evaluation Report ..........................................................................................88

Exhibit 7-6: Serious Accident Investigation Case File Inventory.............................................................90

Chapter 8 – Closeout and Final Briefings .............................................................................95

8.1 Team Closeout Briefing.....................................................................................................................95

8.2 Team Performance Review ..............................................................................................................95

8.3 On-Site Closeout Briefing with Agency Administrator.......................................................................96

8.4 Closeout Briefing with Internal and External Entities ........................................................................97
vii

8.5 Post-Final Report Closeout Briefings................................................................................................97

8.6 Final Report Briefings, Press Releases and Family Meetings..........................................................98

8.7 Serious Accident Investigation Team Release .................................................................................98

Exhibit 8-1: Investigation Team Closeout Briefing and Team Performance Review ..............................99

Exhibit 8-2: On-Site Closeout Briefing with Agency Administrator........................................................100

Chapter 9 – Accident Review Process.................................................................................101

9.1 Introduction .....................................................................................................................................101

9.2 Purpose of Accident Review Boards...............................................................................................101

9.3 Accident Review Board Membership..............................................................................................101

9.4 Accident Review Board Process.....................................................................................................102

9.5 Corrective Action Plan.....................................................................................................................102

Appendix A: Glossary and Acronyms .................................................................................103

Glossary ................................................................................................................................................103

Acronyms/Abbreviations .......................................................................................................................105

Appendix B: Figures and Exhibit Inventory ........................................................................107

Appendix C: Supporting Reference Documents................................................................. 109

Manuals and Policies ............................................................................................................................109

Agencies, Organizations, and Programs ..............................................................................................109

Guides, Publications, and Protocols .....................................................................................................110

Appendix D: Literature References .....................................................................................111

Acknowledgements ..............................................................................................................113
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SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS CHAPTER 1

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 1 

CHAPTER 1 – SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS 

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Every day countless accident-free operations are conducted throughout this country in a variety 

of work environments. Unfortunately, serious accidents occasionally occur. The Interagency 

Serious Accident Investigation Guide provides direction on how to respond when these serious 

accidents involve the operations, employees, contractors, volunteers, or property of the 

signatory agencies.

A serious accident investigation (SAI) collects and interprets information to help agencies 

understand how and why the accident occurred, and to recommend corrective actions that 

change or establish agency policy or mitigate hazards in an effort to prevent future similar 

accidents. Interagency SAIs are particularly important in that they may influence organizational 

and operational change across multiple agencies.

Interagency investigations are often complex in a way that single-agency investigations are not. 

Even slight differences in jurisdictional authorities, policy requirements, and operational 

practices can increase complexity significantly. Interagency serious accident investigation teams 

(SAITs) must have a broad, experience-based perspective and a solid mix of skills and 

knowledge in order to effectively navigate these complexities. 

The Interagency Serious Accident Investigation Guide is intended to help administrators, 

managers, investigators, and other involved personnel conduct interagency SAIs in a 

consistent, coordinated, organized, and effective manner. 

1.2 POLICY

The objective of accident investigation is accident prevention and learning. Information from 

SAIs should only be used by the agencies for accident prevention purposes, not to assign 

blame or serve as the basis for disciplinary action. This is in accordance with Executive Order 

12196 paragraph 1-201[f] and 29 CFR 1904.36 and CFR 1960, which apply specifically to 

federal employees; states should refer to respective state regulations. 

Investigations or reviews conducted for administrative, disciplinary, legal, or liability purposes 

must be separate and independent of the SAI. 

Types and levels of investigations will be determined by the policies of the jurisdictional 

agencies in accordance with established laws and agreements, and by the complexity and 

severity of the accident.
SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS CHAPTER 1

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 2 

1.3 PURPOSE

The Interagency Serious Accident Investigation Guide establishes core direction for all 

interagency SAIs and may be used entirely or in part for other accident investigations as well. 

This guide provides SAITs a comprehensive process to use when conducting interagency 

investigations. Additionally, the guide provides detailed information on the investigative process, 

gathering and maintaining custody of physical and photographic evidence, interviewing 

witnesses, documenting witness statements, preparing investigation reports, and other critical 

subjects. 

This guide pertains to any type of SAI; however, there are unique and additional technical 

requirements for SAIs involving wildland fire and fire aviation operations. These requirements 

are stated or referenced in this guide. 

For wildland fire, this guide was developed under National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) 

auspices. The guide is also consistent with the October 26, 1995, Memorandum of 

Understanding between the United States Department of the Interior and the United States 

Department of Agriculture that, “establishes the basis for interagency investigation of fire-related 

accidents.”

1.4 ACCIDENT DEFINITIONS

The type of accident investigation is generally based on the standard interagency accident and 

incident definitions provided below. Investigations may range from large teams conducting 

complex interagency investigations and producing comprehensive reports to first-level 

supervisors reporting minor accidents through agency-specific reporting systems. 

Serious Accident: An unplanned event or series of events that resulted in death; injury, 

occupational illness, or damage to or loss of equipment or property. A serious accident involves 

any of the following:

• One or more fatalities

• Three of more personnel who are inpatient hospitalized, for other than observation, as a 

direct result of or in support of operations

• Property or equipment damage of $250,000 or more

• Consequences that the Designated Agency Safety and Health Official (DASHO) or 

designated agency official judges to warrant a SAI

• Some state agencies may have further definitions of a serious accident that also 

includes: 

o In-patient hospitalization for more than 24 hours for other than observation 

(regardless of number of employees)

o The loss of a body part 

o Serious disfigurement 
SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS CHAPTER 1

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 3 

Accident: An unplanned event or series of events that resulted in injury, occupational illness, or 

damage to or loss of equipment or property to a lesser degree than defined as a serious 

accident. 

Near-miss: An unplanned event or series of events that could have resulted in death, injury, 

occupational illness, or damage to or loss of equipment or property but did not.

Entrapment: A situation where personnel are unexpectedly caught in a fire behavior-related, 

life threatening position where planned escape routes or safety zones are absent, inadequate, 

or compromised. Entrapment may or may not include deployment of a fire shelter for its 

intended purpose. Entrapment may result in a serious wildland fire accident, wildland fire 

accident, or a near-miss. 

Fire Shelter Deployment: The removal of a fire shelter from its case and use as protection 

against fire. Fire shelter deployment may or may not be associated with entrapment. Fire shelter 

deployment may result in a serious wildland fire accident, a wildland fire accident, or a nearmiss. 

1.5 AUTHORITY

Federal, state, and local agencies have designated officials that are authorized to and 

responsible for investigating serious accidents for their respective agencies. These officials may 

delegate their authority to investigate serious accidents. Some federal agencies title these 

officials Designated Safety and Health Officials (DASHOs). 

Following initial notification of a serious accident the pertinent delegating official(s) will assign 

one Team Leader or two co-leaders. The Team Leaders will be provided a written delegation of 

authority which will enable them to organize and deploy a SAIT and conduct the investigation.

1.6 INTERAGENCY (MULTI-AGENCY) INVESTIGATIONS 

Serious accidents involving multiple agencies will require the delegating officials to develop and 

issue a joint interagency delegation of authority that is signed by each of the involved agencies. 

Team Leaders should ask for and review any interagency agreements that may affect the 

conduct of the accident investigation.

Team Leaders should establish cooperative relationships with the other agencies involved in the 

investigation to ensure that responsibilities to conduct the SAI are met. This may involve 

negotiations, cooperative agreements, and coordination with the agency delegating officials.

Interagency agreements may exist at various levels that provide additional accident 

investigation requirements and should be considered when conducting accident investigations. 
SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS CHAPTER 1

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 4 

1.7 FEDERAL WILDLAND FIRE INTERAGENCY INVESTIGATIONS 

For federal wildland fire serious accidents involving the U.S. Department of the Interior and the 

U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the U.S. 

Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture establishes the basis for 

interagency investigation of serious wildland fire-related accidents and provides information on 

policy, procedures, and timeframes. The MOU states that, “interagency investigation teams will 

include personnel from both Departments.” The MOU can be located in Exhibit 1-1. 

1.8 COLLATERAL INVESTIGATIONS 

Other agencies such as law enforcement, Federal Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration (OSHA), State OSHA, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 

(NIOSH), and the Office of Inspector General (OIG) may have a jurisdictional responsibility to 

conduct their own investigations. These investigations are independent and can run 

concurrently while serious accident investigations are being conducted. Team Leaders should 

continue their inquiries and establish a cooperative relationship with these other agencies.

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA)

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) determines whether an employer 

violated occupational safety and health standards leading to a death or hospitalization of three

or more employees. (Figure 1)

• Federal OSHA 

o Federal OSHA offices have jurisdiction over 

federal employees and will have been 

notified by the agency Safety Manager prior 

to SAIT arrival.

• State OSHA

o State OSHA offices do not generally have jurisdiction over federal employees, 

federal volunteers, or federal agencies. The local OSHA Area Director will have 

knowledge of any local jurisdictional issues. State OSHA offices may get involved 

if there are victims that are not federal employees; e.g., state personnel, 

contractors, municipal employees. They may also be involved if the accident is 

on state land.

When an OSHA Compliance Officer responds to conduct an investigation of an accident, the 

result may be that OSHA issues the responsible unit one or more “Notices of Violation.” Factual 

information shared with OSHA in the course of an SAI may be used to issue these notices.

Figure 1: Occupational Safety and 

Health Administration (OSHA) logo
SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS CHAPTER 1

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 5 

AVIATION ACCIDENTS

Congress has designated the National Transportation Safety Board 

(NTSB) (Figure 2) as the organization with primary responsibility over 

the investigation of all civil and public aircraft accidents (49 CFR 831.2). 

The NTSB can delegate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or 

affected agency. The Department of the Interior, Office of Aviation 

Services, and U.S. Forest Service may be granted as a “party” to these 

investigations. 

Aviation and Ground Accident Figure 2: NTSB logo

Should aviation or a combined aviation and ground accident occur, the NTSB will have overall

authority of the accident scene and investigation. Close coordination and collaboration with the 

NTSB will be critical to the SAI’s mission.

• The delegation of authority will include the Team Leader’s responsibility to request party 

status to the NTSB investigation.

• An agency has the option to conduct an independent investigation (concurrent with the 

NTSB investigation) to look at agency-specific management, policy or processes, and 

organizational concerns. 

THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH 

(NIOSH)

In 1998, Congress allocated funds to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 

(NIOSH) to address the continuing national problem of occupational firefighter fatalities and 

injuries.

NIOSH has the authority to conduct independent investigations. Agencies should notify NIOSH 

for these types of accidents. This notification is done by the respective agencies wildland fire 

safety managers. 

Based upon their investigations, NIOSH will develop narrative reports of events surrounding 

firefighter deaths. These reports are distributed throughout the United States fire community.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OFFICE OF INSPECTOR 

GENERAL (OIG) 

United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General 

(OIG) (Figure 3) has been authorized by Congress (Public Law 107-

203) to conduct independent investigations of all fire-related 

entrapments or burnovers that result in a fatality involving USDA 

Forest Service personnel. 

The purpose of the OIG investigation is to provide a report to 

Congress. Upon completing the investigation, the Inspector General of

Figure 3: USDA OIG logo
SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS CHAPTER 1

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 6 

the Department of Agriculture shall submit to Congress and the Secretary of Agriculture a report 

containing the results of the OIG investigation.

LAW ENFORCEMENT 

Law enforcement (Figure 4) assumes control of accident scenes until the nature of the accident 

is determined. The jurisdictional law enforcement agency will release the accident scene to local 

Agency Administrator once the incident is determined to be a workplace accident with no 

criminal activity suspected. There are two situations where collateral law enforcement 

investigation could occur:

• Confirmed criminal activity (e.g., arson-started wildfire)

• Potential tort claims investigations (e.g., U.S. Forest Service law enforcement have 

authority to conduct tort claims investigations independent of the SAI)

Figure 4: Law enforcement personnel at accident scene

OTHER POTENTIAL COLLATERAL INVESTIGATIONS

• United States Coast Guard

• Department of Defense

• Local law enforcement and fire marshals

o Local law enforcement and/or fire marshals become involved when an accident 

falls under their jurisdiction.

o Assess their involvement and need to be a part of the accident investigation 

process.

Coordination with these organizations usually occurs when they have resources that are 

involved in the accident or have jurisdictional responsibilities. This can happen during serious 

wildland fire accidents and would constitute an interagency investigation.
SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS CHAPTER 1

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 7 

1.9 SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION PROCESS 

The SAI process (Figure 5) is best described chronologically and moves sequentially from start 

to finish. The process is as follows:

1. Team selection and activation

2. Initial team briefing

3. In-briefing with Agency Administrator

4. Site visit

5. Evidence gathering

6. Evidence analysis and deliberations

7. On-site closeout briefings

8. Final Report preparation

9. Post Final Report closeout briefings

10. Accident review process

11. Follow-up actions/Corrective Action 

Plan

SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION PROCESS

Figure 5: Serious Accident Investigation Process
SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS CHAPTER 1

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 8 

Exhibit 1-1: Memorandum of Understanding between 

the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

Between the 

United States Department of the Interior 

and the 

United States Department of Agriculture

I. Purpose. This Memorandum of Understanding 

establishes the basis for interagency investigation of serious 

fire-related accidents.

II. Introduction. If the causal factors of a serious firerelated accident are identified, effective corrective actions to 

prevent a recurrence can be taken. Interagency investigations 

add perspective and enhance the mix of skills and 

knowledge on the investigation team. Interagency 

investigations are especially important where there are 

common management and corrective action issues.

III. Policy. Interagency investigations will be conducted 

whenever a serious fire-related accident occurs on a USDA 

Forest Service managed fire, Department of the Interior 

managed fire, or a jointly managed fire. Aircraft accidents 

occurring during wildland fire operations will be 

investigated by the national Transportation Safety Board, the 

USDA Forest Service, and the Department of the Interior in 

accordance with established laws and agreements.

IV. Definitions

A. Serious Fire-Related Accidents. Accidents 

occurring to personnel participating in wildland fire 

suppression or prescribed burning operations, or to 

personnel working in direct support of those activities, 

which result in one or more fatalities or the 

hospitalization of three or more personnel.

B. Co-Lead Investigations. Team leaders from both 

Departments and team members from both 

Departments.

C. Agency-Lead Investigations. Single team leader 

and team members from both Departments.

V. Procedures. Interagency investigation teams will include 

personnel from both the Department of the Interior and the 

Department of Agriculture. Representatives of the 

Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration will be invited to participate in these 

investigations, or will be given full support to conduct their 

own investigation.

A. Co-Lead Investigations will be conducted 

whenever:

1. A serious fire-related accident occurs on a 

USDA Forest Service/Department of the Interior 

jointly managed fire, or,

2. A serious fire-related accident involving 

USDA Forest Service personnel occurs on a 

Department of the Interior managed fire, or,

3. A serious fire-related accident involving 

Department of the Interior personnel occurs on a 

USDA Forest Service managed fire.

B. Agency-Lead Investigations will be conducted 

whenever only one agency is responsible for managing 

a fire, and a serious fire-related accident occurs

affecting only personnel of that same agency. The 

agency responsible for managing the fire will lead the 

investigation.

VI. Timeframes. The report should be completed and a 

copy submitted to the appropriate Departmental Designated 

Safety and Health Official(s) within 45 calendar days of the 

accident.

VII. Training and Qualifications. Team leaders,

investigators, and specialists will meet minimum training 

and qualification standards as jointly established by the 

Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Interior, 

and the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

Wardell C. Townsend Jr.

Assistant Secretary Operations

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Claudia P. Schecter

Director of Operations

U.S. Department of the Interior

10/26/95
INITIAL ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN BY UNIT CHAPTER 2

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 9

CHAPTER 2 – INITIAL ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN BY UNIT

2.1 INTRODUCTION

An accident investigation must be done promptly to ensure that important information is not lost, 

misplaced, forgotten, or otherwise contaminated. The agency’s immediate priority is to ensure 

no further injury or damage occurs and to aid the injured. As soon as the emergency situation is 

over, the on-site accident investigation can begin.

2.2 INITIATE UNIT EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURES

The Agency Administrator is responsible to immediately initiate actions which provide effective, 

efficient, and timely leadership in critical incidents within their jurisdiction. The Local Unit Initial 

Actions for Serious Accident Investigations checklist (Exhibit 2-1) serves as a general guide for 

actions to be initiated by the Agency Administrator. Additional actions may also be found in the 

unit Emergency Response Plan.

The checklist should be faxed or emailed to the local unit upon notification of the accident by 

respective agency(ies) office who is responsible for delegating the SAI.

The Agency Administrator should determine the scope of the accident, ensure those involved 

are medically treated and accounted for, determine the jurisdictions involved and other affected 

agencies, and implement the unit’s Emergency Response Plan. Names of the involved 

personnel are not communicated over the radio.

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) publication Agency Administrator’s Guide to 

Critical Incident Management, PMS 926, is an excellent resource that is available to Agency 

Administrators for the overall management of critical incidents within their jurisdictions. This 

publication is available for download at http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/pubs/pubs.htm.

2.3 ENSURE INJURED FIREFIGHTERS RECEIVE MEDICAL TREATMENT 

(BURN INJURY PROCEDURES)

Treatment, transport, and follow-up care must immediately be arranged for injured and involved 

personnel.

The Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide, PMS 210 (p. 10), contains the “NWCG 

Burn Injury Procedures.” This publication is available for download 

at http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/pubs/pubs.htm.

2.4 SECURE ACCIDENT SCENE

The site of the incident should be secured immediately by agency personnel and/or law 

enforcement and nothing moved or disturbed until the area is photographed and visually 

reviewed.
INITIAL ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN BY UNIT CHAPTER 2

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 10

If the accident occurred on a wildland fire, there may be a standard temporary flight restriction 

(TFR) in place “to provide a safe environment for the operation of disaster relief aircraft” (14 

CFR 91.137a[2]). Verification of such restriction should occur. 

IMPORTANT NOTE:

A TFR cannot be established to prevent media access. Should multiple aircraft be in 

the area, aerial supervision should be ordered to facilitate air space congestion.

2.5 ACCOUNTING FOR INCIDENT PERSONNEL

The responsible Agency Administrator will account for all injured or missing personnel. 

2.6 NOTIFICATION OF SERIOUS INJURY OR FATALITIES

As soon as a serious accident is verified, and after the initial response, notification of the 

incident should proceed to the following groups or individuals:

• Agency headquarters

• County Sheriff or local law enforcement as appropriate to jurisdiction

• Agency law enforcement

• Responsible Safety Manager 

o Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (within 8 hours of a 

work-related serious accident resulting in one or more fatalities or the in-patient 

hospitalization of three or more employees). Call 1-800-321-OSHA.

• For wildland fire entrapments: The Agency Administrator or Incident Commander shall 

prepare and submit the NWCG Wildland Fire Fatality and Entrapment Initial Report, 

PMS 405-1, (Exhibit 2-2). The form is available for download at 

http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/forms_otr/pms405-1.pdf. 

• Submit the Wildland Fire Fatality and Entrapment Initial Report to National Interagency 

Coordination Center (NICC)

• Public Affairs

Agency-specific reporting requirements shall be followed and notification made through chain of 

command. The Agency Administrator shall prepare and issue the 24-hour Preliminary Report to 

the appropriate officials.

More information on the 24-hour Preliminary Report, including a template, can be found 

in Chapter 7 - Reports. 
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2.7 NOTIFICATION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OF FATALITIES

Agency-specific reporting requirements shall be followed. Normally the agency dispatch 

organization will make the contact with the Sheriff’s Office and agency law enforcement and 

provide information on the accident, location, and on-site contact information. 

2.8 PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER BENEFITS PROGRAM AND 

FIREFIGHTER AUTOPSY PROTOCOL

The Firefighter Autopsy Protocol is critical in helping determining 

eligibility under the U.S. Department of Justice, Public Safety 

Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) Program (Figure 6), as well as state

and local programs.

Family members may be entitled to benefits under the PSOB

when “Public Safety Officers are found to have died as a direct 

and proximate result of a personal injury sustained in the line of 

duty” (28 CFR 32.1). To acquire these benefits, claimants are 

required to demonstrate that the injury resulting in death was a 

direct result of activities performed in the line of duty.

The Firefighter Autopsy Protocol was developed by the U.S. 

Fire Administration for the purpose of providing medical 

examiners, coroners, and pathologists a uniform recommended 

procedure for investigating the causes and contributing factors 

related to firefighter deaths. The Firefighter Autopsy Protocol is 

available for download at

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/firefighter_autopsy_protocol.pdf. 

Every attempt will be made to provide this protocol to the medical examiner/coroner. The Team

Leader or the Agency Administrator (autopsies may occur prior to the SAIT’s arrival) should 

follow up with the medical examiner/coroner to ensure the protocol was provided. The Sample 

Letter to the Medical Examiner/Coroner (Exhibit 2-3) is a template that can be used to request 

autopsy reports. 

2.9 REVIEW OF INCIDENT MANAGEMENT COMPLEXITY (POST 

ACCIDENT) 

The Agency Administrator should review the complexity of the incident and ensure the 

appropriate level of incident management organization is in place to ensure continued safe and 

effective operations. 

Figure 6: PSOB brochure
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2.10 COLLECT DOCUMENTATION FOR INCOMING SERIOUS ACCIDENT 

INVESTIGATION TEAM (SAIT)

Refer to the Local Unit Initial Actions for Serious Accident Investigations checklist (Exhibit 2-1) 

for types of information that should be collected for investigations.

2.11 ASSIGN UNIT POINT OF CONTACT TO THE SERIOUS ACCIDENT 

INVESTIGATION TEAM

The Agency Administrator shall assign a Unit Point of Contact (POC) for the SAIT. The POC 

serves as a liaison with the SAIT and facilitate needs of the team in order to complete 

investigation in a timely and efficient manner.

The Unit POC is not considered part of the SAIT and should not be involved in any SAIT 

discussions regarding the accident.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Ensure the individual assigned as the Unit POC was not directly or indirectly involved 

in the accident.

2.12 INFORMATION AND MEDIA RELEASES 

Release of information to the news media (e.g., news releases, talking points) should be 

coordinated with the respective agencies’ headquarter Public Affairs Office (PAO) or as 

determined by the delegating official(s). 

For federal wildland fire-related SAIs, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) PAO will 

coordinate release of SAI or related information.

Information can include:

• Number of victims (never release names of injured victims)

• Name of fatality victim(s) (if next of kin has been notified)

• Severity of injuries or property damages 

• Synopsis of known facts

• Cause of death from autopsy results

• Release of Factual Report
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Exhibit 2-1: Local Unit Initial Actions for Serious 

Accident (SAI) Investigations

The Agency Administrator is responsible to immediately initiate actions which provide effective, 

efficient, and timely leadership in critical incidents within their jurisdiction. 

The Agency Administrator should determine the scope of the accident; the jurisdictions involved 

and other affected agencies and implement the unit’s Emergency Response Plan. 

Implement local Emergency Response Plan and initiate the following actions:

Ensure all victims receive emergency medical treatment and receive advocacy 

representation.

Follow established NWCG Burn Injury Procedures for wildland fire burn victims.

Ensure that rescue operations can be conducted safely and do not further endanger 

emergency responders.

Account for all injured or missing personnel and/or damaged equipment.

Secure and document the accident site to preserve evidence and protect personal 

and government property.

Ensure that communications are controlled to guarantee privacy until next of kin are 

notified.

The Agency Administrator should inquire from the witnesses if any 

photographs/videos were taken of the accident event. If witnesses have 

photos/videos they should be encouraged to share those with the SAIT. To maintain 

the integrity of the investigation and to protect the identity of employees 

involved in the accident, witnesses should be informed to refrain from posting

any photo’s or video’s on social media networks or personal emails.

For wildland fire events the local Agency Administrator shall review the complexity of 

the incident and order the appropriate incident management team level needed.
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Gather, verify and record initial accident information:

Who Full name of victims, including 

nicknames

When Approximate time and date of 

accident

Where Location of accident (closest 

town, jurisdiction, or other 

geographic information)

What Cause of damage or injuries

Why Actual or suspected cause of 

injury or death

As soon as a serious accident is verified, and after the initial response, notification of 

the incident should proceed to the following groups or individuals:

Agency headquarters

County Sheriff or local law enforcement as appropriate to jurisdiction. Coordinate with 

law enforcement to ensure autopsies are requested for all fatalities.

Agency law enforcement

Responsible Safety Manager

Public Affairs

For Wildland Fire Accidents

National Interagency Coordination Center. The Agency Administrator/Incident 

Commander shall prepare and submit NWCG Wildland Fire Fatality and Entrapment 

Initial Report, PMS 405-1, downloadable from

http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/forms_otr/pms405-1.pdf.

County medical examiner/coroner. Immediately provide the county medical 

examiner/coroner with a copy of the FA-156, Firefighter Autopsy Protocol

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/firefighter_autopsy_protocol.pdf.
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Follow agency protocol for OSHA notification (1-800-321-OSHA) within 8 hours of the 

accident and provide them with the following information:

The establishment name;

The location and zip code of the incident; 

The time of the incident;

The number of fatalities and/or hospitalized employees; 

Your contact person and his/her phone number;

A brief description of the incident; and

Inform OSHA that an agency SAIT is on the way, answer any other questions they 

have, and leave your direct contact information if you leave a voicemail.

DO not collect evidence at the scene unless it is in danger of disappearing. Try to 

contact the Team Leader or Chief Investigator if you think it is necessary to remove 

evidence from the scene.

The following are the types of documents that should be collected in preparation for the 

arrival of the SAIT:

Radio logs (written and recorded) 

Dispatch logs 

Occupant emergency plans

Maps 

Job Hazard Analyses/Risk Assessments

Safety briefings 

Employee training records 

Medical examination records 

Qualifications/certifications 

Work/rest (timesheets) for at least two pay periods (current and before the accident) 

Equipment maintenance records 

Equipment performance tests 
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The following are the types of documents that should be collected in preparation for the 

arrival of the SAIT:

Inspection documents 

Remote Automated Weather System (RAWS) information

Weather (forecast/conditions) 

Delegation of authority

MOU/agreements 

Specifications/drawings 

Press releases 

Autopsy/toxicology report 

Death certificate 

911 dispatch log 

Witness statements

Photos, videos, recordings

Internal policies/guidelines 

Tailgate safety session documentation 

Unit’s safety plan 
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The following is a list of fire-related documents that should be collected:

Fire behavior/weather observations

Incident Complexity Analysis

Documented risk management process (e.g., ICS 215A)

Recent fire assignments

Fire management plan

Incident organizer (Type 4 or 3 incidents)

Incident Action Plans/personnel lists

Fire qualifications. Consult with appropriate IQCS managers regarding Incident

Qualification Cards.

Team briefings

Work Capacity Test results

Prescribed fire documents (e.g., burn plan, “go-no-go” checklists)

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Agency Administrator should determine need for the level of Critical Incident Stress 

Management (CISM) and implement. 

Additional information can be found in the following: 

• NWCG Agency Administrator’s Guide to Critical Incident Management (PMS-926)

• Agency-specific line-of-duty death response guides

FAMILY LIAISON

A Family Liaison should be designated by the Agency Administrator to maintain open lines of 

communication between the agency and the family. The liaison will provide the family support, 

assistance, and information during the crisis situation. 
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UNIT POINT OF CONTACT

The Agency Administrator shall assign a Unit Point of Contact (POC) for the SAIT. The POC 

serves as liaison with the SAIT and facilitate needs of the team in order to complete 

investigation in a timely and efficient manner.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Ensure the individual assigned as the Unit POC was not directly or 

indirectly involved in the accident.

For additional SAI information, go to http://www.nifc.gov/safety/safety_reprtsInvest.html.
INITIAL ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN BY UNIT CHAPTER 2

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Exhibit 2-2: NWCG Wildland Fire Fatality and 

Entrapment – Initial Report
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INITIAL ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN BY UNIT CHAPTER 2

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Exhibit 2-3: Sample Letter to the Medical 

Examiner/Coroner

[Letterhead] 

[Date] 

Dr. [Name]

[Title; e.g., County Medical Examiner/Coroner] 

[Address] 

Dear Dr. [Name]:

On [Date] [Agency] employee [Name] was fatally injured during performance of duties at/on 

[at Location or on Incident Name/Fire] near [City/State]. 

The purpose of this letter is to formally request copies of the official autopsy and toxicology 

reports. As you know, these reports are essential in the completion of a thorough and accurate 

accident investigation. The reports will be reviewed by the serious accident investigation team 

(SAIT) and made a part of the official accident investigation that is being conducted by the

[Agency]. 

The reports should be forwarded to the SAIT Leader, [Mailing Address]. Please send the reports 

in an envelope marked "Confidential - Do Not Open in Mail Room." 

Please refer to the U. S. Fire Administration’s Firefighter Autopsy Protocol for the 

recommended procedure for investigating the causes and contributing factors related to 

firefighter deaths. The Firefighter Autopsy Protocol is available for download at 

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/firefighter_autopsy_protocol.pdf. 

Questions regarding this request may be addressed to [Team Leader’s Name] at the above 

address or at [Phone Number]. 

Thank you for your prompt response to this request. 

Sincerely,

[Team Leader’s Name] 

Team Leader
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CHAPTER 3 – TEAM MEMBERSHIP, INITIAL BRIEFINGS, AND 

TEAM MANAGEMENT 

3.1 COMPOSITION OF INVESTIGATION TEAM

The serious accident investigation team (SAIT) will be comprised of a core team, subject matter 

experts, and in certain circumstances additional technical specialists. The core team shall 

consist of Team Leader, Chief Investigator, Safety Manager, and for fire-related accidents, an 

Interagency Representative.

Any additional members added to the team after mobilization may be requested as determined 

by the Team Leader and approved by delegating official(s) or designee(s).

Figure 7 depicts a typical SAIT organization. Team positions with general description of duties

are located in this chapter. Agency-specific qualifications for these positions are not contained 

within this guide. Refer to agency manuals and handbooks for agency-specific qualifications.

Agencies will accept other agency’s qualifications for SAIT members for interagency accident 

investigations.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Team members should be selected from outside the unit where the accident 

occurred.

Figure 7: Typical serious accident investigation team organization. Team membership will vary depending upon 

accident event and complexity.
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INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 24

CORE SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION TEAM MEMBERS

Team Leader

• The Team Leader is responsible for all activities needed to accomplish the objectives of 

the investigation and serves as the immediate point of contact with the agency.

• Team Leaders are selected based on the severity of the incident and the level of 

management representation needed. Duties are assigned via a delegation of authority

letter.

• In co-lead investigations, Team Leaders from the involved agencies will be assigned by

the agency and receive a joint letter of delegation (Exhibit 3-1). They will manage the 

investigation jointly and serve as the immediate point of contact with their respective 

agency(ies).

• The Team Leader will present the Final Report (includes the Factual and Management 

Evaluation Reports) to the delegating official(s) and/or potentially the agency-specific 

Accident Review Board.

Chief Investigator

• The Chief Investigator (Figure 8) is responsible for the direct management of technical 

investigation activities.

Safety Manager

• The Safety Manager is an occupational safety and health professional responsible for 

advising the Team Leader on occupational safety and health issues pertinent to the 

investigation.

Figure 8: Accident investigation (Digger-Derrick Truck Tip-Over Incident, Factual Report, 

NPS, 2011, cover)
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INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 25

• Delegating official(s) may, at their discretion, fill this position with a trained and qualified 

NWCG Fire Safety Officer (SOFR) or higher safety position (e.g., SOF1/SOF2).

Interagency Representative (for wildland fire-related SAIs)

• An Interagency Representative will be assigned to every fire-related SAIT.

• Non-fire related SAI may utilize Interagency Representatives as well. 

• Interagency Representatives will assist as designated by the Team Leader and are 

considered full-time members of the SAIT. 

OTHER POTENTIAL SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION TEAM MEMBERS

Other SAIT members may be added or requested depending upon the complexity and technical 

needs of the accident investigation. Below is a list of additional team members that may be 

found on an SAI; however, this list is not all-inclusive and other specialists can be added as 

necessary.

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)

• In most cases, subject matter experts (SMEs) will be needed to assist with the accident 

investigation. SMEs are experienced program specialists and are typically agency 

employees.

• SMEs are expected to be full-time SAIT members and will be part of the process from 

beginning to end.

• SMEs shall be selected from outside the unit where the accident occurred and must not 

have a conflict of interest. 

• SMEs directly report to the Chief Investigator.

Technical Specialists

• A technical specialist is skilled in a specific profession related to the type of accident, 

property damage, terrain, etc., who can conduct a specific analysis or determination 

related to equipment or other specific component of the accident. 

• Technical specialists are not full-time SAIT members and are generally utilized only 

within the scope of the specific analysis or determination they are qualified to address.

• Contracted industry professionals may be used for specific technical specialist needs; 

this is a common occurrence in complex accidents.

• Wildland fire: Specific SMEs or technical specialists may be needed for wildland fire 

SAIs to address technical issues such as weather, fire behavior, aviation, and fire 

equipment. SAITs have the option to utilize these persons as either SMEs (full-time team 

members) or as technical specialists (part-time team members). Examples of 

SMEs/technical specialists unique to wildland fire include:

o Fire Management Officer (FMO)
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INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 26

o Fire Operations Expert

o Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN)

o Fire Weather Meteorologist (IMET) from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration’s (NOAA) Fire Weather Service

o Fire Safety Officer

o Fire Equipment Specialist

o Technical professional photographer

o GIS Specialist

Documentation Specialist

• Document Specialists maintain and manage the original accident investigation case file 

and supporting documentation.

• The Documentation Specialist works directly for the Team Leader. Document Specialists

provide document management support to the investigation until released by the Team 

Leader.

Public Affairs Officer (PAO)

• A Public Affairs Officer (PAO)

should be considered as part of 

the SAIT when an investigation 

has high public visibility and 

significant news media interest.

(Figure 9)

• The PAO works under the 

direction of the Team Leader.

• All media-related documents 

(news releases, talking points, 

etc.) will be approved through the 

delegating official(s) or 

designee(s) prior to external 

release.

• A PAO qualified as an NWCG 

Type 1 or Type 2 Public Information Officer (PIOF) meets the skills set for this position.

Writer/Editor

• In more complex investigations, the assistance of a writer/editor may be useful for 

completing the Final Report. 

• Team Leader will determine the need for a writer/editor and request one through the 

delegating official(s) or their designee(s). 

Figure 9: Media briefing (Photo credit: Kari Greer)
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Union Representative 

• Agency agreements will identify the requirement for collective bargaining unit/union 

representation within the accident investigation process.

• The union representative works under the direction of the Team Leader and may be 

assigned team specific duties as determined by the Team Leader.

3.2 DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY

Each agency (federal, state, and local) will have a jurisdictional representative that is the 

responsible official for ensuring that serious accidents are fully investigated for the agency. 

The Team Leader will be given delegation of authority from:

• Agency DASHOs or responsible agency officials 

• Department of the Interior Fire Directors 

o Department of the Interior agencies are delegated authority to conduct fire 

program-related serious accident investigations. 

This delegation of authority is the Team Leader’s authority to conduct the investigation and 

request the needed resources.

For interagency accident investigations, the delegation is through one joint delegation of 

authority letter from the involved agencies officials. Refer to the Sample Delegation of Authority 

Letter template (Exhibit 3-1). 

Due to the complexities of an interagency investigation, there are some key areas that may 

require upfront discussions and these should be determined and identified in the delegation of 

authority. These areas may include:

• Office of Record – Identify the Office of Record (for retaining final case file and 

processing Freedom of Information Act [FOIA] requests). 

• Accident Review Board (ARB) – Identify a single-agency or joint-interagency ARBs as 

applicable. 

3.3 TEAM SELECTION AND ACTIVATION

SAITs are selected and activated by the affected agencies. For interagency investigations, team 

membership will be negotiated by the agencies that are part of the delegation of authority. 

Team member mobilization will be coordinated according to each agency’s process.
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3.4 INITIAL TEAM BRIEFING

The initial team briefing, conducted by the Team Leader, serves as the basis for the SAIT to 

understand how the investigation will be conducted and each team member’s roles and 

responsibilities. Additional topics include:

• Delegation of authority

• Team introductions

• Investigation methodology

• Team performance and conduct

• Standards for confidentiality

• Evidence collection and accountability

• Team assignments

• Team safety, health, and wellness

• Team logistics

3.5 IN-BRIEFING WITH AGENCY ADMINISTRATOR

When the SAIT arrives at the field unit, it is imperative that there be a transition briefing between 

the local Agency Administrator/staff and the SAIT. This briefing provides the SAIT with an 

overview of the activities that occurred prior to their arrival. All records and information collected 

to date should be transferred to the SAIT at this time. The briefing should include information 

regarding:

• Local coordination

• Accident site transfer to SAIT

o For U.S. Forest Service accidents, coordination with agency law enforcement 

program must be accomplished in accordance with the Accident Investigation 

Protocol for Investigations of Serious Injuries and Fatalities of On-Duty Forest 

Service Employees. 

• Medical examiner/coroner (if applicable)

• Witnesses

• Victims

• Local issues (political, land use, etc.)

• Media
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3.6 TEAM MANAGEMENT 

LOGISTICS

Preplanning and acquiring the resources needed to accomplish the accident investigation will 

significantly contribute to the SAIT’s functionality and success. Once logistical needs are 

identified and acquired, the decision needs to be made about who is going to manage them.

The Team Leader may assign these tasks to a team member who has the skill and time to 

manage this important.

Possible administrative support includes: 

• Lodging/meeting place for SAIT (including private interview room[s]) 

• Office supplies (flip charts, markers, etc.)

• Map to accident site 

• Consider the need for an escort to the site

• Shredder

• Fax machine

• Laptop computers

• Printers

• Computer projector

• Computer scanner

• Computer flash drives

• Vehicles

• Cellular phones

• Speaker phone (for conference calls)

• Personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Access to TV/DVD

• Programmable portable radio

• Satellite phone (remote areas)

• Global positioning system (GPS)
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TEAM MEETING LOCATION 

When selecting a location for team meetings, there are some things to consider. There are 

advantages and disadvantages to meeting and working out of agency offices. 

Pros of utilizing agency headquarters:

• Equipment availability

• Access to agency personnel 

• Building security (limited access to public)

Cons of utilizing agency headquarters:

• Appearance of conflict of interest or lack of objectivity

• Distractions/interruptions

• Greater opportunity for interviewers/discussions to be overheard by agency personnel

• Lack of personnel security

The Team Leader and the Chief Investigator should discuss the pros and cons of the location 

that will best meet the needs for the investigation.

TEAM SAFETY, HEALTH, AND WELLNESS 

The Team Leader has the overall responsibility to ensure that team members are protected 

from hazards while conducting the investigation. The Safety Manager should conduct daily 

safety briefings on what hazards to expect for the planned activities and prepare risk 

assessments as necessary.

Monitor individual team member performance and well-being.

• Continuously watch for signs of stress due to circumstances surrounding the accident.

• Monitor work-rest cycles.

• Determine if Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is needed (during or after

investigation). 
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Exhibit 3-1: Sample Delegation of Authority Letter

[Letterhead]

[Date]

Memorandum

To: Team Leader/Co-Lead Team Leader [Names], Serious Accident Investigation 

From: Delegating Official(s) [Name(s)]

Subject: Joint Delegation of Authority—Serious Accident Investigation [Names]

This memorandum formalizes your appointment as Team Leader/Co-Lead Team Leader to 

investigate the accident which occurred on the [Incident Information].

This serious accident investigation (SAI) will be conducted as an interagency investigation 

between the [Agency] and [Agency]. As such, the SAI shall be investigated cooperatively 

following [Agency’s] policy.

This investigation will be conducted as an interagency serious accident investigation team 

(SAIT) with co-leads from each agency. Your duties as Co-Lead Team Leaders for your 

respective agencies may include, but are not limited to: 

1. Following established guidelines and policies [List Policies]:

EXAMPLES:

• DOI, Departmental Manual (DM) 485 Chapter 7, and USDA Forest Service 

Manual FSM 6700, Chapter 6730

• Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (Red Book), 

Chapter 18 – Reviews and Investigations

• Wildland Fire and Aviation Program Management and Operations Guide (Blue 

Book), Chapter 18 – Reviews and Investigations (Bureau of Indian Affairs)

2. Organizing, conducting, and controlling the accident investigation in accordance 

with the Interagency Serious Accident Investigation Guide.

3. Take appropriate measures to control information related to the investigation and 

maintain confidentiality.

4. Conducting an analysis of human elements and organizational factors that may have 

influenced the accident.

5. Briefing affected agency officials as appropriate, including a closeout with affected 

agency personnel. 
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6. Coordinating information exchange between the team members and all pertinent 

involved agencies, including local law enforcement, OSHA, and the medical 

examiner/coroner’s office. 

7. Maintaining liaison with affected agency units. 

8. Approving and allocating requests for funds related to conducting the investigation. 

9. Securing technical, logistical or other support necessary to conduct the 

investigation. 

10. Coordinating the scheduling of interviews and other activities with other line-ofduty entities such as Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) teams, and 

funeral/memorial services. 

11. Briefing delegating official(s) or designee(s) as appropriate within each affected 

agency. 

12. Providing the following formal reports: 

• 72-Hour Expanded Report 

• Final Report—Includes both the Factual and Management Evaluation Reports

These reports are due within 45 days from the time of the accident. 

• An extension may be requested and will be sent to each Agency Administrator 

for approval. All requests will be in writing and will include rationale for the 

extension. 

13. Present a draft Final Report to the delegating official(s). This process may also 

include presenting draft Final Report to Accident Review Board(s). 

14. The official Office of Record for the final case file will be [Office Name]. 

The Final Report will be prepared in accordance with agency standards or as outlined in the 

Interagency Serious Accident Investigation Guide. Addendums to the report may be necessary as 

a result of an Agency Review Board process. 

You will be provided an agency-specific charge code for all travel and associated costs to 

conduct the investigation. 

Delegating Official, [Agency]

[Name]

[Title]

Delegating Official, [Agency]

[Name] 

[Title]

cc: [Names]
VISITING THE ACCIDENT SITE CHAPTER 4

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CHAPTER 4 – VISITING THE ACCIDENT SCENE 

4.1 SITE CONTROLS

Any site security procedures that had been established prior to the SAIT arrival should be 

documented and the Team Leader should coordinate with the Agency Administrator or Incident 

Commander (IC) for continued site security as necessary.

The accident site must be secured and hazards identified and mitigated to an acceptable level 

prior to entering or visiting the site.

Contact agency or local law enforcement to ensure that any available preliminary investigation 

information and/or special interest in the incident are known.

The entire accident site needs to be controlled and the evidence protected until it is released 

back to the local unit by the Chief Investigator.

• If there is evidence that may be easily disturbed the Chief Investigator and Team Leader 

should consider controlling access.

• People not assigned to the SAIT or not authorized (as determined by the Chief 

Investigator) to the site should be prohibited from entering. 

4.2 PLANNING THE ACCIDENT SITE SCENE VISIT

Once the team arrives at the local area 

and completes in-briefings, going to the 

accident site (Figure 10) is generally the 

next step. The Chief Investigator should 

coordinate all accident site visits with any 

other agencies assigned to investigate 

the accident and/or those who have 

jurisdictional responsibilities for the 

accident.

For wildland fires, the following steps will 

be taken:

• Receive advanced approval from 

the incident management team 

(i.e., Incident Commander [IC] or 

delegated representative) for 

visiting the fireline.

• The IC will likely assign a liaison to the SAIT to ensure this coordination takes place for 

each visit.

Figure 10: Site visit
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• Visitors must maintain communications with the Division/Group Supervisor or the 

appropriate fireline supervisor of the area they are visiting.

• SAIT members visiting the fireline will need specific PPE and meet basic requirements 

for visiting the fireline (see non-escorted and escorted sections on the following page). 

REQUIRED FIELD ATTIRE AND FIRELINE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE 

EQUIPMENT (PPE)

SAIT members visiting the fireline will need specific PPE.

Field Attire

• Appropriate field attire in accordance with agency policy.

• PPE as identified in the Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)/Risk Assessment (RA).

Wildland Fire 

• Boots – a minimum of 8-inch high, lace-type exterior leather work boots, with Vibramtype, melt resistant soles. The 8-inch height requirement is measured from the bottom of 

the heel to the top of the boot. Alaska is exempt from the Vibram-type sole requirement. 

• Fire shelter (M-2002)

• Hard hat with chin strap

• Yellow long-sleeve, flame-resistant shirt

• Flame-resistant trousers

• Leather or leather/flame-resistant gloves

• Wear additional PPE as identified by local conditions, material safety data sheet (MSDS) 

or JHA/RA

• Hand tool

• Water canteen

• Ear plugs/hearing protection if exposed to high-noise-level equipment

SAIT members who visit the fireline should have these items or make arrangements to obtain 

these items upon arrival.
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VISITING THE FIRELINE

Visits to the fireline may be “escorted” or “non-escorted” depending on the following 

requirements:

Non-Escorted

Visitors must have successfully completed the Work Capacity Test (WCT) at the “light” fitness

level.

• Must have adequate communications and radio training

• Completed the following training:

o Firefighter Training (S-130)

o Introduction to Fire Behavior (S-190)

o Annual Fire Safety Refresher Training (RT-130)

Deviation from this requirement must be approved by the IC for other non-escorted support 

personnel involved in vehicle operations or other support functions or established roadways and 

working in areas which pose no fire behavior threat.

Escorted Personnel

All personnel lacking the above training and physical requirements must be escorted while on 

the fireline.

• Visitors must receive training in the proper use of PPE.

• Requirement for hand tool and water to be determined by escort. 

• Visitors must be able to walk in mountainous terrain and be in good physical condition 

with no known limiting conditions.

• Escorts must be minimally qualified at the Single Resource Boss. Any deviation from this 

requirement must be approved by the IC.

HELICOPTER FLIGHTS (FIRE AND NON-FIRE)

Personnel who take helicopter flights must receive a passenger briefing and wear the following 

PPE:

• Flight helmet

• Leather boots

• Fire-resistant clothing

• All-leather or leather and Aramid gloves

Occasional authorized official passengers have no training requirements; however, a qualified 

aircrew member is required to be on board or to attend to the loading and unloading of 

passengers and cargo at all landings and takeoffs.
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4.3 APPROACHING THE ACCIDENT SITE

The Chief Investigator has control of the accident site, and should approach the site 

methodically getting the overall picture to determine conditions that occurred or potentially 

occurred at the time of the accident.

The Chief Investigator will establish:

• Who needs to go to the accident site

• Determine the extent of the site

• What tasks need to be done

• Order in which tasks should be done

• Who will do tasks

• Site security and entry requirements (if any)

• Initial description and mapping of the site

• Photographs detailing the entire site and evidence before being moved (refer to Chapter 

5 – Evidence Gathering for additional photographing evidence information) 

• Collection of evidence

• Logging of evidence 

o Anything taken from the accident site needs to be logged in on the Evidence Log

so the chain of custody is established.

4.4 INITIAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCIDENT SITE

The description of the site needs to be prepared very carefully to ensure that it is accurate and 

well defined. Drawings, photographs, maps historical records can all be useful.

4.5 INTEGRITY OF THE ACCIDENT SITE

In most cases the accident site has been disturbed (e.g., EMS response). Witnesses should be 

used to determine how the site looked at the time of the incident or how it typically looks during 

a similar operation.
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CHAPTER 5 – EVIDENCE GATHERING

5.1 INTRODUCTION

Evidence provides the factual information needed to establish and support findings.

There are two reasons why it is important to gather all relevant evidence and facts:

• Establish the accident sequence. This includes events occurring before, during, and 

after the accident.

• Identify factors directly related to the accident while always considering the complexity of 

the human element within the system. 

Collected evidence will be used during team deliberations to establish the sequence of events 

and support findings and causes and lead to the development of recommendations for 

preventative measures.

5.2 PHYSICAL EVIDENCE PRESERVATION AND COLLECTION

The Chief Investigator must determine what evidence is fragile or perishable and may be 

destroyed or lost due to weather or theft, or moved, in order to protect valuable evidence or 

equipment. This may require the need to increase site security personnel, expand the site 

security perimeter, cover the site (or parts of the site) with plastic to preserve evidence, obtain a 

secured facility, or carefully collect, catalog and remove evidence.

The Chief Investigator will establish:

• What evidence needs to be gathered and in what order

• Procedures for evidence collection

o The evidence and the chain of custody logs 

o Who will gather the evidence 

o Where the evidence should be stored and secured

The Chief Investigator will need to evaluate the necessity of utilizing technical specialists, 

cartographers, photographers, depending on the complexity and severity of the serious 

accident.

Key tools that may be used for gathering evidence and documenting the accident site:

• Sketches

• Drawings

• Diagrams
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• Measurement and mapping (Figure 11) 

• Global positioning system (GPS)

o Engineering – generally requires a 

technical specialist.

o Navigational – good for most 

requirements and does not require a 

technical specialist

• Photography

• Video 

Consider the following precautions when collecting 

evidence that may have, or have been exposed to, 

biohazards, blood borne pathogens, or hazardous 

materials: 

• Team members and technical specialists 

dealing with hazardous substances must 

follow universal precautions and their agency 

protocols. 

• PPE as identified in the JHA/RA will be used. 

Any clothing recovered with body fluids that is going to be analyzed should be completely air 

dried in sunlight before being placed in red biohazard waste bags. This will allow for the clothing 

to dry and not get moldy.

For wildland fire PPE and clothing analysis, please refer to Missoula Technology and 

Development Center protocols in Investigating Burnovers and Shelter Deployments: Assessing 

Personal Protective Equipment (Exhibit 5-1). 

Physical evidence such as equipment and parts need to be “bagged and tagged” at the time of 

collection.

For vehicle or heavy equipment evidence consider the following:

• Properly identify and document (e.g., vehicle identification number, property number, 

serial number). 

• If further analysis is required, store the equipment in a secure location. 

The Chief Investigator will establish logs for all evidence. It is imperative that all evidence be 

cataloged and accounted for at all times Refer to the Evidence Log (Exhibit 5-2) and the

Evidence Chain of Custody Log (Exhibit 5-3).

The originals or a copy of important documents (evidence or potential evidence) should be 

placed in the investigation case file.

Figure 11: Mapping example (Stocking 

Lake SAI Factual Report, 2011, p. 23)
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IMPORTANT NOTE:

Evidence gathered during accident investigations may be utilized in other official 

proceedings and must be collected and processed correctly. The SAIT is the 

custodian on behalf of the agency until the evidence is sent to the official Office of 

Record as part of the case file.

CRIMINAL ACTIVITY

If there is evidence of criminal activity, the SAIT should discontinue the accident investigation 

and notify the delegating official(s) or designee(s) who make the appropriate law enforcement 

notifications.

The delegating official(s) or designee(s), in consultation with law enforcement and the Team 

Lead, may decide to continue with a parallel investigation.

Simple negligence, not following policy, and possible third-party liability, are not criminal 

activities; the SAI should continue. Consult specific agency policy(ies) should this situation 

occur.

5.3 TYPES OF EVIDENCE

There are three principle types of evidence:

• Human

• Material 

• Environmental 

HUMAN EVIDENCE

Human evidence may include:

• Autopsy/toxicology reports

• Medical records and test results

• Training records

• Employment records

• Witness statements

• Dispatch logs
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Human Factors

Human factors are a combination of those aspects that affect human performance (personal, 

physical, psychological, situational) that may or may not contribute to an accident. A human 

factor can potentially lead a person to make an error in judgment or action resulting in an 

accident. 

Human factors analysis is a systematic study of those elements involving the human interface 

with the organization, system, environment, operation, or machine. (Figure 12) From the 

standpoint of a serious accident investigation, this analysis is integrated into the investigation 

with the intent of correcting deficiencies and preventing future similar accidents. This is 

consistent with the intent of the overall investigation.

From an organizational risk management perspective, human error is generally viewed as a 

consequence rather than a cause. Human errors are the symptoms that reveal the presence of 

organizational weaknesses or latent (or potential) conditions within the system that may 

suddenly emerge and cause damage. The serious accident investigator must take this into 

account. The SAI team must be guarded against coming to easy solutions and simple 

explanations based on human error. When human error is mistakenly or too easily used as a 

causal factor, the organization loses the opportunity to identify and fix organizational 

weaknesses. 

Incorporating human factors analysis into the serious accident investigation can be done 

according to a number of different approaches and models. Exhibit 5-4 provides key elements 

of one such model.

Figure 12: Human and Organizational Factors 

Relationship
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MATERIAL EVIDENCE 

Material evidence may include:

• Equipment, parts, and structures

• Manufacturer’s operating instructions

• Equipment inspections

• Condition reports and operation logs

• Repair reports (documenting previous equipment failures)

• Building blueprints

• Facility layout diagrams

• PPE

• Field Attire

ENVIRONMENTAL EVIDENCE 

Environmental evidence may include:

• Weather reports

• Meteorological analysis

• Weather damage analysis

o Lightning strike points

o Wind damage

• Terrain analysis

• Altitude

• Environmental hazards

o Smoke

o Fire

o Asbestos

o Radiation

• River volume and speed (e.g., U.S. Geological Service source data)

• Surface slip resistance

• Noise levels

• Remote Automated Weather (RAWS) Information 
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5.4 MEASUREMENTS AND MAPPING

Measurement and mapping of the accident site is critical, as hand drawn documentation will be 

used for many purposes after leaving the accident site. Thoughtful and deliberate planning

should occur prior to visiting the accident site. 

The Chief Investigator will determine the type and specifics of accident measurements and 

mapping.

Consideration should be given to: 

• Establishing a baseline of the accident site for your drawings or sketches.

• Determining measurements that must be taken.

• Providing definitive scope and size of the accident site (It is helpful to use a grid pattern 

for a debris field, identifying each grid in its x- and y-axis.).

• Being careful when entering the debris field to not disturb evidence locations and 

condition.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Remember to identify and document any personal items that have already left the 

accident scene by victims or emergency response personnel.

GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS)

Global positioning systems (GPS) are commonly available and a very useful tool for accident 

investigations.

There are two types of GPS:

• Navigational 

• Engineering

Navigational GPS

Navigational GPS data and software is usable for quick, accurate mapping, for spatial locations 

and gross distances between areas of interest. Do not rely on navigational GPS units to provide 

accurate minute detail.

Engineering GPS

Engineering GPS units used with Geographic Information System (GIS) programs (e.g., 

ArcView) will provide accurate minute detail as well as data documentation and multiple 

mapping opportunities to more accurately display the accident scene and occurrences. 

Generally, a technical specialist will be required to use this equipment. Depending on accident 

complexities, the Chief Investigator may determine that a professional GPS/GIS specialist is 

needed. 
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5.5 PHOTOGRAPHIC

Cameras provide a versatile medium for the 

investigator to document the accident scene.

Camera/Photography technology is constantly 

changing and Chief Investigators should 

ensure that quality and reliable accident photos 

are taken. (Figure 13)

Consideration should be given to the following: 

• A dedicated camera is preferred for 

taking accident-related photos.

• Ensure that the medium used for 

photographs are secured and not 

attached to social media (e.g., smart 

phone photos maybe loaded directly to 

“cloud” technology).

• Law enforcement may have pictures of the undisturbed accident scene.

• Witnesses may have taken photos or videos. Note in the Evidence Log who took photo 

and location and any other pertinent identifying information.

• The news and social media may have photos and/or videos of the accident scene and 

readily accessible. 

• Depending on accident complexities, the Chief Investigator may determine that a 

professional photographer is needed.

• Promptly take photos of perishable evidence—items that are likely to change or 

disappear if not photographed immediately. Examples include:

o Accident aftermath or rescue in progress

o Victim(s) position, gauge readings, ground scars, radio setting, fire damage, body 

fluids/parts, items that may switch positions, etc.

WILDLAND FIRE PHOTOS

There is specific photographic evidence that needs to be obtained for wildland fire-related 

accident investigations. Examples include: 

• Surrounding fuel type and burn patterns, containment lines and/or personnel travel 

routes as it pertains to the accident.

• Entrapment and/or deployment sites. 

• All fire-resistant clothing, PPE, line gear, and tools (Figure 14). Include detailed 

photographs of components showing identifying marks, name tags, labels, etc.

Figure 13: Trekking pole (Stocking Lake SAI Factual 

Report, 2011, p. 58)
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• Exemplar photographs can be taken of personal protective firefighting clothing and 

equipment replicating the positions at the accident site. 

• Other equipment that responded to the incident.

Figure 14: Melted hardhats (Mudd Fire Entrapment/Fire Shelter Deployment Factual Report, 2006, p.7)

VIDEO

Video is particularly valuable for showing slope and terrain features. Video can also be helpful in 

during team deliberations and accident reviews.

Employees or private citizens may have video footage of the accident or aftermath. Original 

video or copies of original video should be gathered as evidence for the investigation.

5.6 WITNESS STATEMENTS AND INTERVIEWS

Persons who observed or were involved in the accident are included in the “witness” category. 

Investigators should identify witnesses, develop a witness list, and hold interviews as soon as 

possible. 

Treat SAIs involving multi-cultural employees with sensitivity and respect for cultural differences. 

For example, in wildland fire:

• Have the Interagency Resource Representative (IARR) attached to the crew act as a 

liaison between the team and the tribe.

If there is no IARR, contact tribal leaders through the employing agency’s home unit manager. 

Agencies may have specific policies and/or bargaining unit agreements as it relates to 

employee rights and responsibilities in accident investigative interviews. Refer to respective 

agency-specific policies prior to conducting interviews. 

The Accident Investigation Witness List (Exhibit 5-5), can be used by the Chief Investigator to 

establish contact information as well as document interview scheduling times.
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During the in-briefing from the Agency Administrator, the Team Leader should have received:

• List of persons who observed or were involved in the accident.

• Witness statements and/or personal notes that were collected by the local unit.

• Contact information for witnesses.

• Anticipated level of witness cooperation. 

• Any contact information changes from initial witness statements.

• Information regarding the relationship of the witness to the victim(s).

All of this information can assist you in establishing the SAIT’s witness list.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Individuals assigned to take witness statements need to inform the witness that the 

SAIT’s intended use of their statements is for accident prevention purposes.

However, an assurance of confidentiality cannot be given.

The Accident Investigation Witness Statement (Exhibit 5-6), can be used to serve as a template 

to document witness statements.

To increase accuracy while obtaining statements, witnesses should be separated from each 

other while making their individual statements.

Witness statements and interview/conversation notes are not to be construed as formal written 

depositions; they are simply another tool to help the SAIT establish the sequence of events.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Some individuals are not very descriptive in their writing and the SAIT may not gain a 

lot of information based solely on their statements. A follow-up interview may reveal 

additional information.

There may be instances where witnesses are only available to the SAIT for a short period of 

time and the witness statement is the only opportunity to obtain witness information. Immediate 

action may be necessary to get witness statements in these situations.

PREPARING FOR INTERVIEWS

Before conducting witness interviews, consider the following:

• Witness may be distraught or unavailable due to funeral/memorial services.

• A Critical Incident Stress Debriefing may have taken place.

• Relationships of the witnesses to the victim(s) or the accident.

• Witnesses may be on medication or may be hospitalized and the team may need the 

approval of a physician or family members to conduct an interview.

• No witness can be compelled by the SAIT to be interviewed or to write a statement.
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Review the Accident Investigation Witness List and Accident Investigation Witness Statements

to determine which witnesses will need to be interviewed and scheduled. This will also assist in 

developing specific interview questions.

The local unit Point of Contact (POC) may be able to assist the SAIT in locating and scheduling 

witnesses for interviews.

The Chief Investigator should coordinate the preparation of the questions for witness interviews, 

but may not necessarily be the interviewer in all investigations. There should be at least two 

SAIT members in every interview. 

• Interviews need to be taken in a quiet, private, comfortable, safe location that is free of 

disruption.

• Frequent breaks should be offered.

Depending on the amount of information needed, an interview may need to be divided and held 

in subsequent sessions. However, try not to break up the interview if at all possible.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Should an employee refuse to cooperate, the Team Leader should contact the Agency 

Administrator and delegating official. If no cooperation ensues, make note in the Final 

Report within the Management Evaluation Report. 

CONSIDERATION OF CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS

Witness interviews should be conducted prior to any Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD).

Often times CISDs involve groups of individuals and sharing of stories which may homogenize 

witness’s recollection of events. 

However, should the events of an accident cause severe psychological burden on a witness, the 

services of a CISD counselor may be necessary before interviews are completed. Always try to 

get a statement from the witness prior to any CISD. 

If you observe signs of employees being affected by critical incident stress during interviews, 

have the Team Leader recommend to the Agency Administrator to arrange for employee 

counseling as needed.

CONDUCTING THE INTERVIEWS

The Accident Investigation Witness Interview form (Exhibit 5-7) can be used to document 

interviews.

Investigators conducting interviews need to introduce themselves and identify their role in the 

interview/SAIT process. They also need to inform the witnesses that the purpose of the 

interview by the SAIT is to obtain information for accident prevention only. State that an 

assurance of confidentiality cannot be given. 
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If an employee is part of a bargaining unit, they may request union representation during an 

interview. Any time a representative is requested, the interview will be discontinued until 

representation is obtained.

The interviewee may request that peer support, legal counsel, or other personal representative 

be present during their interview. Other individuals who were directly involved in the accident 

should not be present since they will be interviewed separately. 

RECORDING INTERVIEWS

For complex investigation interviews, and with consent of the witness, consider recording the 

interview. If the recorded interview is transcribed, a reasonable effort should be made to allow 

the witness to review the transcription. The recording becomes a part of the accident 

investigation case file.

Digital recorders can hold hours of recordings on them and are available with many features 

that can be helpful to your investigation. There are models of the recorders that can take the 

recording and download the information to your computer.

There are services available that can transcribe your recorded interviews and transcription 

services may be available within the area that you have been assigned. Contact the Local Unit 

Point of Contact to see if these services are available locally. There also may be vendors 

available through a General Services Administration (GSA) source. 

Recording of witness interviews can be valuable to the team members that did not participate in 

the interview. Recordings can be helpful during the team deliberation phase of the investigation.

The investigator conducting the interview should take notes during the interview for follow-up 

questions and documentation of the interview.

The interview begins by asking the witnesses for their:

• Name

• Work address

• Phone number

• Position (job title)

• Location during the accident

The goal of the interview is to help the witnesses recall everything they know in their own words 

from beginning to end without being influenced by either the question or by what they think 

investigators want to hear. The “cognitive interviewing technique” is a proven method of 

interviewing to obtain this goal.

Cognitive interviewing technique includes (Geiselman & Fisher): 

• The interviewer tries to mentally reinstate the environmental and personal context of the 

accident for the witnesses, perhaps by asking them about their general activities and 

feelings on the day. This could include sights, sounds, feelings and emotions, the 

weather, etc.

• Witnesses are asked to report the incident from different perspective, describing what 

they think other witnesses might have seen.
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• Recounting the incident in a different narrative order. Due to the recency effect, people 

tend to recall more recent events more clearly than others. Witnesses should be 

encouraged to work backwards from the end to the beginning.

• Witnesses are asked to report every detail, even if they think that detail is trivial. In this 

way, apparently unimportant detail might act as a trigger for key information about the 

event.

The change of narrative order and change of perceptive techniques aid recall by reducing a 

witness’ use of prior knowledge, expectations or schema. 

During the interview, information regarding the following items should be obtained: 

• Chronology of events

• Human factors issues

• Environmental factors issues

• Material factors issues

Additional follow-up questions may need to be utilized should key information be missing. 

Experts (Dekker, Klein) suggest the following approach:

1) Have witnesses tell their story from their view point (do not prompt them with any type of 

replays to “refresh their memory” at this step).

2) Tell the story back to them as an investigator.

3) Assist the witnesses with determining the critical junctures in the sequence of events.

4) Progressively probe and rebuild how the world looked to witnesses of the accident at 

each juncture. Replays, such as, maps, pictures maybe helpful at this step.

Additional considerations for each juncture in the sequence of events, here are the “cues” the 

investigation team would want to know: 

Cues What were you seeing?

What were you focusing on?

What were you expecting to happen?

Interpretation If you had to describe the situation to your colleague at that point, what 

would you have told them? 

Previous Experience Were you reminded of any previous experience?

Did this situation fit a common practice or routine? (The gap between 

work as imagined and work as performed can contain critical additional 

information) 

Knowledge Were you trained to deal with this situation?

Did you rely on other sources of knowledge to tell you what to do?

Goals What goals governed your actions at the time?

Were there conflicts or trade-offs to make between goals?

Was there time pressure?
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Taking action How did you think your actions influenced the course of events?

Did you discuss or mentally imagine a number of options or did you 

know straight away what to do?

Outcome Did the outcome fit your expectation?

Did you have to update your assessment of the situation?

Considerations that should be taken into account during the interview process are:

• In some instances, the witness may be taken to the accident site or crash scene after 

the initial interview for clarification of their statement.

• Avoid interviewing more than one witness at a time.

• Avoid leading questions.

• One team member should ask the questions. Other members should only interrupt and 

ask questions with the permission of the interview lead.

• Restate what you think the witness told you in your words and ask if that is correct. 

• Do not prejudge a witness. Keep an open mind. Be receptive to all information 

regardless of its nature—be a good listener.

• Be serious. Maintain control of the interview. Do not make promises you cannot keep. 

Avoid contemptuous attitudes. Avoid controversial matters. Respect the emotional state 

of the witness.

• Interviewers should review pertinent information prior to conducting interviews (e.g., 

witness statements, photos, dispatch logs). 

• Permit witnesses to tell what happened in their own words. Do not interrupt. 

• Be a good listener. A nod of your head or an expectant pause may encourage the 

witness to talk. 

• Be unobtrusive in note taking. 

• Maintain self-control during interviews. Do not become emotionally involved in the 

investigation.

• The interviewer can ask follow-up questions of the witness as necessary. SAIT members 

should coordinate their questions at the direction of the Chief Investigator. Do not assist 

the witness in answering questions.

• Avoid revealing to the witness conflicting statements or items discovered during 

interviews with other witnesses.
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5.7 COLLATERAL INVESTIGATIONS – EVIDENCE SHARING 

As stated in Chapter 1 – Serious Accident Investigations, collateral investigations may occur

during an SAI. While full cooperation and coordination is imperative with these other 

investigations, the SAIT needs to protect the integrity of the SAI investigation. In doing so, there 

are protocols to be followed for sharing evidence.

The Unit Point of Contact or employee’s home unit can assist other agencies with making all 

witnesses available. 

The Team Leader should assign the SAIT Safety Manager or a liaison to work with collateral 

investigations. Collateral investigators should be accompanied by a SAIT member or an 

assigned liaison for accident site visits. For other collateral investigation fact finding activities, 

the SAIT should provide facilitation, but not be required to accompany the other teams

throughout the entire process.

Should issues arise with collateral investigations, the Team Leader should contact the 

delegating official(s) or designee(s).

Evidence that can be shared:

• Make all factual information available (e.g., photos, maps, logs, training records). Ensure

investigator notes are removed.

• Make copies of paper evidence. Do not provide the original(s).

• Physical evidence should be checked out and tracked on the Evidence Log (Exhibit 5-2).

This evidence must be returned to SAIT for the accident investigation for proper 

disposition.

• Witness lists

o Specific to Federal OSHA – Only provide a copy of the Accident Investigation 

Witness List (per Federal OSHA’s Field Operations Manual)

Evidence that cannot be shared: 

• Witness statements and/or interview statements. Collateral investigators must gather 

their own statements and conduct independent interviews.

• Personal information (medical, work performance, etc.). Release of this information may 

be protected and has to be approved by the appropriate agency official.

5-8 EVIDENCE PROTECTION

The SAIT is the temporary custodian for all evidence gathered. Evidence shall be protected in 

locked area and not returned to other entities (including family members of victims) until the 

investigation is complete, or the Team Lead and the delegating official(s) or designee(s) 

determine which items shall stay within case file.

Any deviation from this should be requested to the delegating official(s) or their designee(s).
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Exhibit 5-1: Investigating Burnovers and Shelter 

Deployments – Assessing Personal Protective 

Equipment

GENERAL INFORMATION

Specialists familiar with the technical aspects of personal protective equipment (PPE), 

especially fire shelters, should examine the PPE used during a burnover. These assessments 

can help investigators clarify events surrounding a burnover and can help improve equipment, 

procedures, and training. Missoula Technology and Development Center (MTDC) equipment 

specialists or individuals recommended by MTDC can:

• Interview the firefighters who were involved about the use and performance of PPE

• Examine the entrapment area

• Analyze the fire shelters and PPE

Technical specialists must be ordered through the National Interagency Coordination Center 

(NICC). To prepare for the arrival of the technical specialists, see Part A of this document, 

“Steps to Take before Technical Specialists Arrive.”

Persons who are not trained in the analysis of wildland firefighting PPE should not attempt to 

analyze PPE used in a burnover or entrapment. If the technical specialists from MTDC are not 

at the site, PPE can be sent to MTDC for evaluation. Reports based only on offsite examination 

of materials will be limited in scope and detail compared to those based on on-site inspections. 

Important information has been lost when the technical specialists have not been present at the 

site of the deployment or entrapment. Instructions for collecting, preparing, packaging and 

sending PPE and supporting documentation can be found in Part B of this document, “Process 

to Follow when Sending PPE to MTDC.”

The written report provided by the technical specialist should become part of the investigation 

record. 

PART A – STEPS TO TAKE BEFORE TECHNICAL SPECIALISTS ARRIVE 

The technical specialists will want to interview those directly involved in the deployment and 

examine the deployment site and PPE that was used. You can help by:

1. Protecting the site to prevent disturbance, to the extent possible. Fire shelters left on-site 

can be weighted with rocks or other heavy objects to keep them from blowing away;

2. Collecting affected clothing from firefighters who were involved. It is not necessary to collect 

clothing from coroners. Technical specialists can do this, if necessary; and

3. Helping make arrangements for the technical specialists to interview firefighters directly 

involved in the entrapment.
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INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 52

a) Arranging to make the firefighters available to talk to the technical specialists. Let 

firefighters know that the purpose of the interview is to learn as much as possible from 

the event so that equipment and training can be improved.

b) Having union representation available if necessary.

PART B – PROCESS TO FOLLOW TO SEND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE 

EQUIPMENT TO MTDC

If PPE is to be sent to MTDC, it must be collected, prepared and packaged properly. Supporting 

documentation should be collected and sent with the equipment to assist in the analysis.

Collection Precautions

1. Items may be exposed to body fluids. Anyone coming in contact with these items must 

follow their agency’s protocols against contracting blood borne diseases.

2. Clothing recovered from burned firefighters cannot be laundered. It should be completely air 

dried in sunlight before being placed in red biohazard waste bags.

3. Protective latex gloves should be worn when handling these items, even after they have 

dried.

Supporting Documentation

Include the following photographs and additional information with the equipment sent to MTDC:

1. Pictures of the site. Identify where the items of PPE were located and to whom they 

belonged, if known.

2. Pictures of surrounding fuels and terrain.

3. Pictures of the items found underneath the fire shelter.

4. As much information as possible about the deployment. 

a) If it is possible to interview victims, try to obtain answers to the questions listed below in 

the section titled “Interview Questions.” 

b) If it is not possible to interview victims, try to provide answers to as many of the interview 

questions as possible, based on the available evidence.

Interview Questions

1. Firefighter information:

a) How many seasons of fire experience have you had?

b) What was your position on this fire?

c) Were you wearing flame-resistant pants and shirt? Leather boots? Hardhat? Leather 

gloves? Where did you obtain these items?
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d) What is your height? Weight?

e) If a shelter was used, was it a regular- or large-size shelter? Did you feel it fit you 

properly?

2. Training:

a) Have you received fire shelter training?

b) When did you receive your training?

c) Did you view a training video?

d) Which video did you watch?

e) Did you practice any deployments? If so, in what conditions did you practice?

f) Did you read the fire shelter training booklet?

g) How did you feel your training prepared you for this deployment?

h) Do you have any recommendations for changes in the training?

3. Decision to deploy:

a) How did you determine that you should deploy your fire shelter?

4. Deployment sequence:

a) When did you remove your fire shelter from your pack?

b) When did you remove your shelter from its clear plastic bag?

c) Were there any problems with either step?

d) What did you do with your pack once your shelter was removed?

e) How did you deploy your fire shelter? (For instance, from a standing position or a 

kneeling position?)

f) Was the fire shelter fully deployed?

g) Where were you located? (Show on map, ground, or photo.)

h) Which way was your body positioned? (For instance, where were your feet? Were you 

lying face down? Were you lying on your back?)

i) Did you have any trouble getting into the shelter? Please describe.

j) What items did you take into the shelter with you?

5. Shelter experience:

a) Please describe your experience inside the shelter.

b) Did you feel heat inside the shelter?

c) Was smoke inside the shelter?

d) How long did you remain in the shelter?

e) Did you change locations during the deployment?

f) How did you know when to come out of the shelter?
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6. Other questions:

a) Did you receive any injuries? If so what were they? When did they occur?

b) Did you notice any problems with the shelter?

c) Did you notice any problems with your PPE (pants, shirt, gloves, hardhat, etc.)?

d) What can other firefighters learn from your experience?

Shipping Equipment to MTDC

1. Fire shelters and fire shelter bags, PPE, packs, and personal belongings can be shipped to 

MTDC for examination.

2. Follow the precautions listed at the beginning of Part B.

3. Collect and bag the fire shelters and affected clothing. Label the bags with the name of the 

user, if known.

4. Mark the location where the items were found on a map of the site.

5. Send as much of the supporting documentation described in this document as possible, 

along with the equipment.

6. Before sending items to MTDC, contact the Center’s PPE Project Leader or:

Missoula Technology and Development Center

5785 Highway 10 West

Missoula, MT 59808

Phone number: 406-329-3900

If no one is available at MTDC, call the Missoula Interagency Dispatch Center at 406-829-7070.
EVIDENCE LOG

Incident Identification: 

Evidence Custodian: 

Date

Collected

Name of

ndividual Who I

Collected the 

Evidence

Name of Person

Logging the 

Evidence 

Description of 

Evidence

Remarks

(Location found, etc.)

Evidence 

Identification 

Number

Sign-In

(Signature Require

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE

– NOVEMBER 2013 55
EVIDENCE CHAIN-OF-CUSTODY LOG

(For Non-Photographic Evidence)

Incident Identification: 

Evidence Custodian: 

Description of Item

Evidence

ID #

Name of Person

Logging Item Out

Printed Name & Signature

of Person Receiving Item

Date Item

Received

Printed Name & Signa

of Person Receiving 

Back In

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE

– NOVEMBER 2013 56
EVIDENCE GATHERING CHAPTER 5

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 57

Exhibit 5-4: Human Reliability/Performance Factors 

Several models of analysis exist to evaluate human interaction and organizational influences associated 

with complex systems. The following model is recommended as an evaluation tool, as it is inclusive of 

many factors and its explanations within the model are easily understood and applicable. Other models

may be used at the discretion of the SAIT. 

This exhibit provides elements of the Information-Decision-Action-Cognitive (IDAC) model 

developed by Katrina Groth and Ali Mosleh. These may be used to evaluate human factors 

influence during the serious accident investigation. The complete paper is located in Reliability 

Engineering and System Safety, Volume 108, December, 2012.

Introduction

This model categorizes Performance Influencing Factors (PIF) to help describe aspects of the 

human–system interaction. Performance influencing factors that may be evaluated during a 

serious accident investigation include the following. 

1. Person-based Factors

Skills 

Skills refer to the abilities of the worker to do ‘‘work of the craft,’’ necessary task-related abilities 

that require little cognitive effort. Less than adequate skills can result in time delay for necessary 

actions or reduced work quality.

Familiarity with Situation

Familiarity with situation refers to the worker’s general industry knowledge and previous 

experiences. Workers with more experience likely exhibit familiarity with more situations and 

remember more than inexperienced workers. However, workers with high situational familiarity 

may also exhibit bias toward certain conclusions based on previous experience, despite 

indicators to the contrary. Lack of familiarity can occur when unanticipated situations arise, 

including situations that were not covered in training. Familiarity with a situation can have a 

mixed effect on the scenario evolution, because people with more familiarity with a system may 

diagnose and solve system problems faster. However, people very familiar with a situation may 

not consider indicators that make the situation unique. It may also impact teamwork because 

familiar personnel may discount the concerns of less experience team members. 

Physical and Psychological Abilities

Physical and psychological abilities (PPA) refer to the mental and physical resources available 

to the individual while in the workplace. This includes alertness, sensory limits, and fitness for 

duty and also to situations where the worker’s physical ability falls outside of the normal range. 

Fitness for duty non-compliance, circadian factors/individual differences, or impairment PPA can 

be altered by the use of alcohol and illegal or legal drugs, or the absence of necessary 

prescription drugs (e.g., diabetes medication). PPA can also be affected by the emotional state 

of the worker, illness, hunger, and overexertion. PPA also includes the natural abilities of the 

worker as influenced by circadian rhythms.
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Psychological and physical abilities should not be confused with knowledge and experience or 

training. Training, knowledge, and experience relate to the knowledge possessed by the worker, 

whereas the PPAs refer to the readiness of the worker to use the knowledge possessed. 

It is difficult to separate entirely physical versus entirely psychological responses. Psychological 

states can affect one’s physical performance and physical condition can affect one’s 

psychological state. The constant interplay between physical and psychological states allows for 

the argument that they cannot be separated when studying performance.

Fatigue

Fatigue relates to the physical and mental weariness resulting from too little rest, high demands, 

or overexertion. It is the state of feeling ‘‘worn out.’’ Fatigue relates directly to physical and 

psychological abilities, because fatigued workers may have reduced physical capability and 

slower or less effective cognitive responses. Fatigue can be affected by diet, work hours, work 

breaks, shift rotation, and night work.

Alertness

Alertness is related to the ‘‘awakeness’’ of the worker as it relates to responding to planned or 

unplanned demands. It refers to the amount of attention available to be distributed among the 

tasks. Reduced alertness can affect the cognitive abilities of the worker.

Attention

Attention refers to how the worker distributes the available cognitive resources. Attention can be 

affected by many external distractions and it can also be affected by internal thoughts, 

distractions or emotional state. Attention is influenced by the number and complexity of tasks, 

communication with others, and background noise and activity. It is composed of attention to 

task and attention to surroundings. 

Attention to task refers to the attention resources dedicated to a specific task. Workers must 

properly balance attention to task and attention to surroundings to ensure that they are focusing 

on the task at hand but not becoming so involved in the task that they do not notice critical 

changes in the background. 

Attention to surroundings involves being aware of the state of the environment, the actions of 

other workers, and other surroundings. This includes much of the information that is registered 

passively while completing tasks. 

Bias

Bias is the tendency of humans to make conclusions based on selected pieces of information 

while excluding information that does not agree with the conclusion. There are many types of 

bias, including expectation bias, confirmation bias (i.e., looking only for information that supports 

one’s hypothesis), belief bias (i.e., selecting information to reinforce one’s own personal beliefs), 

and averaging bias (i.e., regression toward the mean). 

Bias is closely tied to familiarity with situation; bias refers specifically to situations where the 

worker disregards some available information in an attempt to seek out information to confirm a 

theory. Bias may result from previous experiences as well. Bias may be demonstrated by 

operators attempting to reinforce their own suspicions while ignoring information to the contrary. 

Bias may influence a worker’s actions and decision making. 
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Morale/motivation/attitude

Morale, motivation, and attitude (MMA) together refer to style, temperament, personality, and 

intrinsic human variability. These characteristics manifest as willingness to complete tasks, the 

amount of effort a person devotes to tasks, and the state of mind of the worker. Just like each 

organization has a different values and motivators, people also have unique underlying 

influences. Morale, motivation, and attitude can be affected by external factors such as 

organizational culture, teamwork, and resources, but each person will internalize these factors 

differently leading to varying MMA even among team members.

Personal work practices are behaviors that indicate morale, attitude or intrinsic characteristics of 

the person that prescribe the way they behave. Since it is extremely difficult to measure attitude, 

especially in retrospective analysis, it is necessary to include specific work practice behaviors as 

metrics of attitude.

Problem-solving style (behavior) refers to the way which people and teams approach a problem. 

It includes the way that people communicate with each other as well as the non-vocalized 

thought process. It is related to hastiness behavior (quick way of working). People may adapt 

different problem solving styles based on the composition of the group. 

Stress

Stress is tension caused by physical or psychological factors; it can be either disruptive or 

facilitative. The IDAC model (Figure 15) includes four types of stress: pressure, conflict, 

frustration, and uncertainty. Urgent matters that require immediate attention result in a feeling of 

pressure. Multiple incompatible goals result in conflict stress, while the perception of a blocked 

goal leads to frustration. Inability to fully understand and plan an appropriate response to a 

situation results in uncertainty.

Different types of stress influence worker performance differently. Large demands could result in 

a worker feeling pressure and increasing the internal resources (e.g., attention) used to meet 

the demand. Individuals may respond to conflict stress by changing certain goals or obtaining 

additional external resources. They may respond to frustration caused by blocked goals by 

altering the goals or the methods used to achieve the goals. They may respond to uncertainty

by attention to gather additional information or other resources to better understand and 

respond to the situation.

Tasks

• Task load

Task load refers to the actual task demand assigned to a person, in terms of the number 

and type of tasks (varying complexity, importance, fault tolerance, duration, etc.). These 

tasks can be simultaneous or in sequence. Task load is a component of the perceived 

workload. The task load PIF typically applies in cases where there are too many tasks 

assigned to one person, but there may be cases where having too few tasks can lead to 

errors via worker complacency. Task load is related to the task scheduling PIF, because 

effective task scheduling will ensure that workers are not overloaded with planned tasks. 

Task load can also be impacted by unplanned or emergency events. The number of 

tasks is relevant to errors because high task load could result in workers rushing to 

complete tasks without quality checks. It can also influence the stress level of the 

worker. 
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• Time load

Time load is similar to task load, but it adds the element of perception of time to the 

number of tasks; this time perception can affect worker stress beyond the stress of 

having too many tasks. In time load situations, the worker is expected to complete a 

specific task or a number of tasks in a certain time. If time load is less than adequate, 

the worker perceives the time limit to be too short and this perception can affect the 

stress level of the worker. Like task load, time load may also have infrequent cases 

where too much time could contribute to error. Errors can occur during less than 

adequate time load situations because workers may rush through tasks, skip quality 

checks, limit communication and teamwork, or fail to complete tasks

• Other loads

Other loads refer to the tasks beyond those necessary to complete the task at hand. 

Other loads can be considered any routine tasks that are not necessarily covered in 

training. Tasks directly relevant to the work are task load factors, but tasks such as 

communication are considered other loads.

• Task complexity

Task complexity refers to the cognitive and physical demands of the task at hand. Task 

complexity considers the difficulty of diagnosing and executing work, the amount of 

knowledge required to complete the task, the number of steps required to complete the 

task, the precision required, and the ambiguity of the situation. Complexity also includes 

the mental and physical effort required to execute the selected problem solving strategy 

for the task. While task complexity is subjective depending on the worker, it is still 

possible to estimate the relative complexity of a situation from the perspective of the 

average worker; there are scenarios which can be clearly labeled more complex. 

Perception and Appraisal

It is important to emphasize the role of perception in this category—the loads are objective 

characteristics of the situation, but the perception of the loads is what makes them a stressor. 

Perception serves as the filter that turns situational characteristics into an internalized load. The 

subjective loads can increase based on the perception of the objective difficulty of diagnosing 

and executing work, the amount of knowledge required, the number of steps required, and the 

ambiguity of the situation. The number of alarms flashing is objective, but the perception of the 

alarms is what creates stress. The perception of the alarms can vary between personnel and 

can also vary within the same person depending on the state of other PIFs. Each person 

performs an individual situational assessment and forms individual perceptions of situational 

severity and urgency.

Perceived Situation Severity

The perceived severity of the situation is a personal assessment of the magnitude of the impact 

of the situation and its potential consequences. Possible outcomes could adversely affect the 

worker, the plant, or the general public. Perception of severity could be influenced by attitude, 

but attitude may also be affected by the personal assessment of severity.
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Perceived Situation Urgency

Much like the severity of the situation, the perceived situation urgency is a personal assessment 

of the situation. It is an assessment of how quickly an outcome is approaching. Perceived 

urgency indicates how close the worker believes the task is to the state of failure and thus 

impacts the perceived time load. A similar concept in the literature is the ‘‘rate at which the 

situation moves toward the moment at which negative consequences materialize.’’

Perceived Decision Responsibility

Perceived decision responsibility is the worker’s perceived responsibility and accountability for 

his/her decisions and actions. Individuals may have to weigh several impacts and make the 

optimal decision that balances the impact on the operation, the public, and the worker. An 

individual may take a different course of act depending on his or her sense of responsibility and 

if they have to account for the actions later. A decision that is made based on a procedure 

would have a different perceived decision responsibility than a decision based on the operator’s 

own knowledge. An individual’s perceived decision space may differ from actual appointed 

decision space. 

Human–machine Interface

The human–machine interface PIF covers how information is communicated between humans 

and broadly defined machine (e.g., tools, equipment, technology). It includes ergonomics, 

usability, and physical access. This PIF includes maintenance work on machines as well. 

There are two ways that humans interact with machines: providing input and receiving output. 

Humans interact by giving input to the machine in ways such as turning a dial or entering a 

command on a keyboard. This PIF considers arrangement of equipment/layout of the system as 

well. Poorly designed layout could include inaccessible displays, difficult-to-turn dials, or tasks 

that require contorting the body to operate the machine. 

Humans also interact with machines to get information (machine output). This includes reading 

analog and digital output. Humans must be able to get to the physical location of the output 

device, and they must also be able to clearly read the output. Inaccurate labels, display range, 

or markings could prevent the human from getting the correct output. If the human is able to 

access the device and chooses not to, it is a personal work practices issue, not an interface 

problem. 

2. Organization-based Factors

Safety Culture

Safety culture characterizes the organizational attitude, values, and beliefs toward worker and 

public safety. The safety culture is typically set by management and trickles down through the 

ranks to affect performance at all levels. An organization with a positive safety culture takes 

effort to maintain safety even when it might adversely impact productivity or budgets. Different 

organizations, and groups within organizations, have different priorities with regard to safety and 

productivity. Safety culture is at the root of many system-wide failures. Individual performance 

cannot be completely independent of safety culture, and thus the effect of safety culture 

propagates through worker performance throughout the organization.
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Safety culture itself is not inherently observable. However, we can observe ways in which safety 

culture manifests itself. The safety policies, the way management prioritizes tasks, and the way 

workers comply with procedures, are more visible elements that can be linked to safety culture. 

Training

Training refers to the knowledge and experience imparted to the personnel by the organization. 

Training includes the content of training courses, the manner in which they are trained (e.g., as 

a team or individual; simulation or classroom), and the frequency/recurrency of training. 

Personnel must be trained on proper use of tools/equipment/etc. and must be prepared to deal 

with emergency situations. Training must contain correct information and must be broad enough 

to provide personnel with the knowledge to deal with dynamic problem situations. Training is 

causally linked to knowledge, but it differs specifically from the knowledge PIF in that the same 

training is provided to all crews and crew members, but the information retained in from training 

may differ. This retained information is where training becomes knowledge, and this knowledge 

is different for every crew member. 

Procedures 

Procedures are explicit, step-by-step instructions for performing a task. Hypothetically there 

should be no error made if the procedures are followed to the letter. However, procedures are 

often imperfect and can lead staff to make errors. Less than adequate procedure quality can be 

broadly defined as any condition where a procedure exists but is insufficient to ensure that the 

job is completed correctly. Less than adequate procedure availability is the situation where 

procedures for the task at hand do not exist or are not accessible. This could include 

unanticipated conditions or conditions where the available procedures are only partially relevant.

Workplace Adequacy

Workplace adequacy refers to aspects of the workplace environment that can be changed by 

the organization. This includes aspects of workplace layout and configuration, workplace 

environmental stressors (e.g., ergonomics, lack of adequate HVAC). Workplace adequacy 

generally refers to the quality of the office environment. 

Tools/Equipment 

Tools/equipment availability and quality refer to the physical tools/equipment provided to 

workers by the organization. Proper tools/equipment (including number and type) must be 

available to ensure that personnel do not have to develop work-arounds or postpone tasks. 

Tools/equipment must also be adequately maintained, including proper calibration, etc. 

Staffing

Staffing refers to the way that the organization hires personnel and assigns tasks. It is an 

organizational responsibility to ensure that the personnel they hire have the knowledge 

necessary to perform their jobs. It is also an organizational responsibility to assign appropriate 

numbers of personnel to tasks, to ensure that teams have members with complementary skills, 

and to ensure that teams have had appropriate opportunities to train together. Staffing must 

balance the organization’s interest in keeping costs low, preventing errors, and ensuring a 

continuous workforce (e.g., training new workers before experienced workers reach retirement). 

This requires consideration of the number of experts versus inexperienced staff that are placed 

on a task.
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Staffing issues can impact personnel performance in several ways. Less than adequate staffing 

may cause personnel to be assigned too many tasks, certain staff to carry the majority of the 

task load, or personnel to work without sufficient rest time between shifts. Staffing can also 

include team issues, wherein the organization rearranges crews without giving them enough 

opportunity to train together before being placed in operating situations. Staffing also considers 

inappropriate hiring decisions that result in personnel without the necessary skills being 

assigned unfamiliar tasks. 

Task Scheduling

Task scheduling refers to how the organization plans and distributes tasks to personnel. Task 

scheduling encompasses activity planning and scheduling, resource allocation, and ordering 

(prioritization) of planned tasks. Task prioritization by the organization should not be confused 

with the personal prioritization behavior of individual workers. The organizational prioritization 

problems occur over a longer time scale and multiple people are involved in the planning and 

decision making directly or through a review process. Personal prioritization problems usually 

occur over a shorter time period (e.g., during an emergency situation) and involve a single 

individual making the decision. 

Task scheduling can be related to staffing issues, including cases where inadequate number of 

staff is available to complete tasks, so tasks cannot be completed in expected time. Less than 

adequate scheduling can be indicated as frequent task rescheduling, inadequate scheduling of 

test and surveillance activities, or assigning too many tasks to an employee or team. In the latter 

case, there is a strong relationship between task scheduling and staffing. While staffing and task 

scheduling may/or may not have a direct relationship, they are highly correlated because the 

same organizational influences both PIFs. 

Necessary Information 

Information availability and information quality refer to necessary information about the system 

or task that is pertinent to the work. Information can include log books from previous shifts, 

vendor manuals, or action plans, etc. The information availability and information quality is 

intended to capture information that is exclusive of the procedures or tools.

3. Team-Related Factors

Communication

Communication refers to the ability of team members to pass information to each other. It allows 

team members to have shared knowledge of a situation. Communication can be verbal or in 

writing. Communication refers only to information sharing between people.

Communication is broken down into communication availability and communication quality. 

Complete lack of communication—no information is passed. With less than adequate 

communication quality, some information is passed, but it may be partial information or incorrect 

information. Untimely communication has the same effect as lack of communication—the 

information is not communicated when necessary. Poorly communicated information may not 

impact the scenario if the information does not alter human performance. Poor safety culture 

likely also affects communication
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Team Cohesion

Team cohesion refers to the way that team members interact with each other. It has been 

referred to as group morale, interpersonal solidarity and team compatibility. It is closely related 

to team coordination, as teams that are less cohesive may not coordinate as efficiently as other 

comparable teams. Members of cohesive teams are able to work together within their roles to 

complete tasks effectively. Team cohesion includes group morale and group attitude toward the 

task. 

Team Coordination

Team coordination refers to the overall interactions of the team, including division of 

responsibilities and ability to work as a unit (teamwork). Communication and direct supervision 

are aspects of team coordination, but team coordination also goes farther and considers 

additional factors that contribute to overall team performance. This includes planning and 

scheduling on the team level and decisions made during team meetings. While poor 

communication could be responsible for poor coordination, there are additional factors that 

could lead to poor coordination, such as a lack of knowledge in the team, or poor team 

interactions wherein one member dominates or some team members are unwilling to contribute. 

Direct Supervision

Direct supervision serves as the link between management and the team members. Direct 

supervision is separate from management because direct supervisors work with and assign 

tasks to personnel, whereas management is a more indirect authority working through the 

supervisor. The direct supervisor can be seen as a member of the team, albeit a member with 

additional authority and responsibility. The supervisor sets a direction for the team and 

influences the attitudes of the team members. The supervisor has the dual responsibility of 

setting goals for the group and also working with group members to accomplish these goals. 

Inadequate direct supervision can be found in the form of insufficient direction/guidance or in a 

supervisor being overly involved in tasks. 

Role Awareness

Role awareness is related to how each team member perceives his/her duties, responsibilities, 

and role as a team member. It is related to how the team divides tasks and how team members 

interact. Members of a team have defined roles and it is necessary for every team member to 

comply with expectations of his/her role. During an unplanned situation, if one or more member 

of the team deviates from the expected role it can have a negative impact on teamwork and on 

the progression of the situation.

Role awareness has two main functions: to ensure that tasks are completed and to enhance 

team coordination. Proper role awareness ensures that all necessary tasks are completed and 

reduces conflict among team members. A team cannot properly function without a leader, but a 

team also cannot function with too many leaders. 
EVIDENCE GATHERING CHAPTER 5

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Figure 15: Information – Decision – Action – Cognitive (IDAC) model (Katrina Groth and Ali Mosleh)
EVIDENCE GATHERING CHAPTER 5

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Exhibit 5-5: Accident Investigation Witness List TIS LSSNETIN WOITAIGTSE INVTNACCIDE Witness Name Agency Work Address Supervisor Office Contact Information Date and Time of Scheduled Interview Location
ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION WITNESS STATEMENT 

ACCIDENT/INCIDENT 

PERSON MAKING STATEMENT (last, first, middle) HOME PHONE NUMBER 

HOME ADDRESS (street, city, state, zip code) WORK PHONE NUMBER 

EMPLOYMENT (occupation and location) 

LOCATION STATEMENT TAKEN NAME OF INVESTIGATOR TAKING STATEMENT DATE TIME STARTED 

STATEMENT 

DATE/TIME ENDED 

SIGNATURE OF PERSON GIVING 

STATEMENT 

WITNESS' SIGNATURE (If Applicable) 

EVIDENCE GATHERING CHAPTER 5 

Exhibit 5-6: Accident Investigation Witness Statement 

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 67 
EVIDENCE GATHERING CHAPTER 5 

ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION WITNESS STATEMENT 

PAGE _____ of _____ 

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 68 
EVIDENCE GATHERING CHAPTER 5 

Exhibit 5-7: Accident Investigation Witness Interview 

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 69 

ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION 

WITNESS INTERVIEW 





Initial Interview 

Follow-up 

NATURE OF INVESTIGATION: 

NAME OF PERSON INTERVIEWED: 

HOME ADDRESS (street, city, state, zip code): HOME PHONE WITH AREA CODE: 

EMPLOYER (name and address): WORK PHONE WITH AREA CODE: 

LOCATION OF INTERVIEW: NAME OF INTERVIEWER: 

OTHERS PRESENT: STARTED 

DATE: 

TIME: 

ENDED 

DATE: 

TIME: 

REMARKS: 

INTERVIEWER’S SIGNATURE: WITNESS’ SIGNATURE: 

PAGE _____ of _____ 
EVIDENCE GATHERING CHAPTER 5 

ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION WITNESS INTERVIEW (continued) 

PAGE _____ of _____ 

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EVIDENCE ANALYSIS AND DELIBERATIONS CHAPTER 6

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CHAPTER 6 – EVIDENCE ANALYSIS AND DELIBERATIONS

6.1 INTRODUCTION

When team members have completed all their tasks and begin evaluating evidence, the SAIT 

should meet to collectively review the data and finalize the investigation analysis—also called 

the deliberative process/team deliberations. The Chief Investigator leads this analysis. SAIT 

members, including subject matter experts, are part of the deliberations. Technical specialists 

are typically not part of the deliberative process since they generally provide the Chief 

Investigator with their respective technical report(s) and are released.

The SAIT will review all the evidence gathered in course of the investigation, identify the facts

(verified information based on the evidence the team members concludes to be factual), and 

categorize all evidence as human, material or environmental (See Chapter 5 – Evidence 

Gathering). The objective is to determine facts and come to a consensus based on the 

evidence.

During deliberations four key tasks should be accomplished:

1. Agree on the accident sequence based upon the facts gathered

2. Establish the findings

3. Construct cause(s)

4. Develop recommendations

The deliberative process/team deliberations must be flexible enough to capture the complex 

nature of the work with consideration given to the associated human factor variables.

WILDLAND FIRE

The following accepted guiding principle for safe and effective wildland fire operation should be 

considered when conducting wildland fire accident investigations: 

The primary means by which we implement command decisions and maintain unity of 

action is through the use of common principles of operations. These principles guide our 

fundamental wildland fire management practices, behaviors, and customs, and are 

mutually understood at every level of command. They include Risk Management, 

Standard Firefighting Orders and Watch Out Situations, LCES and the Downhill Line 

Construction Checklist. These principles are fundamental to how we perform fire 

operations, and are intended to improve decision making and firefighter safety. They are 

not absolute rules. They require judgment in application. (Interagency Standards for Fire 

and Fire and Aviation Operations)

Given the stated guiding principle above, the SAIT should refrain from conducting a separate 

analysis of the “Standard Firefighting Orders” and “18 Watch Out Situations.” This type of 

analysis can result in the lack of constructing true causes resulting in poor preventative 

measures. (They are symptoms, not causal factors.)
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6.2 ACCIDENT CHRONOLOGY

Once developed, the SAIT must carefully review the chronology to ensure that the accident 

timeline is complete and no unexplained gaps of time are present. Looking at the three types of 

evidence, consider the following when reviewing the accident chronology:

1. Pre-accident – events leading up to the accident

2. Accident – accident sequence of events 

3. Post-accident – actions taken post-accident 

If there is a gap within the accident chronology, provide an explanation. 

PRE-ACCIDENT

Establish the sequence of events leading to the accident to answer the following questions:

• Who, what, when, where, why, and how the operation was planned and how it actually 

was implemented (e.g., “the gap”).

Identify any pre-accident contributing factors, for example:

• Human:

o Sense of urgency

o Fatigue

o Physical/medical condition

o Organizational factors (policies, standard operating procedures, culture/norms, 

etc.)

 Management pressure to complete a job or task

• Material:

o Equipment condition/performance

o Maintenance records

• Environmental:

o Anticipated weather conditions (micro and macro) that were not taken into 

consideration

o Terrain/Topography
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ACCIDENT

Determine the accident sequence of events. All types of evidence must be considered and 

categorized into three areas: human, material, and environmental. Identify any contributing 

factors within each category. 

• Human:

o Lack of information

o Instructions not understood 

• Material:

o Use of seatbelts

o Worn tires

o Equipment malfunction

• Environmental:

o Known weather conditions

o Condition of road surface 

POST-ACCIDENT

Identify the post-accident sequence of 

events/actions (e.g., search and rescue 

effort, medical efforts), how the accident 

was first reported, and the locations of 

personnel/equipment at the conclusion of 

the accident. (Figure 16) 

Describe any actions that may have 

contributed to post-accident injury or 

damage. 

Describe rescue, first aid, extraction/

evacuation, equipment retrieval/recovery 

efforts, etc.

Identify all medical facilities that provided 

treatment. 

Note any disturbance to the accident site, 

including:

• Security/preservation measures taken

• EMS/medical response

• Equipment retrieval/recovery

Figure 16: CAL FIRE employees during medical evacuation 

in Northern California (NIFC, 2008)
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Injuries

Record all injuries. Include any injury sustained during the accident through the subsequent 

rescue and medical care.

Document the condition of the patients, medical treatment, and summarize autopsy reports 

and/or information provided by medical examiner/coroner, if applicable.

Damage

Estimate the extent and cost of the equipment or property damage and through agency policy 

determine level as minor, major, destroyed or repairable.

Once the SAIT has agreed on factual evidence, the next step is to determine findings. 

6.3 FINDINGS

Each finding is a single event or condition based on a fact; findings are essential steps in the 

accident sequence and based on the weight of evidence, professional knowledge, and 

judgment. 

Each finding is an essential step in the accident sequence, but each finding is not necessarily 

causal. Do not include any more information in each finding than is necessary to explain the 

event occurrence.

Ensure all findings are supported by facts and that critical events required sustaining the 

accident sequence have not been omitted. 

Findings are identified by category (human, material, and environmental) in the findings section 

of the Factual Report. Number findings consecutively in the order in which they occurred, not 

necessarily in the order they were discovered. Precede each finding as full sentences and not 

bullet points within the Final Report. 

EXAMPLE: 

Finding 1 (Material): The front right retread tire on the vehicle failed.

IMPORTANT NOTE: 

There may be findings that are not causal and/or did not impact the outcome of the 

accident; however, they were related to the accident and are significant enough to 

potentially result in program improvements and should be included in the Factual 

Report as a finding (but not a cause) with associated recommendations provided in 

the Management Evaluation Report (MER). Place these findings in the list in most 

logical sequence possible.
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OTHER FINDINGS

The SAIT may have determined other findings during the investigation which were not directly 

related to the accident, but if left uncorrected, could lead to an accident. 

EXAMPLE:

The investigation team checked fleet vehicles not involved in the accident and 

determined low tire pressure inflation in the majority of fleet vehicles.

“Other Findings” shall be documented with recommended corrective actions within the MER.

Once findings are determined, the SAIT should evaluate all findings and decide which are 

causal.

6.4 CAUSE

A cause is an event, situation, or condition (a deficiency) which if corrected, eliminated, or 

avoided, would likely have prevented or mitigated the mishap, damage, or significant injury; 

cause does not imply blame.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Each cause must be supported by a finding.

Findings that started or sustained the actual accident sequence are the basis of causal factors.

Although all findings are significant, not all are causal; for example, findings that sustained the 

accident sequence but were normal to the situation as it developed are not causal. 

EXAMPLE:

Crossing a roadway at a pedestrian crosswalk would not be causal.

Additionally, some conditions are the effects or the expected result of a previously identified 

cause. 

EXAMPLE:

A car tire blows out during highway travel causing the driver to lose control, leave the 

roadway, and hit a tree. The cause of the accident was not leaving roadway or hitting 

the tree; the cause was the tire blow out.

The team must continue to ask the question “why” until all the cause(s) of each event, situation, 

or condition leading to the accident has been identified. Failure to identify all causes, could lead 

to inadequate recommendations to prevent future occurrences/accidents. Multiple causes can 

be identified, but it is imperative to continue the investigative process until all possible causes 

have been determined. Continue to ask “why.”

Occasionally the SAIT may not be able to conclusively determine the specific cause(s). In these 

rare instances, the cause(s) may remain unknown and should be emphatically stated as such in 

the MER.
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ACCIDENT TRAJECTORY/SWISS CHEESE MODEL 

During the investigation, SAITs must consider the broad concept of system/organizational 

failures as they deliberate, determine, and construct findings and causes. Accidents result from 

multiple or combinations of causes that are influenced by human interaction and decision 

making within a complex system. Gaps and weaknesses (e.g., holes) contribute to conditions 

that lead to undesired outcomes. These gaps and weaknesses are described as active failures 

and latent conditions.

Active failures have an immediate undesired consequence. They may include changes in 

equipment, systems or processes that trigger an immediate undesired consequences.

Latent conditions are organization-related weaknesses, conditions, or equipment flaws that are 

buried inside the organization undetected for long periods of time but can be triggered in a 

particular set of circumstances.

The condition and circumstances that led to the active failures may be the symptom of existing 

latent conditions which contributed to the individual(s) making the decision(s) that led to the 

undesired outcome. In this case, a causal factor is not the decision made, rather it is the latent 

condition and lack of defenses in the system along with the individual(s) decision that resulted in 

the accident. The cause was not solely the individual(s) decision.

Important Note:

Understanding the sense behind why the individuals involved in the accident made 

the decisions they did is critical. What team members think “should have” happened 

or “could have” happened may not be relevant—be mindful of the human tendency 

towards hindsight bias.

The accident trajectory diagram 

(Figure 17) demonstrates how 

the gaps and weaknesses (e.g., 

holes) line up that result in the 

undesired outcome/accident. 

This diagram is also often 

referred to as the “swiss cheese 

model.” (Reason)

This model is a tool for SAITs to 

consider as they deliberate, 

determine, and construct 

findings and causes. This will 

lead to more appropriate 

recommendations that can lead 

to corrections actions in an 

effort to prevent future similar 

occurrences.

Figure 17: Accident trajectory passing through corresponding holes in the layers of defenses, barriers, and 

safeguard. (James Reason, Managing the Risks of Organizational Accidents)
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WRITING CAUSE(S)

Write each cause in the active voice, clearly identifying the initiating event and/or persons, 

action, and outcome; along with any necessary clarifying information.

EXAMPLE:

Cause 1 (Human): The right front retread tire was underinflated, causing the tire to 

fail.

Apply the reasonable person concept. If a person’s performance or judgment was reasonable 

considering the accidents circumstances, performance or judgment might not be a causal factor.

To expect extraordinary or uniquely superior performance in such cases is not appropriate.

6.5 RECOMMENDATIONS

Once the team has completed the analysis of the findings and identified cause(s) and reached 

consensus, the next step is to develop recommendations. 

Recommendations are reasonable courses of proposed management actions based on the 

identified findings and cause(s) that are intended to reduce organizational and individual risk by 

controlling or minimizing hazards.

• Recommendations are generally related to specific findings of the investigation.

• Recommendations should be specific, achievable, and directed to particular individuals 

or entities that are capable of acting on them.

The Team Leader and Chief Investigator will lead the SAIT in the development of 

recommendations.

Recommendations can vary in scope and can be directed to various levels within the 

organization for implementing the corrective action. In some cases, more than one level in the 

organization or even other agencies will have action responsibility.

If an organizational level is assigned, responsibility for the corrective action should have 

authority commensurate with the nature of the recommendation.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Not every finding and/or cause will have a recommendation; however, every 

recommendation needs to be supported by a finding and/or cause.

Recommendations should:

• Identify measurable action(s) that can be assigned to an organizational level.

• Include definitive solution(s) to the problem/cause(s) that are achievable and realistic.

• Be specific to the related finding and/or cause(s).
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• Provide the most optimal opportunity of success in preventing potential future related

events.

Recommendations should not:

• Identify punitive actions addressing an individual’s failure or error.

• Recommend briefing unit personnel on the accident. Such briefings are a basic 

management responsibility on every accident.

• Recommend sweeping or general recommendations that cannot be implemented by the 

assigned action level (s) or identified as a completed action.

Findings, causes, and recommendations should be grouped, or related, together as necessary 

to indicate the relationship of finding(s), cause(s), and subsequent recommendation(s).

Remember not every recommendation requires a cause, but should always have a finding(s). 

Specific templates for the Final Report, including the MER are provided in Chapter 7 – Reports.

In summary, during deliberations four key tasks should be accomplished:

• Agree on the accident sequence based upon the facts gathered.

• Establish the findings.

• Construct cause(s).

• Develop recommendations.
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CHAPTER 7 – REPORTS

7.1 INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this chapter is to provide standardization for interagency serious accident 

investigation reports. 

Any additional agency-specific guidelines will be applied once the final interagency accident 

report is complete. Consult specific-agency manual handbooks or guides when preparing 

additional agency-specific reports. 

7.2 24-HOUR PRELIMINARY REPORT

The local unit has the responsibility to produce the 24-Hour Preliminary Report and submit to 

the delegating official(s) or designee(s) for distribution. This report contains the first details of 

the accident. This information does not necessarily become part of the Factual Report but is 

retained as part of the accident investigation case file.

In the event the report was not completed by the local unit, the Team Leader should:

• Prepare the report using the format provided in 24-Hour Preliminary Report (Exhibit 7-1). 

• Obtain information from Agency Administrator in-brief (and other sources). 

• Confirm/verify information received. 

• Avoid speculation. 

• Coordinate with the delegating official(s) or designee(s) for content prior to final 

approval. Once the form has been approved by both the Agency Administrator and the 

delegating official(s), the delegating official(s) or designee(s) shall release the report per 

agency-specific direction. 

7.3 72-HOUR EXPANDED REPORT

The 72-Hour Expanded Report is the first product prepared by the SAIT. The report is prepared 

by the Chief Investigator within 72 hours of the team’s arrival and signed by the Team Leader. 

The Team Leader sends the report to the delegating official(s) or designee(s) for approval and 

release.

Reports shall be prepared in accordance with the following:

• Prepare the report following the format provided in 72-Hour Expanded Report 

(Exhibit 7-2). 
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• Coordinate with the delegating official(s) or designee(s) for content prior to final 

approval. Once the form has been approved by both the Team Lead and the delegating 

official(s), the delegating official(s) or designee(s) shall release the report per agencyspecific direction.

• If no 24-Hour Preliminary Report was completed when the 72-Hour Expanded Report is 

due, the Team Leader should consider not completing the 24-Hour Preliminary Report

and state that there was no 24-Hour Report issued within the 72-Hour Expanded Report. 

This report provides more detail about the accident:

• Number of victims. 

• Names of fatality victim(s) (if next of kin has been notified); do not release names of 

injured victims. 

• Severity of injuries or property damage. 

• Synopsis of known facts. 

If the delegating official(s) or designee(s) determines that immediate action needs to be taken 

(e.g., safety alerts, stand-downs), they will initiate those actions through a separate process. 

7.4 SAFETY ALERT

A Safety Alert is prepared when the investigation has identified a safety hazard that poses an 

imminent threat to life or property. Examples include a failure of a piece of equipment or an 

inadequate policy or procedure or environmental conditions that could lead to an accident 

before the investigation report is completed.

The Team Leader may be requested to prepare a draft Safety Alert which identifies the hazards 

and recommended corrective actions to be taken. The draft Safety Alert is forwarded to the 

delegating official(s) or the designee(s) for approval and release. 

For wildland fire-related safety alerts, the delegating official(s) or the designee(s) will submit the 

final Safety Alert to their respective wildland fire safety/risk management representative who will 

submit the safety alert through appropriate channels. 

A Safety Alert can be submitted at any time during the accident investigation process. 

Prepare the safety notification using the Safety Alert template (Exhibit 7-3) or an agency-specific 

format.

7.5 FINAL REPORT

The SAIT will provide its Final Report, which consists of the Factual and Management 

Evaluation Reports, to the delegating official(s) within 45 calendar days of the accident. 
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7.6 FINAL REPORT EXTENSIONS AND STATUS REPORT

Extensions beyond the 45-day deadline need to be requested by the Team Leader and 

approved by the delegating official(s) authorizing the accident investigation. If extensions are 

requested, the Team Leader will provide an update identifying current status of investigation 

and any other related pertinent information.

7.7 FACTUAL REPORT

The purpose of the Factual Report (Exhibit 7-4) is to provide a narrative of the events leading up 

to, during, and after the accident.

This information about the factual events and the findings of the accident will help prevent 

similar types of accidents from happening in the future.

The report should provide:

• Executive summary of the event

• Chronology of the accident sequence

• Any post-accident actions (e.g., emergency response)

• Attachments or addendums essential to support the factual information (e.g., maps)

The Team Leader and Chief Investigator are responsible for the Final Report. They may assign 

the draft report writing (or portions of the report) to other members of the SAIT, depending on 

the complexity of the accident. In more complex investigations a writer/editor may be used.

Only the facts go into the Factual Report—no inferences, conclusions, or recommendations.

Autopsies, witness statements, names of witnesses, or other documentation containing 

personal information will not be included in the Factual Report. These documents will be 

included in the case file.

Prepare the Factual Report using the format found in Exhibit 7-4.

7.8 MANAGEMENT EVALUATION REPORT (MER)

The Management Evaluation Report (MER) (Exhibit 7-5) is the second part of the Final Report

and is intended for internal agency use only. The purpose of the MER is to review the following:

• Management policies

• Practices

• Procedures

• Human/Organizational factors related to the accident

The MER takes the findings identified in the Factual Report and identifies the cause(s) of the 

accident.
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In addition to information used from the Factual Report, the MER contains:

• Findings identified in the Factual Report

• Cause(s) of the accident

• Conclusions and observations 

• Confidential information (no witness statements or autopsy reports)

• Recommendations for corrective measures

• Other findings—findings not related to the accident which if left uncorrected could lead to 

future accidents/organizational failures (follow specific agency policy regarding other 

findings)

Prepare the MER using the format found in Exhibit 7-5.

7.9 DISTRIBUTION OF ACCIDENT REPORTS

Within 45 days of the accident, the original and two copies of the Factual and Management 

Evaluation Reports will be sent to the agency delegating official(s) or designee(s). These 

documents must be sent by traceable means. The agency will review the reports and approve 

them or submit them for other review processes within their agency or interagency as outlined 

within their policy.

The respective agency delegating official(s) or designees(s) will review the Final Report and 

submit for agency-specific accident review (e.g., Accident Review Board).

IMPORTANT NOTE:

These reports are draft until they have been approved by the respective agency 

leadership and/or gone through their established agency accident review process.

7.10 CASE FILES AND PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

The accident investigation case file has two components: the accident investigation Final Report

(Factual and Management Evaluation Reports) and the supporting documentation and 

equipment that are not in the investigation report. Evidence (e.g., tapes, photos not used or unfit 

for distribution, witness statements, and documents that may be too large) should not be 

included in the investigation report. This information should be kept in the case file and only 

referenced in the accident investigation report to support SAIT findings.

Any physical evidence that the Chief Investigator feels should be kept, such as a hardhat that 

failed, becomes part of the case file.

Case files including factual data that was generated during the investigation but not contained 

within the report will be forwarded, by traceable means, to the agency Office of Record. Refer to 

agency-specific policy or consult with delegating official(s) or designee(s).
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Prior to returning physical evidence, coordinate with the delegating official(s) or designee(s) to 

ensure evidence collected is appropriately disseminated. Most property may be returned to the 

property owner or insurance company under signed receipt. Return of contractor property will be 

coordinated through the appropriate Contracting Officer.

The identification of the Office of Record (for retaining final case file and processing FOIA

requests) should be identified in the delegation of authority or provided to the SAIT by the 

delegating official(s) or designee(s). For interagency SAIs, this will need to be negotiated and 

determined by involved agencies at the delegating authority level.

An inventory of case file contents shall be included with the case file prior to releasing to Office 

of Record. The Serious Accident Investigation Case File Inventory template (Exhibit 7-6) should 

be used to create case file inventories.

The Team Leader should verify with any other investigative entities/collateral investigation(s) 

before releasing any evidence gathered during the investigation.

After the Final Report approval, Team Leader must ensure that all previous working draft copies 

of the report are destroyed.

7.11 RELEASE OF FINAL REPORT

The internal distribution and external release of the Final Report (or its parts) will be determined 

by the delegating official(s) or designee(s) and is agency-specific. 

The SAIT does not have authority to release or distribute the Final Report (or any portion of the 

report).
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Exhibit 7-1: 24-Hour Preliminary Report Cover Letter 

and Format

[Letterhead]

[Date]

To: [Delegating Official(s)]

From: [Local Unit Agency Administrator]

Subject: 24-Hour Preliminary Report, [Name of Incident]

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Location:

Date of Occurrence:

Time of Occurrence:

Local Agency Administrator or Team Leader:

Activity:

Number of Injuries:

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Names of injured personnel are not to be included in this report.

Reference them by position.

Number of Fatalities:

Property Damage (such as to vessels, equipment, and structures):

Narrative:

//s// Local Unit Agency Administrator

cc: [Follow agency notification protocol]
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Exhibit 7-2: 72-Hour Expanded Report Cover Letter and 

Format

[Letterhead]

[Date]

To: [Delegating Official(s)]

From: [Team Leader]

Subject: 72-Hour Expanded Report, [Name of Incident]

Number and Type of Injuries:

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Names of injured personnel are not to be included in this report. 

Reference them by position.

Number and Name of Fatality Victim(s): 

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Names of fatality victims are not listed UNTIL next of kin have been notified. 

Narrative: (Be consistent with 24-Hour Preliminary Report information and/or clarify 

discrepancies plus mission/activity information)

Action Taken to Date:

Optional: (Highlight any related safety review topics for field use.)

//s// [Team Leader/Co-Team Leader]

cc: [Follow agency notification protocol]
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Exhibit 7-3: Safety Alert
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Exhibit 7-4: Factual Report

Cover Title Sheet: Include name, date, and location of the accident.

Table of Contents: Include page numbers for each section.

Serious Accident Investigation Team Signature Page: Include a list of investigation team members and 

their respective agencies with signature/date lines.

Executive Summary: Include a brief narrative of the facts involving the accident. Keep this section to 

one page or less. 

Narrative: The narrative portion explains why the accident happened and should provide a detailed 

chronology of the facts, before, during, and after the accident. This section should address the who, what, 

when, and where as much as possible.

Do not identify involved personnel by name in the narrative. Identify involved personnel by their position 

(e.g., Victim 1, Engine Leader 6-1). Fatality victim(s) names may used (family notification should have 

occurred at this point).

Investigation Process: A brief narrative stating that the SAIT was assigned to investigate the accident.

The narrative should include a standard statement that human, material, and environmental factors were 

considered. State what analysis process(es) were used.

Findings: Findings are based on the weight of evidence, professional knowledge, and judgment and are 

listed in chronological order.

Each finding is a single event or condition. Each finding is an essential step in the accident sequence, but 

each finding is not necessarily causal. Do not include any more information in each finding than is 

necessary to explain the event occurrence.

Ensure all findings are supported by facts.

Each finding shall be listed individually as a single event or condition and grouped in the factual report 

into three categories: human, material, and environmental.

If a factor (e.g., temperatures, driving speed) is determined to be non-finding to the accident, clearly 

indicate such by stating so in the report.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Opinions or observations are not findings.

Maps, Illustrations, and Photographs: Include graphic information used to document and visually 

portray facts. They need to be properly identified throughout the reports (e.g., Figure/Illustration-1, 

Figure/Illustration-2).

Appendices: Include excerpts, test results, and similar items used as reference information for 

documented facts involving the accident.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Autopsies, witness statements, names of witnesses, or other documentation containing personal 

information will not be included in Final Report. These documents will be included in the case.
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Exhibit 7-5: Management Evaluation Report 

Cover Title Sheet: 

• Name of the accident 

• Date of the accident

• Location of accident

• “For Official Use Only” statement

• Freedom of Information Act disclaimer statement and Privacy Act statement: 

This report contains information protected by the Privacy Act. Disclosure of protected 

information is a violation of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, (5 USC and 552a). 

• “Copy ____ of ___” statement 

Table of Contents: Include page numbers. 

Serious Accident Investigation Team Signature Page: Include a list of investigation team members and 

their respective agencies with signature/date lines.

Executive Summary: Use information from the Factual Report. 

Narrative: Use information from the Factual Report.

Findings, Causes, and Recommendations: Findings, causes, and recommendations should be grouped, 

or related, together as necessary to indicate the relationship of finding(s), cause(s), and subsequent 

recommendation(s). 

Findings: Taken from the Factual Report.

Cause(s): A cause is an event, situation, or condition (a deficiency) which if corrected, eliminated, or 

avoided would likely have prevented or mitigated the mishap, damage, or significant injury; cause 

does not imply blame. 

Recommendations: Reasonable courses of proposed management actions based on the identified 

findings and cause(s) that are intended to reduce organizational and individual risk by controlling or 

minimizing hazards. 

A “Discussion” element may also be added if necessary to explain circumstances leading to the 

recommendation. 
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EXAMPLE: 

RECOMMENDATION 1 (Finding 1 and Cause 1): 

Finding 1 (Material): The front right retread tire on the vehicle failed.

Cause 1 (Human): The right front retread tire was underinflated, causing the tire to 

fail. 

Discussion (optional): Although the retread tire was under-inflated by a marginal 

level (3-4 psi), there is a reasonable expectation that the tire should not fail. A 

greater margin of safety should exist for an acceptable range of under/over tire 

inflation. 

Recommendation 1: The agency should collaborate with General Services 

Administration (GSA) to determine if retread tires are safe for continued use. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: 

Not every finding and/or cause will have a recommendation; however, every 

recommendation needs to be supported by a finding and/or cause.

Other Findings: Other findings that did not contribute to the accident but, if left uncorrected, could lead 

to other accidents. 

Enclosures: Information used to support the recommendations that were not included in the Factual 

Report. 

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Autopsies, witness statements, names of witnesses, or other documentation containing personal 

information will not be included in Final Report. These documents will be included in the case. 
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Exhibit 7-6: Serious Accident Investigation Case File 

Inventory

Cover Title Sheet

• Name of the accident

• Date of the accident

• Location of accident

The case file contains factual data that was generated during [Name of Accident] accident investigation. 

The case file also includes a flash drive with electronic documentation. The SAIT does not have authority 

to release or distribute any information contained within the case file. Any release of this information will 

be determined by the delegated official(s) or designee(s).

The case file needs to be established in logical sections with individual files for each section identified. 

Depending on the incident and the complexity of the situation the list can change. The following format 

can be used in the development of the accident case file:

Administrative

• Delegation of authority

• Serious accident investigation team roster

• 24-Hour Preliminary Report and 72-Hour Expanded Report 

• Travel documentation 

• Unit Point of Contact 

• Initial actions taken by the unit 

Contact Information

• Local unit contact information 

• Law enforcement contact information 

• Family members contact information

• Participating agencies contact information

• Point of Contact/Liaison contact information

Local Law Enforcement/Emergency Medical Service/Medical Examiner’s Reports

• Sheriff’s Office incident report and case number

• Calls for service log from Sheriff’s Office

• Local Fire/EMS ambulance reports

• Official Autopsy and Toxicology Report 
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INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 91

Witness Information

Witness List

• List of witnesses and contact information

• Scheduling

Written Statements by Individuals

• Written witness statements

• Email statements

o Supervisors, IMT members, eye witnesses, Safety Officer, etc.

Interview Questions

• Interview questions developed by the serious accident investigation team

Interviews

• Individual files of witness interviews

Unit Logs and Dispatch Notes

• Operations Section Chief Unit Log

• Safety Officer’s Unit Log

• Dispatch Tracker Log (local unit and incident support dispatch center)

• Dispatch notes (communications logs) from 911 Dispatch

Victims Documents

• Medical standards information

• Time reports

• Work Capacity Test records

• Incident Qualification Card(s) 

• Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) printout

• Training documentation

• Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards Annual Exam

• Physical Fitness Inquiry Form for motor vehicle operations

• SF-50—Notification of Personnel Action

• Inventory of Initial Attack Bag and Gear

• Copy of State driver’s license

• Position description

• Personal Emergency Information Card
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INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 92

Incident Action Plans/Project Plans (fire/non-fire)

• Incident Action Plan – Original and corrected copy (from Planning Section Chief)

• Picture copy of the Incident Action Plan Safety Analysis Form

• Incident management situation reports

• National Interagency Coordination Center situation reports

• Electronic copies of relevant incident Planning Section documents (from IMT Planning Section 

Chief)

• Specific project plan documentation

Maps and Weather Information

• Maps

o Contour maps

o Project maps

o Fire maps

o Map of suspected point of origin

o Lightning display map

o Hazard map

• Weather

o Spot Weather Forecast

o RAWS weather

o Weather data from local airport

Crew/Employee Information (fire/non-fire)

• Crew/Employee names

• Position descriptions

• Daily documentation

• Training records

• Specialized certifications (e.g., ATV Certification/Chainsaw Certification)

• Crew Resource Orders

Physical Evidence

• Personal protective equipment (PPE)

o PPE evaluation

• Photo log and CD of pictures (from all sources)

• Equipment evidence (e.g., chainsaw, vehicle, ATV)
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INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 93

• Returned property: Include documentation of any property returned to the agency, property owner 

or insurance company (e.g. signed receipt or documentation in Evidence Log). 

• Documentation/technical reports (e.g., Missoula Technology and Development Center [MTDC])

Reference Documents/Miscellaneous Items

• Agency guides and handbooks (appropriate chapters or citations)

Collateral Investigation Documentation

• Any documentation related to the coordination with collateral investigation such as NIOSH and 

OSHA

Press Releases (fire/non-fire)

• Local newspaper articles

• Local newspaper article on cause of death

• National Associated Press (AP) articles

• BLM-NIFC press releases

• Transport of remains message

• BLM-NIFC press releases on cause of death
REPORTS CHAPTER 7

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CLOSEOUT AND FINAL BRIEFINGS CHAPTER 8

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 95

CHAPTER 8 – CLOSEOUT AND FINAL BRIEFINGS 

8.1 TEAM CLOSEOUT BRIEFING

The Team Leader facilitates the internal SAIT closeout briefing with the help of the Chief 

Investigator. 

The purpose of this briefing is to make any final team assignments and to conduct an after 

action review (AAR).

Items to be discussed in the closeout briefing are: 

• Determine remaining tasks to be accomplished.

• Assign follow-up task assignments to team members.

• Determine who will maintain evidence (until the Final Report is completed).

• Cleaning and turning in equipment.

• Collection and destruction of all working papers and draft copies of reports.

• Conduct AAR (see Team Performance Review section below). 

8.2 TEAM PERFORMANCE REVIEW

As part of the closure for the serious 

accident investigation team (SAIT), a 

review and critique of the team’s 

performance is important. This process 

is an opportunity for the team members 

to improve their skills and abilities for 

future assignments. This feedback is 

also valuable to the agency to make 

improvements in serious accident 

investigation training and processes.

(Figure 18) 

The Team Leader facilitates the briefing 

ensuring all members participate, 

keeping the team focused on the 

issues. The review should include:

• Discussion of what was planned.

• What actually happened?

Figure 18: Team performance review
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INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 96

• What can be done in future assignments to improve process and performance of the 

team? 

• Critique the accident investigation process used.

At the conclusion of the team review briefing the Team Leader should send any suggestions for 

process improvement to the respective agency(ies) safety office(s).

The Team Leader and Chief Investigator should evaluate and make recommendations for team 

members to receive Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD). Many times team members will 

say that they do not need the debriefing when in reality they have been affected by the event. 

The Team Leader and Chief Investigator should encourage the SAIT to attend and monitor 

team members for signs of stress during and after the investigation.

Another closeout briefing with the SAIT may be needed after the Final Report is finalized and 

accepted.

The Investigation Team Closeout Briefing and Team Performance Review (Exhibit 8-1) can be 

used to facilitate the briefing process. 

8.3 ON-SITE CLOSEOUT BRIEFING WITH AGENCY ADMINISTRATOR

The on-site closeout briefing, presented by the Team Leader, occurs with the Agency 

Administrator at the conclusion of the field investigation portion of the process. Attendees at this 

meeting should include the local/host Agency Administrator and their key staff, incident 

management team members as identified by the Incident Commander, and any local 

cooperators (as approved by the Agency Administrator) who were involved or had interest in 

accident.

This briefing is important since the Team Leader’s presentation will influence how the SAIT is 

perceived as they leave the on-site investigation portion of the process. Team Leaders should 

keep in mind as they prepare their briefing that they may not have complete information as the 

investigation and evidence analysis is in progress and could significantly change. 

The on-site closeout briefing information shall be pre-approved by the delegating official(s) prior 

to the on-site closeout. 

Information found in On-site Closeout Briefing with Agency Administrator (Exhibit 8-2) can be 

used to facilitate this briefing.

IMPORTANT NOTE: 

The Team Leader should emphasize that the accident investigation and the Final 

Report are for accident prevention and learning purposes only! Accident 

investigations do not assign blame or administrative accountability.
CLOSEOUT AND FINAL BRIEFINGS CHAPTER 8

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 97

8.4 CLOSEOUT BRIEFING WITH INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ENTITIES

Different levels and types of briefings are conducted throughout the course of the investigation 

process and are tailored to a specific audience. The same is true with closeout briefing. The 

closeout briefings with internal and external entities occur prior to the completion of the draft 

Final Report. 

Given the fact that the accident investigation process will most likely not be completed at this 

time, requested closeout briefings will be limited in scope (i.e., status of process) and shall be 

approved by the delegating official(s) or designee(s). 

Closeout briefings may be given to:

• Delegating official(s) and/or designee(s) 

• Fire & Aviation Directors

• Agency safety/risk management office

• Affected cooperators

• Local authorities (e.g., fire marshal)

8.5 POST-FINAL REPORT CLOSEOUT BRIEFINGS

Upon completion of the draft Final Report: 

• The Team Leader, Chief Investigator, and specified subject matter experts may be 

requested by the agency(ies) to make presentations to their management and/or 

agency(ies) Accident Review Boards/Board of Reviews. See Chapter 9 – Accident 

Review Process. 

Upon agency(ies) approval of the Final Report: 

• The Team Leader and/or Chief Investigator may be requested by the agency(ies) to 

present the Final Report to agency leadership and stakeholders. 

• The Team Leader and/or Chief Investigator may be requested by the agency(ies) to 

present the Factual Report to the immediate family.

• The agency director(s) may be requested to personally brief higher level authorities 

(e.g., Secretary of the Interior/Agriculture, Governors) to explain the accident and the 

corrective actions. The Team Leader and/or Chief Investigator may be asked to assist in 

these briefings. 

• OSHA may request a formal presentation detailing the factual findings and causes of the 

accident.

Each of these closeout briefings will need to be prepared to and present the appropriate 

information to a specific audience.
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INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 98

8.6 FINAL REPORT BRIEFINGS, PRESS RELEASES AND FAMILY 

MEETINGS

Each accident investigation will likely have some level of interest and involvement from other 

governmental agencies, the media, family members, and agency employees. The Team Leader 

and Chief Investigator may be asked to participate in meetings, briefings, and possibly 

congressional testimony. These contacts should always be done in coordination with the 

DASHO/delegating official(s). Presentations should be restricted to factual data and findings 

from the report and any potential corrective action should be presented in general terms with an 

explanation of the process. 

Because recommendations and Corrective Action Plan implementation is at the discretion of 

agency leadership, SAIT members not discuss recommendations or corrections with external 

audiences. Release of this information resides with agency director(s)/official(s). 

8.7 SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION TEAM RELEASE

Once the Final Report has been approved by the agency(ies) director(s)/official(s) and all followup briefing are completed, the SAIT is released by the delegating official(s). 
CLOSEOUT AND FINAL BRIEFINGS CHAPTER 8

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 99

Exhibit 8-1: Investigation Team Closeout Briefing and 

Team Performance Review

The purpose of the investigation team closeout briefing is to tie up loose ends and critique the 

SAIT’s performance. Typically the following things are covered:

• Determine remaining tasks to be accomplished.

• Assign follow-up task assignments to team members.

• Determine who will maintain evidence (until the Final Report is completed).

• Cleaning and turning in equipment.

• Collection and destruction of all working papers and draft copies of reports.

• Use of a computer flash drive for all accident investigation documentation.

• Critique team performance. 

• Critique accident investigation process used.

• Send suggestions for training or process improvement to the respective agency’s 

National Safety Office and/or the Fire & Aviation Office.

• Evaluate and make recommendations for team members to receive Critical Incident 

Stress Debriefing (CISD) for team members.
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INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 100

Exhibit 8-2: On-Site Closeout Briefing with Agency 

Administrator

The on-site closeout briefing with the Agency Administrator is conducted by the Team Leader.

On-site closeout briefings must be approved by the delegating official(s), and attendance by the 

delegating official(s) is at their discretion.

Key elements include the following: 

• Inform the Agency Administrator that information may be incomplete as the investigation 

and evidence analysis is in progress and could significantly change.

• Reemphasize that the purpose of the investigation, the report, and the supporting 

material is for accident prevention purposes only.

• Provide facts that cover the timeline of the accident that SAIT discovered during on-site 

investigation and causes of injury(s) if known and verified.

o There may be facts that are sensitive in nature and should not be discussed 

during the Agency Administrator closeout and will be managed by the delegating 

official(s) or designee(s). The Team Leader should discuss with delegating 

official(s) or designee(s) prior to Agency Administrator closeout briefing.

• Describe where the team is in the investigation process—the time frame in which you 

expect to finish the report, follow-up processes (e.g., Accident Review Boards). Remind 

the Agency Administrator that the DASHO/delegating official(s) has control of report and 

process after SAIT turns in draft final report to them. The Final Report release and 

briefings will be coordinated from the national level to the state/regional level and 

Agency Administrators will be briefed through chain of command prior to Factual 

Report’s release.

• Provide status of any external outstanding reports (e.g., police reports, autopsy) that 

could impact findings.

• Identify any immediate actions that the local unit needs to take to address safety issues.

EXAMPLE:

Any “Other Findings” that the team discovered that need immediate corrective actions.

• Identify any evidence in local storage and the SAIT member that will be tracking its 

release.

• Notification that the SAIT is releasing the accident site back to the local unit.

• Addressing any outstanding support that the Team Leader received from the unit during 

the closeout briefing is appropriate. Be careful about addressing any negative issues 

with this subject—efforts may not be productive.

NOTE:

Disciplinary actions should not be discussed. A separate administrative investigation can 

be initiated by the Agency Administrator, at their discretion, to determine if any 

disciplinary actions are appropriate.
ACCIDENT REVIEW PROCESS CHAPTER 9

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 101

CHAPTER 9 – ACCIDENT REVIEW PROCESS

9.1 INTRODUCTION

Once the SAIT completes the draft Final Report, some agencies conduct another step in their 

investigative process. This agency management-level review of the accident is often called the 

Accident Review Board/Board of Review. This process may also include the development of 

and/or concurrence with corrective actions in an effort to prevent further occurrences.

The Team Leader and Chief Investigator should become familiar with this process when 

assigned to an SAI where the involved agency(ies) utilize a review board. Consult with 

delegating official(s) or designee(s) to determine agency-specific follow-up processes.

For interagency investigations, review board process(es) will be determined at the delegating 

official(s) level. 

9.2 PURPOSE OF ACCIDENT REVIEW BOARDS

The purpose of an Accident Review Board is to examine and evaluate the draft Final Report

(which includes Factual Report and the Management Evaluation Report) and validate the 

findings, causes, and recommendations. 

The Team Leader (Chief Investigator and SMEs may also be requested to participate) will brief 

the Accident Review Board on the factual accident information, findings, causes, and 

recommendations.

Accident Review Board responsibilities are to: 

• Ensure there are no unexplained gaps or holes in the accident chronology of events or 

other facts,

• Ensure all recommendations are based upon findings and causes and have applicability 

in accident prevention and organizational learning and that they can be implemented by 

the organization,

• Ensure that the overall report thoroughly addresses organizational accident concerns, 

and

• Establish/consider corrective actions to prevent future potential occurrences. 

9.3 ACCIDENT REVIEW BOARD MEMBERSHIP

The delegating official(s) authorizing the investigation will designate Accident Review Board 

members. Agencies may have established policy that pre-identifies review board members by 

position. The Accident Review Board is typically comprised of representatives from agency 

leadership/management, safety/risk management, specific program areas, and technical 

experts. Attendance by non-board members is at the discretion of the chairperson.
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9.4 ACCIDENT REVIEW BOARD PROCESS

When the Team Leader (and most often the Chief Investigator) presents the Final Report

(Factual/Management Evaluation Reports) to the board members, the Accident Review Board 

may approve the report in its entirety or the review board may:

• Request clarifying or additional specific information be added to the report,

• Make additional recommendations, or

• Establish timeline for resubmission of draft Final Report.

Upon the Accident Review Board’s Final Report concurrence, the review board may develop (or 

review) the Corrective Action Plan (CAP). The CAP is agency-specific and development 

may/may not occur at the Accident Review Board level. 

Final Report approval and distribution will occur after the review board process. Specifics on 

approval and distribution can be found in Chapter 7 - Reports.

9.5 CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN

This Corrective Action Plan outlines corrective actions related to the identified 

recommendations. The CAP identifies actions, timelines, and responsibility for the completion of 

each action item. Progress of the plan will be tracked through completion by the appropriate 

Safety/Risk Manager.
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INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 103

APPENDIX A: GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS 

GLOSSARY

Accident – An unplanned event or series of events that resulted in injury, occupational illness, 

or damage to or loss of equipment or property to a lesser degree than defined as a serious 

accident.

Active Failures – Immediate undesired consequence. Active failures may include changes in 

equipment, systems or processes that trigger an immediate undesired consequences. 

Agency Administrator – The authorized official on the unit where the accident occurred. 

Briefing, 24-hour Preliminary Report – Report, prepared by the unit and transmitted within 24 

hours of the accident to the delegating official(s) or designee(s), containing the first details of the

accident. 

Briefing, 72-hour Expanded Report – SAIT’s first report prepared by the Chief Investigator 

within 72 hours of the team’s arrival and signed by the Team Leader. 

Burnover – An event in which a fire moves through a location or overtakes personnel or 

equipment where there is no opportunity to utilize escape routes and safety zones, often 

resulting in personal injury or equipment damage.

Cause – Event, situation, or condition (a deficiency) which if corrected, eliminated, or avoided, 

would likely have prevented or mitigated the mishap, damage, or significant injury; cause does 

not imply blame. 

Collateral Investigations – Investigations of other agencies with a jurisdictional responsibility 

to conduct their own investigation (e.g., law enforcement, Federal OSHA, State OSHA, NIOSH, 

and OIG). These investigations are independent and can run concurrently while serious 

accident investigations are being conducted. 

Designated Safety and Health Official (DASHO) – Agency official responsible for ensuring

that serious accidents and incidents are fully investigated. Some agencies title these 

representatives Designated Safety and Health Official (DASHO) or these duties are contained 

within their agency responsibilities.

Entrapment – A situation where personnel are unexpectedly caught in a fire behavior-related, 

life threatening position where planned escape routes or safety zones are absent, inadequate, 

or compromised. Entrapment may or may not include deployment of a fire shelter for its 

intended purpose. Entrapment may result in a serious wildland fire accident, wildland fire 

accident, or a near-miss. 

Evidence – Everything gathered during the course of the investigation and categorized as 

human, material or environmental.

Fact – Verified information based on evidence.
GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS APPENDIX A

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 104

Factual Report – Narrative of the events leading up to, during, and after the accident. 

The factual events and the findings of the accident will help prevent similar types of accidents 

from happening in the future.

The report should provide:

• Executive summary of the event

• Chronology of the accident sequence

• Any post-accident actions (e.g., emergency response)

• Attachments or addendums essential to support the factual information

Final Report – Report that consists of the Factual and Management Evaluation Reports

submitted to the delegating official(s) or designee(s) within 45 calendar days of the accident. 

Extensions beyond this deadline need to be requested by the Team Leader. 

Finding – A single event or condition that is supported by facts. Each finding is an essential 

step in the accident sequence, but each finding is not necessarily causal. 

Fire Shelter Deployment – The removal of a fire shelter from the protective case and use as 

protection against fire. Fire shelter deployments may or may not be associated with an 

entrapment. Fire shelter deployments may result in a serious wildland fire accident, a wildland 

fire accident, or a near-miss. 

Interagency (Multi-Agency) Investigations – Serious accidents involving more than one 

agency will require the DASHO(s) or designee(s) to collaboratively develop a delegation of 

authority that is signed by each of the respective agencies. 

Latent Conditions – Organization-related weaknesses, conditions, or equipment flaws that are 

buried inside the organization undetected for long periods of time but can be triggered in a 

particular set of circumstances. 

Management Evaluation Report – The second part of the Final Report intended for internal 

agency use only. The purpose of the MER is to review the following:

• Management policies

• Practices

• Procedures

• Human factors related to the accident

Near-Miss – An unplanned event or series of events that could have resulted in death, injury,

occupational illness, or damage to or loss of equipment or property but did not.

Recommendations – Recommendations are reasonable courses of proposed management 

actions based on the identified findings and cause(s) that are intended to reduce organizational 

and individual risk by controlling or minimizing hazards.

Performance Influencing Factor – Characteristics of the job, the individual, and the 

organization that influence human performance.
GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS APPENDIX A

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 105

Safety Alert – Alert created and issued when a safety hazard that poses an imminent threat to 

life or property has been identified.

Serious Accident – An unplanned event or series of events that resulted in death; injury, 

occupational illness, or damage to or loss of equipment or property. For operations, a serious 

accident involves any of the following: 

• One or more fatalities

• Three of more personnel who are inpatient hospitalized as a direct result of or in support 

of operations

• Property or equipment damage of $250,000 or more

• Consequences that the Designated Agency Safety and Health Official (DASHO), or 

Designated Agency Official, judges to warrant Serious Accident Investigation

• Some state agencies may have further definitions of a serious accident that also 

includes: 

o In-patient hospitalization for more than 24 hours for other than observation 

(regardless of number of employees)

o The loss of a body part 

o Serious disfigurement

ACRONYMS/ABBREVIATIONS

AA Agency Administrator

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CI Chief Investigator

CISD Critical Incident Stress Debriefing

CISM Critical Incident Stress Management

DASHO Designated Agency Safety and Health Official

DM Departmental Manual (DOI)

GIS Geographic Information System

GPS Global Positioning System

HFA Human Factors Analysis

IC Incident Commander

ICP Incident Command Post

IDAC Information-Decision-Action Cognitive Model
GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS APPENDIX A

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 106

IHOG Interagency Helicopter Operation Guide

IRPG Incident Response Pocket Guide

LE Law Enforcement

M.E. Medical Examiner

MER Management Evaluation Report

MOU Memorandum of Understanding

NICC National Interagency Coordination Center

NIFC National Interagency Fire Center

NIOSH The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

NWCG National Wildfire Coordinating Group

OIG Office of the Inspector General

OSHA Occupational Safety & Health Administration

PAO Public Affairs Officer

PIF Performance Influencing Factors

PIO Public Information Officer

POC Point of Contact

PPE Personal Protection Equipment

RMC Risk Management Committee

SAI Serious Accident Investigation

SAIT Serious Accident Investigation Team

SME Subject Matter Expert

USDA United States Department of Agriculture

USDI or DOI United States Department of Interior or Department of the Interior
FIGURES AND EXHIBIT INVENTORY APPENDIX B

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 107

APPENDIX B: FIGURES AND EXHIBIT INVENTORY 

Figure Number Figure Name

1 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) logo

2 National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) logo

3 USDA Office of Inspector General (OIG) logo

4 Law enforcement personnel at accident scene

5 Serious Accident Investigation Process

6 Public Service Officers’ Benefit brochure

7 Typical serious accident investigation team organization. 

8 Accident investigation (Digger-Derrick Truck Tip-Over Incident, 

2011)

9 Media briefing (Photo credit: Kari Greer)

10 Site visit

11 Mapping example (Stocking Lake SAI Factual Report, 2011)

12 Human and Organizational Factors Relationship

13 Trekking pole (Stocking Lake SAI Factual Report, 2011)

14 Melted hardhats (Mudd Fire Entrapment/Fire Shelter Deployment 

Factual Report, 2006)

15 Information – Decision – Action – Cognitive (IDAC) model (Katrina 

Groth and Ali Mosleh)

16 CAL FIRE employees during medical evacuation in Northern 

California (NIFC, 2008)

17 James Reason’s Accident Trajectory 

18 Team Performance Review

Exhibit Number Exhibit Name

1-1 Memorandum of Understanding between the Departments of the 

Interior and Agriculture

2-1 Local Unit Initial Actions for Serious Accident (SAI) Investigations

2-2 NWCG Wildland Fire Fatality and Entrapment – Initial Report

2-3 Sample Letter to the Medical Examiner/Coroner

3-1 Sample Delegation of Authority Letter

5-1 Investigating Burnovers and Shelter Deployments – Assessing 

Personal Protective Equipment

5-2 Evidence Log

5-3 Evidence Chain of Custody Log
FIGURES AND EXHIBIT INVENTORY APPENDIX B

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 108

Exhibit Number Exhibit Name

5-4 Human Reliability/Performance Factors

5-5 Accident Investigation Witness List

5-6 Accident Investigation Witness Statement

5-7 Accident Investigation Witness Interview

7-1 24-Hour Preliminary Report Cover Letter and Format

7-2 72-Hour Expanded Report Cover Letter and Format

7-3 Safety Alert

7-4 Factual Report

7-5 Management Evaluation Report (MER)

7-6 Serious Accident Investigation Case File Inventory

8-1 Investigation Team Closeout Briefing and Team Performance 

Review

8-2 On-site Closeout Briefing with Agency Administrator
SUPPORTING REFERENCE DOCUMENTS APPENDIX C

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 109

APPENDIX C: SUPPORTING REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

MANUALS AND POLICIES

14 CFR 91.137a[2]) – Aeronautics and Space, Federal Aviation Administration, Department of 

Transportation. Air Traffic and General Operating Rules, General Operating and Flight Rules, 

Temporary Flight Restrictions in the Vicinity of Disaster/Hazard Areas

28 CFR 32.1 – Judicial Administration, Public Safety Officer’s Death and Disability Benefits, 

Purpose and OMB Control Number

29 CRF 1904.39, OSHA, Recording and Reporting Occupations Injuries and Illnesses, 

Reporting Fatalities and Multiple Hospitalization Incidents to OSHA

29 CFR 1960.29, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Basic Program 

Elements for Federal Employees, Accident Investigation

49 CFR 831.2, Transportation, Accident/Incident Investigation Procedures, Responsibility of 

Board

CAL FIRE, 7070.15.1 Manual Section

Department of the Interior DM 485 Chapter 7

http://elips.doi.gov/ELIPS/DocView.aspx?id=1648&dbid=0

DOI Operational Procedures Memorandum (OPM) No. 13-04, Aviation User Training 

Program http://oas.doi.gov/library/opm/CY2013/OPM_13-04.pdf

Executive Order 12196, Occupational Safety and Health Programs for Federal Employees

Public Law 107-203. 107th Congress. Department of Agriculture Inspector General 

Investigation of Forest Service Firefighter Deaths.

U.S. Forest Service, FS 6709.11 Manual Section

AGENCIES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND PROGRAMS

National Park Service RM 50 B Occupational Health Safety 

Program http://www.nps.gov/policy/RM50Bdoclist.htm

National Safety Council

http://www.nsc.org/pages/home.aspx

National Transportation Safety Board

http://www.ntsb.gov/
SUPPORTING REFERENCE DOCUMENTS APPENDIX C

INTERAGENCY SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2013 110

GUIDES, PUBLICATIONS, AND PROTOCOLS

Agency Administrators Guide (PMS 926)

http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/pubs/pubs.htm

Agency Line-of-Duty Death Guides and Handbooks

• BLM 

http://www.blm.gov/style/medialib/blm/nifc/training/lodd.Par.42165.File.dat/BLM_LODD_HB_6_

2012.pdf

• FWS http://sharepoint.fws.net/Programs/nifc/Shared%20Documents/LODD/FWS_LODD_Final

_091312.pdf

• NPS

http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/LODD%20Handbook%2011-25-09.pdf

Interagency Helicopter Operations Guide

http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/pubs/pms510/00_pms510.pdf

Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Program Management and Operations Guide 

(Red Book), Chapter 07 – Safety and Chapter 18 – Review and Investigations

http://www.nifc.gov/policies/pol_ref_redbook_2013.html

Firefighter Autopsy Protocol

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/fireservice/research/safety/autopsy.shtm

Forest Service Accident Investigation Guide, 2005 

http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/htmlpubs/htm05672806/index.htm

NWCG Glossary of Fire Terminology

U.S. Air Force Instruction on Accident Investigations, AFI 91-204

Wildland Fire and Aviation Program Management and Operations Guide, Bureau of Indian 

Affairs (Blue Book), Chapter 9 – Fire Safety and Chapter 18 – Reviews and Investigations

http://www.bia.gov/nifc/bluebook/index.htm
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APPENDIX D: LITERATURE REFERENCES

DeGrosky, Mike. (May 2011). Since When is Hindsight Always 20:20? Wildfire.

Dessinger, Joan Conway; Moseley, James L.; & Van Tiem, Darlene M. (2004). Fundamentals of 

Performance Technology, A Guide to Improving People, Process, and Performance (2nd ed.) 

International Society of Performance Improvement, Silver Spring, Maryland.

Dekker, S.W.A. (2006). The Field Guide to Understanding Human Error. Ashgate, Burlington, 

Vermont. 

Groth, Katrina M. & Mosleh, Ali. (2012). A data-informed PIF hierarchy for model-based Human 

Reliability Analysis. Reliability Engineering and System Safety. Elsevier Journal. (Received 

authors’ permissions to utilize all or parts of their abstract). 

Klein, Gary. (1998). Sources of Power: How People Make Decisions. Massachusetts Institute of 

Technology.

McLeod, S. A. (2010). Cognitive Interview Technique. Retrieved 

from http://www.simplypsychology.org/cognitive-interview.hmtl. 

National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority. (2013 Revision). 

Human Factors: Personnel Resourcing, Information Paper. 

Reason, James. (1990, reprinted 2003). Human Error. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge, 

UK. 

Reason, James. (1997, reprinted 2002). Managing the Risks of Organizational Accidents. 

Ashgate, Burlington, Vermont. 
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Task Team Project leader Michelle Ryerson, Fire and Aviation Safety and Health Program 

Manager, Bureau of Land Management, wishes to thank the following people for their 

contributions, dedication and perseverance on this project:

Tony Beitia, Fire and Aviation Safety Specialist, Bureau of Indian Affairs

Jim Chandler, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Chief, Region 6 Division of Safety and 

Occupational Health, Environmental Compliance, Emergency Management and Continuity 

of Operations

Ralph Dorn, (Retired) US Forest Service, Director, Office of Safety and Occupational Health

Chad Fisher, Fire Safety and Prevention Manager, National Park Service

Kathy Greer, Safety Program Manager, Bureau of Land Management

Ed Jerome, Division Chief, Office of Safety, Health and Emergency Management, Bureau of 

Land Management

Michael May, MBA, CSP, Chief (Acting), Office of Risk Management, National Park Service

Pam McDonald, Writer/Editor, BLM Fire Training Unit, NIFC

Tony Montoya, Office of Safety and Occupational Health Program Manager, US Forest 

Service

Roger Pigeon, Safety & Occupational Health Program Manager, US Forest Service

Michael Quinn, CDR, US Public Health Service, Occupational Health Manager, National 

Park Service 

Jonathan Whitefoot, Special Agent-Fire, Office of Justice Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs

Chuck Whitlock, (Retired), Safety Specialist, Missoula Technology and Development Center. 

BLM contractor, Serious Accident Investigation Support 

Thanks to all who provided insight and input through the review process.