R0772 is the foundation of the fire investigation curriculum. This 10-day course utilizes National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 921, Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations and NFPA 1033, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator and other professional documents to address the technical and scientific knowledge and skills needed to conduct successful fire/arson investigations.
Using a combination of classroom instruction, activities, written assignments and group projects, students will demonstrate the ability to conduct science-based fire investigations that culminate, when appropriate, in prosecution for the crime of arson.
Outdoor activities will require students to have work clothes and boots and be capable of processing a fire scene (bending, kneeling and lifting up to 50 pounds).
This course uses a learning management system (LMS) for content delivery, assignments and examinations. A laptop or tablet is required to attend this course. This course will require pre-course work within the LMS prior to arrival on campus.
Successful completion of this course satisfies the training and education requirements for the International Association of Arson Investigators Fire Investigation Technician certification.
Pre-course materials and course syllabus
| Course Syllabus: | https://nfa.usfa.fema.gov/ax/syll/syllabus_r0772.pdf PDF 471KB |
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The target audience is full-time public service personnel tasked with fire investigative duties. This is an entry-level course.
Applicants not employed full time in the fire investigation field may be eligible and must submit a detailed letter from the chief of the department attesting to their position, duties, and responsibilities as related to fire investigation and involvement with the prosecution of state arson laws, if any.
- Incident Command System (ICS)-100-level and ICS-200-level training. Preferred courses are Q462 and Q463 available through NFA Online. Chief's signature attests that the applicant has completed required training.
- Successful completion of the following 9 CFITrainer.net modules:
- Fire Investigator Scene Safety.
- The Scientific Method for Fire/Explosion Investigations.
- Introduction to Evidence.
- Documenting the Event.
- Physical Evidence at the Fire Scene.
- Introduction to Fire Dynamics and Modeling.
- Investigating Fatal Fires.
- Fundamentals of Residential Building Construction.
- Search and Seizure.
Applicants must provide a copy of their CFITrainer.net transcript and documentation to support the prerequisite requirements at the time of application. Documentation (certificates, transcripts, certifications and letters) must be clear, readable, concise and attached to the application at time of submission.
Note: Due to the timeframe between the NFA application period and class attendance, accepted students are required to refresh the above CFITrainer.net classes to show a "refreshed" date within 60 days of the first day of class attendance. Refreshed certificates must be uploaded to the LMS prior to arrival on campus.
Upcoming offerings
| Dates | Availability | Location | Contact(s) | CCP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 17 - 28, 2023 | Full | Emmitsburg, Maryland | ||
| July 17 - 28, 2023 | Full | Emmitsburg, Maryland | ||
| August 14 - 25, 2023 | Full | Emmitsburg, Maryland | ||
| October 30, 2023 - November 10, 2023 | Apply between 4/15/2023 - 6/15/2023 | Emmitsburg, Maryland | ||
| January 15 - 26, 2024 | Apply between 4/15/2023 - 6/15/2023 | Emmitsburg, Maryland | ||
| February 5 - 16, 2024 | Apply between 4/15/2023 - 6/15/2023 | Emmitsburg, Maryland | ||
| March 18 - 29, 2024 | Apply between 4/15/2023 - 6/15/2023 | Emmitsburg, Maryland | ||
| April 15 - 26, 2024 | Apply between 10/15/2023 - 12/15/2023 | Emmitsburg, Maryland | ||
| July 15 - 26, 2024 | Apply between 10/15/2023 - 12/15/2023 | Emmitsburg, Maryland | ||
| August 12 - 23, 2024 | Apply between 10/15/2023 - 12/15/2023 | Emmitsburg, Maryland | ||
| September 16 - 27, 2024 | Apply between 10/15/2023 - 12/15/2023 | Emmitsburg, Maryland |