A fire investigator determines the cause of fires and may assist with inspections of public facilities. They may also work with law enforcement to build a case in arson cases. Educational requirements vary, and many start out in other positions in the fire department.
A fire investigator has several roles that fall under his job description. Obviously, investigating fires is a core role of the job, but there are other roles someone in this position performs as well. A fire investigator is a public service employee who works for a specific jurisdiction. He could work for a city, town or county. When a fire is reported, he or she is called to the fire but does not actually participate in combat or rescue. Instead, your work begins as soon as the fire is out.
After a fire, the fire investigator’s job is to determine the cause of the fire. Just as a medical examiner determines cause of death for people, he or she determines what started a fire. He must locate the source of a fire and determine whether the fire was accidental or intentional by examining the scene.
If after locating the source of a fire, a fire investigator suspects arson, his job is to look for any evidence that can be used to determine suspects and build a solid case for law enforcement. In arson cases, the fire scene also becomes a crime scene, and an investigator may work with a team of people to complete the investigation. Intentionally set fires require a more detailed and time-consuming investigation than accidental fires. When a fire is declared accidental, no criminal charges are filed, and the investigator provides a written report to the property owner, who, in turn, can provide the insurance company.
In addition to determining the cause of fires, a fire investigator may be responsible for assisting with inspections of public facilities. There are specific fire codes that businesses must adhere to, and they undergo inspection each year. A fire investigator can do double duty as an inspector, especially in small rural towns and in larger urban cities he or she can help inspectors in their work.
Educational requirements to become a fire investigator vary between counties, but some formal education and training is required. Someone in this position may be trained and licensed to bear arms. He may also employ the use of cameras and other tools during routine investigations.
Many fire investigators start out in other positions in the fire department. They are civilian workers entitled to civil worker benefits. Some jurisdictions have residency requirements for their public service employees and may require those who work in police and fire departments to live within the city limits in which they serve.
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