How to become A Fire Investigator

Firefighter, law enforcement officer and scientist rolled into one - an apt job description of a Fire Investigator who is specially trained to analyse incidents of fire and arson, aid in future prevention and bring criminals to justice.

• Fire Protection Inspector
• Fire Prevention Inspector
• Fire Safety Inspector
• Fire Prevention Specialist 
• Fire Protection Specialist
• Fire Inspector

What do Fire Investigators do?

A Fire Investigator  would typically need to:

• Collect evidence and interview witnesses to reconstruct the fires and determine their origin and cause
• Respond to and investigate scenes of fires and explosions; identify, gather and analyse physical evidence to pinpoint potential motives and suspects 
• Interview witnesses and interrogate suspects
• Reconstruct the scene of a fire or arson
• Send evidence to laboratories to be tested for fingerprints or accelerants
• Work with chemists, engineers and attorneys to analyse the information
• Take photographs and create diagrams to document evidence
• Determine the origin and cause of a fire; establish whether a crime has been committed
• Keep detailed records; protect evidence for use in a court of law, if necessary
• Testify in civil and criminal legal proceedings, if required
• Exercise law enforcement powers to carry firearms or execute arrests of suspects
• Inspect buildings for fire hazards such as accumulation of combustible material and wiring problems and ensure they comply with fire codes
• Review fire exit and emergency evacuation plans; suggest remedial measures for owners to adopt so their buildings are more fire-resistant
• Test fire alarms, sprinklers and other fire protection/extinguishing equipment to confirm they meet government standards
• Check explosive equipment such as gasoline storage tanks and air compressors
• Investigate and report on breaches of fire safety legislation; take enforcement action, if needed
• Conduct follow-up visits when an infraction is reported or found; conduct fire and safety education programs and fire alarm drills in liaison with local fire services
• Confer with developers and planners to advise on fire safety issues related to the construction, demolition and renovation of regulated premises

Fire Investigators work out of an office to document evidence and findings and in the field. Their time in the field includes examining public buildings, multi-family residential buildings, office complexes, arenas and industrial plants. 

They also have to visit scenes of fires where poor ventilation, smoke, fumes and exposure to other hazardous agents is standard. Visits to the court are necessary to present evidence for legal purposes.

The nature of the job involves a fair amount of travelling. Boots, gloves and safety goggles are an essential part of their uniform.

Fire Investigators typically work during regular business hours but must be ready to work evenings, weekends and holidays in response to serious fires. 

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Fire Investigators can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Fire Investigators are generally employed by:

• Fire Departments
• Law Enforcement Agencies
• Municipalities
• Insurance Companies
• Attorney’s Offices

Professional associations and organisations, such as The International Association of Fire Investigators, are crucial for  Fire Investigators interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• High probability of injury and burns when investigating an unsafe scene of the fire, including unstable floorboards and leaking pipes that are likely to explode
• Significant likelihood of inhaling smoke, fumes and other dangerous substances in a poorly ventilated scene of the fire
• The need to complete the investigation despite challenging weather conditions
• Emotional trauma is experienced when faced with the loss of life or devastating injuries
• Effective communication with victims or suspects of fires hampered by their perception of the interrogation process
• Stress due to paperwork, faulty analyses, court dates, testimonies and public hearings

Most Fire Investigators have prior work experience as law enforcement officials and would have completed a postsecondary educational program for emergency medical technicians (EMTs). 

The mandatory police academy training you will receive as a former law enforcement official may vary across locations but typically includes several months of classroom training on guidelines for conducting an investigation, legal codes, courtroom procedures, protocols for handling hazardous and explosive materials, and proper materials use of equipment. Classroom training is followed by on-the-job training under the supervision of a senior officer.

One of the more popular ways to become a certified bonafide Fire Investigator is to start as a uniformed firefighter and build a strong base of fire behaviour, fire fighting and criminal law. Some fire departments or law enforcement agencies may require their employees to amass a set number of years within the organisation or attain a certain rank such as lieutenant or captain to be considered eligible for promotion as Fire Investigator. 

Others may mandate a two-year fire investigation training for selected candidates who can choose advanced courses in fire sprinkler systems, fire growth and computer modelling. They can also attend training sessions conducted by relevant professional associations on public fire safety, hazardous materials control and anti-arson techniques.

Candidates with just a high school diploma can have a fair chance of landing an entry-level job, provided they have significant experience working on the local fire crew in a relevant position.

Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working in fire investigation to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Although some locations may accept prospective Fire Investigators with a high school diploma and relevant experience, employers increasingly prefer applicants with a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree in fire science, fire protection, chemistry, criminal justice, criminology, engineering or building construction. 

Regardless of the field you major in, make sure you are familiar with the materials and methods used to construct buildings and other structures, as well as government regulations regarding fire safety.

Focus on chemistry and psychology in high school. Take fire science and fire safety classes to get a better insight into the profession and prove your interest.

Certification demonstrates a Fire Investigator’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Certification in fire inspection/protection, arson investigation, and fires involving vehicles from an objective and reputed professional fire institution can help candidates seeking jobs in the private sector stand out in a competitive job market and become independent consultants. 

Government organisations usually provide fresh recruits with requisite fire inspection and investigation training, so they acquire desirable certifications within a specific period. All applicants must have normal eyesight and hearing and must be physically capable of performing mandated activities.

If you plan to take the law enforcement route to become a Fire Investigator, note that you will need to undergo police academy training. Some employers sponsor the training, while others require candidates to obtain the certification prior to job selection. Check with the specific agency for specific details. 

Fire Investigators who work for private companies may also need to obtain a private investigator licence from an authorised local government entity. Typically, licensure requires an application, processing fees, an examination, and relevant education and experience. Check with prospective employers whether a licence is essential.

Aspiring Fire Investigators must also be ready to undergo a thorough background check, including a credit check, criminal history check, and probably a psychological and polygraph exam.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of competent Fire Investigators who may eventually become Deputy Fire Chief before taking on the role of Fire Chief.

Investigators willing to take up managerial roles may seek promotion to Loss Prevention Manager and Asset Protection Manager positions. You could also become Security Supervisor and then Security Director before signing off as Director of Public Safety.

Self-employment as a Freelance Fire Investigator or Consultant is a viable option once you have acquired significant experience and built a solid network of professional contacts.

Candidates dedicated to keeping their community flame-free have the best job prospects when they acquire desirable certifications.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Fire Investigator build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

Promotions of Fire Investigators depend on exemplary job performance, experience and the results of examinations conducted by their department. CPD also helps with the regular renewal of valuable certifications and licences.

Attend workshops, courses, conferences and training programs organised by local police and fire departments to keep abreast of the latest trends to investigate fires and improve safety precautions. Make sure you remain physically, mentally and emotionally fit to dispense your duties well.

Interesting Minutiae 

The most damage, injuries and deaths caused during a fire is due to smoke inhalation and not the actual fire itself. The profession is beginning to see a steady influx of physically fit and detail-oriented female Fire Investigators with extraordinary communication and critical thinking skills that they put to use with integrity.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Fire Investigators have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Fire Investigator has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Cooking and heating are the most common causes of fires.

You may be pulled out of bed at odd hours of the night to figure out the charred remains of things or dead beings, spend your free time analysing frustrating data and keep hoping against all odds that your fellow citizens will behave as they ought to. A lesser soul may run in the opposite direction. Still, when you experience the tremendous satisfaction in saving lives and helping the needy, you will persist in being an accomplished Fire Investigator.

“Over the next 3-5 years, there will be more technology in Personal Protective Equipment, fire pumps, radio communication systems, and computerised simulations of training programs focused on preventing firefighter line of duty deaths.”

Charles G. Truvillion Sr., Fire Tech Associate Professor, Bakersfield Coll