How to Be Fire Investigator Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The increase in demand for Fire Investigator Technicians has caused a rise in the number of related jobs in the field. As a result, more employers are looking for qualified technicians to take on the responsibility of conducting investigations into fire-related incidents and determining the cause and origin of the fires. This has led to a need for specialized training and education in fire investigation, as well as an increase in the number of certifications available. In addition, Fire Investigator Technicians often work closely with fire departments, insurance companies, and other organizations to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain an Associate's Degree or higher in Fire Science or a related field. Many Fire Investigator Technician positions require at least an Associate's Degree in Fire Science or a related subject such as criminal justice or legal studies. Coursework should cover fire protection, fire protection systems, fire dynamics, arson investigation, and other related topics.
2. Get certified as a Fire Investigator Technician. To become a Fire Investigator Technician, you must pass a certification exam from the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI). The exam covers topics such as fire cause and origin, fire law, fire behavior, and investigation techniques.
3. Gain experience in the field. Most Fire Investigator Technicians have several years of experience working in fire departments or as firefighters. Additionally, they may have experience in fire investigation and/or law enforcement.
4. Pursue additional certifications and training. Fire Investigator Technicians may pursue additional certifications such as Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) or Advanced Fire Investigator (AFI) from the IAAI. They may also take specialized training courses related to fire investigation and arson.
5. Become familiar with relevant laws and regulations. Fire Investigator Technicians should be knowledgeable of relevant laws and regulations that pertain to fire investigation and arson. This includes federal, state, and local laws.

Becoming a Fire Investigator Technician requires a great deal of knowledge and experience. The most important qualification for this position is completing a college degree in fire science, or a related field. completing a criminal justice or fire investigation program will give the individual a better understanding of the legal aspects involved.

Furthermore, to be fully qualified, the individual must also have the ability to collect and analyze evidence, document findings, and report the results. Experience in firefighting, arson investigation, or another related field may also be beneficial for the position. With the necessary qualifications and experience, an individual can be a successful Fire Investigator Technician.

You may want to check Fire Safety Officer, Fire Protection Designer, and Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator for alternative.

Job Description

1. Investigating the cause of fires and explosions in buildings, vehicles, and other structures.
2. Inspecting, testing, and maintaining fire detection and suppression systems.
3. Collecting and interpreting evidence, such as debris and chemical residues.
4. Examining the scene, such as a burned-out building or vehicle, for evidence about the cause of the fire.
5. Taking photographs and making sketches of the scene.
6. Maintaining accurate records of investigations, findings, and conclusions.
7. Preparing reports outlining the cause of the fire or explosion.
8. Consulting with other professionals, such as engineers, chemists, or metallurgists.
9. Presenting expert testimony in court cases related to fires and explosions.
10. Assisting with fire prevention education programs in the community.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of fire investigation and arson detection principles, methods, and techniques.
2. Knowledge of fire behavior, building construction, and fire protection systems.
3. Ability to apply fire scene analysis and evidence collection techniques.
4. Ability to recognize and interpret physical evidence related to fire investigations.
5. Ability to accurately complete forms, reports, and documentation related to fire investigations.
6. Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to fire investigations.
7. Ability to safely operate fire investigation equipment including thermal imaging cameras and combustible gas detectors.
8. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with all levels of personnel in verbal and written formats.
9. Ability to interact with the public, witnesses, and victims during investigations.
10. Ability to work independently or as part of a team environment.

Having the right skills as a Fire Investigator Technician is paramount to the job. Cause and effect relationships are key in assessing fires, as the cause of the fire must be identified in order to determine the best course of action for prevention in the future. Good communication skills are essential when interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, and understanding the findings of the investigation.

Technical knowledge of fire dynamics and fire behavior are also important to understanding the cause and effect of fires. Knowledge of building construction, fire codes, and safety standards are also essential to ensure proper safety measures are in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring. strong analytical and problem-solving skills are necessary to accurately diagnose the cause of the incident.

With these skills, Fire Investigator Technicians can accurately assess the cause and effect of a fire, as well as ensure that future incidents are prevented.

Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have investigating fires?
• How do you determine the cause of a fire?
• Describe a challenging fire investigation you have conducted.
• What steps do you take to ensure safety when investigating a fire?
• What do you consider to be the most important aspects of fire investigation?
• How do you evaluate and interpret evidence collected from a fire scene?
• What techniques do you use to maintain accurate and detailed records of investigations?
• How do you keep up to date with the latest developments in fire investigation methods?
• What is your experience in working with law enforcement and other first responders at a fire scene?
• How do you handle difficult conversations with victims and family members of fires?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Fire Extinguisher. A device used to put out small fires (eg: ABC Fire Extinguisher).
2. Thermal Imaging Camera. A device used to detect heat and identify hot spots in a structure (eg: FLIR Thermal Imaging Camera).
3. Smoke Detectors. Devices used to detect smoke and alert occupants of a potential fire (eg: Kidde Smoke Detector).
4. Fire Hose. A device used to deliver a large amount of water to extinguish larger fires (eg: Akron Attack Fire Hose).
5. Fire Axe. A tool used to break through materials, such as walls and doors, to gain access during firefighting operations (eg: Champion Fire Axe).
6. Gas Detector. A device used to detect the presence of flammable gases that may be present in a structure (eg: Honeywell Gas Detector).
7. Fire Alarm Panel. A device used to monitor and control an alarm system in a structure (eg: Bosch Fire Alarm Panel).
8. Fire Hydrant. A device used to provide an external source of water for fire suppression (eg: Mueller Fire Hydrant).

Professional Organizations to Know

1. International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)
2. National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI)
3. International Fire Marshals Association (IFMA)
4. International Association of Fire Safety Science (IAFSS)
5. Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE)
6. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
7. Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE)
8. American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA)
9. International Code Council (ICC)
10. Fire Apparatus Manufacturers' Association (FAMA)

Common Important Terms

1. Fire Dynamics. The study of the behavior and effect of fire, including the chemical, physical, and environmental changes that occur during combustion.
2. Combustion. The process of burning fuels in which heat is released.
3. Fire Science. The scientific study of the causes and control of fires and the application of this knowledge to design and operate safe buildings, equipment, and systems.
4. Fire Investigation. The investigation of fires to determine their origin, cause, and circumstances.
5. Fire Pathology. The study of the physical effects of fire on structures and their contents.
6. Fire Protection Engineering. The application of engineering principles to the design and operation of fire protection systems.
7. Fire Codes. Regulations that govern the design, construction, and operation of buildings and structures with respect to fire safety.
8. Fire Prevention. Measures taken to reduce or eliminate the risk of a fire occurring or spreading.
9. Fire Safety. Practices designed to prevent fires from occurring or spreading and to protect people from injury or death in the event of a fire.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Fire Investigator Technician?

A Fire Investigator Technician is a professional who investigates the cause, origin and circumstances of fires, explosions, and other related incidents.

What qualifications are necessary to become a Fire Investigator Technician?

To become a Fire Investigator Technician, one must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent and be certified in fire investigation.

What type of experience is required to become a Fire Investigator Technician?

Typically, experience in firefighting or emergency services, law enforcement, or arson investigation is required to become a Fire Investigator Technician.

How long does it take to become certified in fire investigation?

The certification process typically takes between two and four years, depending on the individual's experience.

What are the responsibilities of a Fire Investigator Technician?

Fire Investigator Technicians are responsible for collecting and preserving evidence, conducting interviews and interrogations, documenting findings, preparing reports and testifying in court as an expert witness.

What are jobs related with Fire Investigator Technician?

Web Resources

• Fire Protection Technician | MATC www.matc.edu
• Fire Protection Technician - Associate Degree - Northeast … www.nwtc.edu
• Fire Protection Technician Associate Degree | Madison College madisoncollege.edu