Synopsis
This film emphasizes the critical role firefighters play in investigating the causes of fires, going beyond just extinguishment. It highlights that understanding how fires start is essential for prevention and successful prosecution of arsonists. Firefighters are urged to be observant, report any unusual circumstances or evidence they encounter at a fire scene, as this information is vital for arson investigators. The film details various motives and methods behind arson, including fires for profit, revenge, to cover other crimes, and those set by pyromaniacs, underscoring the importance of firefighters' observations in identifying these patterns and aiding in investigations. Keywords: Arson, Fire Investigation, Firefighter Observation, Evidence Collection, Fire Prevention, Incendiary Fires, Pyromania, Motive, Suspicious Circumstances, Arson Investigator
Uploader's description on archive.org
Details
- Running time
- 33 minutes
- Collection
- Prelinger Archives
- Internet Archive item
- know_the_cause
Reviews on the Internet Archive
★★★★★ · Arson for Dumdums · Spuzz · 2004-10-05
A film of mind boggling cluelessness, Know The Cause is one of those movies that is 30 minutes and is not a minute too long as it's so priceless. Essentially this film tells of the warning signs firemen should look for clues to how a fire has started to see if it's arson, but it's curious grade 2 narration and George Putnamish narrator (He even says some sorts of arson is a 'perversion!' and that 'Arsons for profit' happen!) is totally hilarious (watch his use of the 'props'. Also, for all you fire geeks, PLENTY of ways to start the perfect arson fire is told here (loved the telephone one).…
★★★★ · Dated but Not Bad · Skins222 · 2010-07-17
This film is a bit dated but not bad. Many of the items discussed are still valid in todays world, i.e. pyromania, thrill fires, fires to cover crimes, insurance jobs, etc. It's also a bit film noir-ish... strange creepy characters creeping in basements, dark alleys, old hallways to commit their nefarious deeds.
★★★ · LA Must Be Rife With Firebugs · JayKay49 · 2016-05-08
And they are thin guys with beady eyes, wearing plaid shirts. They look something like Gomer Pyle. Apparently a film for firemen in training to teach them to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. I was hoping to see a lot of natty-looking strawberry blonde firemen, that being the most common phenotype in that business. But not many and the film was black & white. Phooey. That was sorta disappointing. Lots of ways to start a fire demonstrated here.
★★★ · Incendarists · Dodsworth the Cat · 2023-12-08
It's enough that firefighters have to put out fires and possibly rescue people, this film wants them to be Sherlock Holmes as well. Look for clues! This short tells firemen what to watch out for, which was kind of interesting. There are loads of reenactments, including some with investigators in trench coats. And don't talk to the wife about fires! She'll gossip! Take it from the narrator at a desk waving his finger. After 27 minutes, Mr. Narrator informs his fire-fighting audience that pretty much all he's said involves things they won't have to deal with often.