Fire Investigators

Prepare and maintain reports of investigation results, and records of convicted arsonists and arson suspects.

Testify in court cases involving fires, suspected arson, and false alarms.

Package collected pieces of evidence in securely closed containers, such as bags, crates, or boxes, to protect them.

Analyze evidence and other information to determine probable cause of fire or explosion.

Subpoena and interview witnesses, property owners, and building occupants to obtain information and sworn testimony.

Photograph damage and evidence related to causes of fires or explosions to document investigation findings.

Examine fire sites and collect evidence such as glass, metal fragments, charred wood, and accelerant residue for use in determining the cause of a fire.

Instruct children about the dangers of fire.

Conduct internal investigation to determine negligence and violation of laws and regulations by fire department employees.

Test sites and materials to establish facts, such as burn patterns and flash points of materials, using test equipment.

Coordinate efforts with other organizations, such as law enforcement agencies.

Dust evidence or portions of fire scenes for latent fingerprints.

Teach fire investigation techniques to other firefighter personnel.

Swear out warrants, and arrest and process suspected arsonists.