Student Aid on the Web Skip Navigation

Career Details : Fire Investigators

   << Back    Add Career to MyFSA

Description

Conduct investigations to determine causes of fires and explosions.

Experience

A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Tasks

  • Examines site and collects evidence to gather information relating to cause of fire, explosion, or false alarm.
  • Photographs damage and evidence relating to cause of fire or explosion, for future reference.
  • Subpoenas and interviews witnesses, property owners, and building occupants to obtain information and sworn testimony.
  • Conducts internal investigation to determine negligence and violation of laws and regulations by fire department employees.
  • Analyzes evidence and other information to determine probable cause of fire or explosion.
  • Tests site and materials to establish facts, such as burn patterns and flash points of materials, using test equipment.
  • Prepares and maintains reports of investigation results and records of convicted arsonists and arson suspects.
  • Swears out warrants and arrests, logs, fingerprints, and detains suspected arsonists.
  • Testifies in court for cases involving fires, suspected arson, and false alarms.
  • Instructs children about dangers of fire.

    Related Careers

    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Job-Required Social Interaction
    • Consequence of Error
    • Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
    • Frustrating Circumstances
    • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

    Related Majors

    Major Add to MyFSA
    Criminal Justice/Security Administrationadd Criminal Justice/Security Administration to MyFSA
    Fire Administration Managementadd Fire Administration Management to MyFSA
    Fire Protection Administration/Technologyadd Fire Protection Administration/Technology to MyFSA
    Fire Protection Engineeringadd Fire Protection Engineering to MyFSA
    Fire Protection Technologyadd Fire Protection Technology to MyFSA
    Fire Scienceadd Fire Science to MyFSA
    Fire Science/Public Safetyadd Fire Science/Public Safety to MyFSA
    Fire Services Administrationadd Fire Services Administration to MyFSA
    Fire/Occupational Technologyadd Fire/Occupational Technology to MyFSA
    Pre-engineering Chemistryadd Pre-engineering Chemistry to MyFSA
    Private Securityadd Private Security to MyFSA
    Private Security/Loss Preventionadd Private Security/Loss Prevention to MyFSA
    Public Safetyadd Public Safety to MyFSA
    Security Managementadd Security Management to MyFSA
    Security Systemsadd Security Systems to MyFSA
       TOP    

    • End of Page