What information should you gather from a witness at a fire scene?

Gathering the full name and date of birth from a witness at a fire scene is essential for several reasons. This information helps establish the identity of the witness, which is crucial for documentation purposes. It allows investigators to verify the witness's credibility and reliability, as well as to contact them later for follow-up inquiries.

Having the full name ensures that it can be accurately recorded in reports, which is vital for legal proceedings or insurance claims that may arise from the fire incident. The date of birth can help differentiate individuals with similar names and confirm the witness's age, which could be relevant to their perspective and experience regarding the fire.

While other types of information, such as employment history or criminal background, might provide additional context about a witness, they are not typically prioritized during initial witness interviews at a fire scene. The focus in such situations is primarily on gathering essential information that can lead to a better understanding of the events that transpired before, during, and after the fire.