Fire Investigation: Essentials

Notice: Effective April 2021, any student attending Fire Investigation: Essentials (R0772) MUST bring their own respiratory protection for use during the class. Minimum acceptable protection is an N-95 disposable respirator. A reusable/elastomeric respirator (full or half face) is acceptable. Other PPE, Tyvek/gloves/eye protection will continue to be provided by NFA.

Training Specialist

Kevin Oliver
301-447-1613

Delivery type

10-day on-campus

Continuing education units

6.7

ACE recommendation

In the upper-division baccalaureate degree category, 4 semester hours in public safety administration.

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 addresses 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 (FIT) certification.

Selection criteria

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.

Prerequisites

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) CFI Trainer 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 pre-requisite 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.

Post-course requirements

None

Dates	Availability	Location
October 4 - 15, 2021	Application period closed	Emmitsburg, Maryland
November 8 - 19, 2021	Full	Emmitsburg, Maryland
January 3 - 14, 2022	Full	Emmitsburg, Maryland
February 14 - 25, 2022	Full	Emmitsburg, Maryland
March 14 - 25, 2022	Full	Emmitsburg, Maryland
April 4 - 15, 2022	Apply on 10/15/2021 - 12/15/2021	Emmitsburg, Maryland
May 9 - 20, 2022	Apply on 10/15/2021 - 12/15/2021	Emmitsburg, Maryland
July 18 - 29, 2022	Apply on 10/15/2021 - 12/15/2021	Emmitsburg, Maryland
August 22, 2022 - September 2, 2022	Apply on 10/15/2021 - 12/15/2021	Emmitsburg, Maryland
September 26, 2022 - October 7, 2022	Apply on 10/15/2021 - 12/15/2021	Emmitsburg, Maryland

Fire Investigation: Essentials R0772

Student pre-course materials and course syllabus:

Selection criteria

Prerequisites

Post-course requirements

Upcoming offerings