Fire Investigators :: Job Description

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Fire Investigators

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Summary Description


	Conduct investigations to determine causes of fires and explosions.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Arson and Bomb Investigator

2.	Arson Investigator

3.	Bomb Squad Commander

4.	Bomb Technician

5.	Captain

6.	Chief Arson Division

7.	Detective

8.	Fire and Explosion Investigator

9.	Fire Captain

10.	Fire Chief

11.	Fire Inspector

12.	Fire Investigation Lieutenant

13.	Fire Investigation Manager

14.	Fire Investigator

15.	Fire Lieutenant

16.	Fire Marshal

17.	Firefighter

18.	Investigation Lieutenant

19.	Investigator

20.	State Fire Marshal

Job Tasks

	Examine fire sites and collect evidence such as glass, metal fragments, charred wood, and accelerant residue for use in determining the cause of a fire. Examine debris to obtain information about causes of fires.

	Photograph damage and evidence related to causes of fires or explosions to document investigation findings. Record crime or accident scene evidence with video or still cameras.

	Analyze evidence and other information to determine probable cause of fire or explosion. Analyze crime scene evidence.

	Package collected pieces of evidence in securely closed containers, such as bags, crates, or boxes, to protect them. Process forensic or legal evidence in accordance with procedures.

	Testify in court cases involving fires, suspected arson, and false alarms. Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.

	Prepare and maintain reports of investigation results, and records of convicted arsonists and arson suspects. Record information about suspects or criminals. Prepare investigation or incident reports.

	Subpoena and interview witnesses, property owners, and building occupants to obtain information and sworn testimony. Interview people to gather information about criminal activities.

	Coordinate efforts with other organizations, such as law enforcement agencies. Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to respond to incidents.

	Swear out warrants, and arrest and process suspected arsonists. Apprehend criminal suspects.

	Test sites and materials to establish facts, such as burn patterns and flash points of materials, using test equipment. Examine debris to obtain information about causes of fires.

	Instruct children about the dangers of fire. Educate the public about fire safety or prevention.

	Dust evidence or portions of fire scenes for latent fingerprints. Examine crime scenes to obtain evidence.

	Conduct internal investigation to determine negligence and violation of laws and regulations by fire department employees. Investigate crimes committed within organizations.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Fire Inspectors
	Fire inspectors examine buildings to detect fire hazards and ensure that federal, state, and local fire codes are met. Fire investigators determine the origin and cause of fires and explosions. Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists assess fire hazards in both public and residential areas.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Fire Inspectors
	Fire inspectors work both in offices and in the field. Inspectors typically work during regular business hours, but investigators often work evenings, weekends, and holidays because they must be ready to respond when fires happen. Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists check on outdoor installations and land to assess fire risk.

	Read More >>

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Interesting Fact

Single women in the U.S. are 40% more likely than single men to work two or more jobs.

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