Key Signs of Arson and Fire Causes for Initial Firefighting Reports
Wondering what to look for after a fire—at home, on the farm, or as part of your local emergency crew? This guide breaks down the essential clues, mistakes to avoid, and steps to take when working out how a fire started, with clear, practical advice for all Australians. Whether you’re a homeowner, a renter, or stepping onto the fireground for the first time, knowing the early warning signs of arson or accidental fire can help protect your property, your community, and even help bring about justice.
Imagine this: You’re standing in your backyard after a smoky night, or you’re first on the scene with your brigade, staring at what’s left of a shed, a car, or a patch of grassland. Your mind is racing—what caused this? Was it just bad luck, or did someone light it on purpose?
Whether you’re worried about bushfire season at home, or you’re a firefighter writing up your first incident report, working out the cause of a fire is one of the most important—and sometimes overlooked—steps in fire safety. It can mean the difference between preventing the next fire or missing a vital clue. It’s not about being a detective, but about knowing what to notice, what to record, and how to support your local emergency teams.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key signs of arson and accidental fire, share practical examples, and explain what every Aussie—whether you’re at home, on a farm, or out with your crew—can do to help. You’ll learn:
- What arson looks like (and what it doesn’t)
- How to spot common causes—electrical, lightning, accidental, or suspicious
- What to record and report for your own insurance, and for emergency services
- How to support your crew or neighbours with calm, practical steps
And if you’re putting together a safety kit, it’s worth adding a quality Campboss Modular First Aid Kit for emergencies—you never know when you’ll need to treat burns, smoke irritation, or cuts from fire debris.
Why Understanding Fire Causes Matters—for Everyone
Fires happen fast, but the impacts can last for years. Knowing what caused a fire isn’t just for the insurance company or the police—it can help stop the next blaze, save lives, and sometimes bring justice to those who have lost everything.
For renters and homeowners, knowing the basics gives you power—if you spot something odd, you can pass it on. For farmers or rural property owners, it means knowing when to fix old machinery, check fences, or raise the alarm if you see something suspicious. And for firefighters or incident controllers, it’s the first piece of a puzzle that helps protect whole communities.
It’s normal to feel unsure, overwhelmed, or even a bit nervous about “getting it right.” The good news? You don’t need to be an expert—just observant, careful, and willing to ask for help.
Spotting the Signs: Arson or Accident?
What is Arson?
Arson means a fire started on purpose—usually to cause damage, fear, or cover up another crime. It’s a serious offence and sadly, it’s more common than most people realise, especially in dry or high-risk seasons.
Most accidental fires, on the other hand, start from things like electrical faults, cooking, lightning strikes, faulty appliances, or human error (think: an angle grinder, BBQ, or a spark from a mower).
Why Does It Matter?
Spotting the early warning signs can help prevent further harm, alert authorities in time, and even support your neighbours or crew through a stressful time. Sometimes the smallest detail—like a jerry can left behind, or a broken window—can be the clue that makes all the difference.
What to Look For: Key Signs on Scene
Multiple Fire Starts
If you see more than one ignition point—or fires burning in separate areas close together—this is often suspicious. While lightning can cause “spot fires,” arsonists sometimes set several fires to cause chaos or hide their actions.
Obvious Accelerants
The smell of petrol, melted plastic, or other chemicals is a red flag. Look for empty fuel containers, scorched aerosol cans, or unusual residues near where the fire started. Never touch or move these—just note and report them.
Broken Windows or Forced Entry
Was there a break-in, smashed glass, or damaged doors around the time the fire started? Sometimes arson is linked to theft or another crime—these signs are worth recording, even if you’re not sure they’re related.
Unusual Timing
Most accidental fires start in the day—cooking, working, charging devices. Fires starting late at night, very early morning, or when no one is around can sometimes be deliberate. Always note the time and who was present.
Suspicious Behaviour
Did you or your neighbours see someone acting oddly—leaving the area quickly, watching the fire from a distance, or returning to the scene more than once? Don’t jump to conclusions, but do pass this on to authorities if you notice it.
Lack of Obvious Cause
If you’ve checked the usual suspects—appliances, power boards, machinery, BBQs—and none fit, note that down. Sometimes, “no obvious cause” is itself a sign worth recording, especially if other clues line up.
Practical Examples: At Home, On the Land, On the Fireground
At Home
You come home and smell smoke—your shed is burning. Inside, you spot an empty fuel can you don’t recognise, but the mower’s untouched and the extension lead is still rolled up. There are no power points where the fire started, and no storms have rolled through. This is when you note the fuel can, the time, and call your local fire authority.
On the Farm
You’re checking paddocks after a lightning storm and spot three fires: one under a tree, one in dry grass, and one near a fenceline. It’s tempting to assume arson, but multiple fires from a single strike are common—look for burn marks up the tree, and listen for neighbours who saw the storm pass through.
With the Fire Brigade
First on scene, your crew finds the main building fully alight, but there’s also a smaller fire going in the carport out back. You note an empty jerry can between them, a broken back door, and a neighbour who saw a ute drive off. These are all key observations for your incident report—don’t worry about solving the mystery, just write down what you see and pass it on.
Common Accidental Fire Causes—Don’t Overlook the Simple Stuff
Not every unexplained fire is arson. In fact, most are caused by everyday things—overloaded power boards, blocked chimneys, old heaters, oily rags, spontaneous combustion of hay bales, or sparks from tools. Fires can also start from sunlight focused through glass, battery failures, or even birds on power lines.
Little-known tip: After years of fire season callouts, I’ve seen more fires from tangled extension leads and old power boards than “mystery” causes. Always start your investigation with the basics—look at what’s plugged in, what’s charging, and what’s been moved recently.
For renters, landlords, and property managers: regular electrical checks save lives and avoid confusion later on.
How to Record and Report: Steps for All Australians
Step 1: Safety First
Don’t put yourself or others in danger to “look for clues.” Only check a scene if it’s safe—no live wires, falling debris, or hot spots. If you’re a firefighter, always follow your crew’s safety protocols and wear your full PPE.
Step 2: Make Simple Notes
Jot down what you notice—the time, weather, smells, sounds, and anything odd (unusual cars, empty cans, suspicious people, etc.). Use your phone camera (if safe) for photos before things get moved around.
Step 3: Don’t Touch or Move Evidence
As tempting as it is to tidy up, don’t move objects, footprints, or burnt items until authorities have seen them—especially if the fire seems suspicious.
Step 4: Share with Your Local Fire Authority
Whether you’re the property owner, a neighbour, or a crew member, share your observations as soon as possible. Don’t worry if it’s “nothing”—sometimes a small detail makes a huge difference.
Step 5: Support Your Community
Fires are stressful for everyone. Check in on neighbours, talk with your family about what happened, and look after yourself. If you’re on a brigade or emergency team, debrief together and record your report while it’s fresh.
Advice for Firefighters, Renters, Pet Owners, and Vulnerable Groups
Firefighters and Incident Controllers
Don’t get caught up trying to “solve” the cause on scene. Focus on safety, making observations, and supporting your crew and affected people. Make your notes as soon as you can after a job—memory fades fast, especially after a long shift.
If you’re unsure, ask a senior officer or fire investigator for advice. Remember, every incident helps you learn for next time.
Renters, Homeowners, and Families
Keep records of your appliances, check smoke alarms, and make sure everyone knows how to turn off the power and gas. After a fire, photos and simple notes will help with insurance and any follow-up investigations.
If you care for someone elderly, disabled, or with pets, talk through what to do in a fire and keep emergency contact numbers handy. Don’t be afraid to ask questions—there’s no such thing as a silly concern when safety is involved.
Farmers and Rural Residents
Keep an eye on fencing, gates, and paddocks—sometimes arsonists use back entrances or cut wire to gain access. Keep water sources clear, and have basic firefighting gear and first aid ready for the season ahead.
Common Mistakes and Tips—From the Fireground to the Living Room
Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming every unexplained fire is arson (most aren’t!)
- Moving or cleaning up before taking photos or notes
- Not writing down details straight away—memories fade quickly
- Forgetting to check with neighbours or witnesses about what they saw or heard
- Trying to “solve” the fire cause on your own—leave it to the experts
Little-Known Tips
- Store a basic incident log (paper or app) in your emergency kit for quick notes
- Use your phone to voice record observations if you can’t write them down fast enough
- Keep a list of appliances, serial numbers, and receipts for insurance claims
- Encourage your brigade or local community to run annual “what to look for” refreshers
- Always keep an updated first aid kit with burn and smoke treatment supplies on hand
For more practical advice, see our best practices for cleaning firefighting gear or check out our guide on preparing for fire season and grass fires in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I tell if a fire was started on purpose?There’s no single clue—but multiple ignition points, accelerant smells, empty fuel containers, and suspicious timing or behaviour can all be warning signs. Always note down what you see and let the authorities follow up.
Q: What should I do if I suspect arson?Make sure everyone is safe first. Don’t move anything that could be evidence. Take notes and photos, and contact your local fire authority or the police. Stay calm—most people never experience this, and help is available.
Q: Do I need to keep a fire log at home?It’s not essential for most people, but keeping basic records (appliance lists, dates of maintenance, smoke alarm tests) makes life easier after a fire. For rural properties, a fire log can help track risks and support insurance claims.
Q: What if I’m a new volunteer firefighter—how do I write a good report?Focus on clear, factual notes: what you saw, when you arrived, weather, damage, and anything odd or out of place. Don’t guess or speculate—just record the facts, and ask a senior crew member for help if you’re unsure.
Q: Is it ever safe to investigate a fire scene myself?Only if authorities say it’s safe. Don’t enter damaged buildings, touch debris, or search for “evidence” unless you’re sure it’s risk-free. Your safety always comes first—take photos from a distance if needed.
Take a few minutes today to talk with your family, neighbours, or brigade about what to look for after a fire. Share this guide, save it for later, or use it as a prompt for your next team meeting—it’s one more way to keep your community safe and prepared.
