5 Day New Fire/Arson Investigators Academy “Starting With The Basics”

5 Day New Fire/Arson Investigators Academy “Starting With The Basics”
 

Course Objectives:
Conducting a valid, legal, and proper origin and cause investigation is the first step in working towards a criminal investigation in an arson cause. It is also important in the investigation of accidental fires so future fires and injuries may be prevented.
This course will cover the necessary investigation practices for the new and not so new fire investigator. Upon completion of this course, the student will have the necessary tools to become a well-trained fire investigator. The training will assist and prepare the investigator for the challenges they may face in both criminal and civil investigations and court settings.
 

Upon Completion:
Upon completion of this course, the student shall be able to inspect and evaluate the fire scene to determine the area and/or point of origin, source of ignition, materials first ignited and the act or activity that brought the ignition source and materials together. The necessary tools and equipment to perform the investigations will also be listed and the usage of each discussed.
The student will be able to prepare diagrams and take photographs of the scene and utilize several forms of field notes necessary to compile the final report.
The student will be able to identify, collect and preserve evidence recovered at the fire scene using the proper physical and legal procedures to retain the usefulness of the evidence in court proceedings.
The student will be able to conduct interviews to obtain usable information in the assistance of determining the origin and cause of the fire and in preparing the final report.
 

Course Overview:
This course will provide information that will prepare the student for making presentations in legal proceedings, preparation of reports that will be usable for criminal prosecution and help to meet department requirements.
Resources That Will Be Helpful During Class: (But Not Required)
 Current copy of NFPA 921 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations
 Copy of NFPA 1033 Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire
Investigator
 Latest Edition of Kirk’s Fire Investigation
Seminar Agenda

August 25, 26, 27, 28 & 29, 2025 •Allentown, Pennsylvania
Monday, August 25, 2025
8:00 a.m.—8:30 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m. Introduction and Orientation
Fire Behavior
Recognizing Signs of Flashover
12:00 p.m.—1:00 p.m. Lunch (On Your Own)
1:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m. Determining Point of Origin
Reading Burn Patterns
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
8:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. Determining Point of Origin (Continued)
12:00 p.m.—1:00 p.m. Lunch (On Your Own)
1:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m. Accidental Causes
Fire Scene Documentation
Diagrams
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
8:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. Incendiary Fire Causes
12:00 p.m.—1:00 p.m. Lunch (On Your Own)
1:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m. Motives
Evidence Collection
Thursday, August 28, 2025
8:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. Basics of Insurance
12:00 p.m.—1:00 p.m. Lunch (On Your Own)
1:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m. Interviews
Legal Aspects
Fatality Fires
Friday, August 29, 2025
8:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. Courtroom and Deposition Preparation
Case Studies
Final Test
12:00 p.m. Certificate Presentation