The analysis divides the process of arson detection into six major steps. The first step -- receipt of alarm and dispatch -- involves obtaining information about the caller in all eight cities; all dispatch centers have tape recorders with time coding features. Variations in assessing the tape recorded data are noted. The second step -- response -involves fire unit response and observations en route to the fire and the response of police patrol units. A comparison of fireground operations during suppression, salvage, and overhaul -- the third step -- indicates that recruits have relatively little training in arson detection (2 to 8 hours). The fourth step -- cause and origin determination -- is discussed in terms of participants in the cause determination process, procedures that guide the participants, and evaluation of the participants' performance. Call out and response procedures are evaluated for the fifth step, with emphasis on discretionary decisionmaking. The final step, fire incident classification and reporting, is reviewed; various quality control options are suggested. Nine tables are included.