What is a primary duty of a Fire Investigator?

A primary duty of a Fire Investigator is to study the cause of a fire before the overhaul process begins. This role involves carefully examining the scene to gather evidence and determine how the fire started, which is crucial for several reasons. Understanding the origin and cause of a fire can aid in preventing future incidents, assisting in insurance claims, and potentially identifying any criminal activity related to arson. Investigators use scientific methods and techniques to analyze physical evidence, witness statements, and other factors surrounding the fire to ensure an accurate assessment of what occurred.

Conducting this investigation prior to overhaul is particularly essential because once the area has been disturbed or cleaned up, valuable evidence may be lost, making it much harder to ascertain the cause of the fire. The insight gained from these investigations contributes significantly to fire safety education, policy development, and improving overall community fire response.