Expand mobile version menu
  Skip to main content

Fire Investigator

salary graphic

AVG. SALARY

$76,440

education graphic

EDUCATION

Post-secondary training +

What They Do

Fire Inspectors and Investigators Career Video

Insider Info

Arson investigators work for a fire or police department. They also work for private investigators and insurance companies.

If the cause of a fire can't be determined, an officer calls an arson investigator. These are highly trained people who comb over the fire scene. They search for clues as to how and where a fire started.

Upon arriving at the scene, investigators interview the fire crew that arrived at the fire first to find out where the fire was when they got there. Investigators then trace the progression of fire through the structure.

"It's a process of elimination where you determine where the fire did not start," Don Braziel says. He is an arson investigator. "[It's] working back to the seat of the fire."

Once they find the seat, they examine the area for clues as to what might have caused the fire. They look for faulty wiring, burned lamp cords, melted oven fuses, traces of accelerant (a substance used to accelerate the spreading of a fire) and other clues that might tell them how the fire started.

Amy Krise is from an arson unit. She says she must photograph, document, diagram, collect evidence and write a detailed report of a fire scene.

Investigators take statements from victims, witnesses and even suspects. Krise says the suspects she interviews are often dangerous and suspected of other crimes.

Arson investigators have to be familiar with the process of gathering evidence to be presented in court. Some are involved in various fire prevention and arson awareness programs.

"If arrests are necessary, they make sure all the paperwork is in order," Braziel says. "They take care of the arrest if it goes to court. They follow the case through the court system until the individual is convicted or released."

They spend most of their time in the field investigating different types of fires to structures, homes or commercial buildings.

Arson investigators must be in fair physical shape. This job involves digging through damaged buildings.

Inspecting the scene may be impossible for someone in a wheelchair. However, that doesn't mean they can't do other parts of the job.

"A person in a wheelchair can help in the investigation in any number of ways. For example, they can work in a lab testing materials. Or they can interview witnesses," explains John Putinsky. He works with an association of fire investigators.

Typically, arson investigators work 40 hours a week. Often, they work 10-hour days and are occasionally on call.

Just the Facts

Want a quick overview of what this career is about?Check out Just the Facts for simple lists of characteristics.

At a Glance

Figure out what caused the fire

  • Investigators work for fire and police departments as well as insurance companies
  • You must be fairly fit to go combing through damaged buildings
  • A degree in fire science or criminal justice is good

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

Support


Powered by XAP

OCAP believes that financial literacy and understanding the financial aid process are critical aspects of college planning and student success. OCAP staff who work with students, parents, educators and community partners in the areas of personal finance education, state and federal financial aid, and student loan management do not provide financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This website and all information provided is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice.