Criminal Justice Career Option: Fire Investigator
Next, fire investigators analyze the evidence and try to determine the probable causes of fires. Fire investigators keep records of known arsonists in their area. They compare the arson methods in new cases against the methods these arsonists have used in the past. They prepare reports of the results of their investigations. Fire investigators have the authority to swear out warrants and arrest suspects. They may also testify in court about fire cases.
Some fire investigators investigate their own fire departments. They search for neglect or violation of laws by employees. Some fire investigators educate the public, particularly children, about the dangers of fire.
Other titles and keywords for this career.
Work Activities
The following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career.
Photograph fire damage and evidence of the causes of fires.
Examine sites and collect evidence about fires or explosions.
Test sites and materials to establish facts, such as burn patterns.
Interview and subpoena witnesses, property owners, and building occupants.
Analyze evidence and other information to determine probable causes of fires.
Prepare and maintain reports of the results of investigations.
Arrest and detain suspected arsonists.
Testify in court for cases involving fires or suspected arson.
Conduct investigations to determine neglect or violation of laws by fire department employees.
May educate the public about the dangers of fire.
People in this career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to many occupations.
Get information needed to do the job.
Analyze data or information.
Document and record information.
Identify objects, actions, and events.
Inspect equipment, structures, or materials.
Make decisions and solve problems.
Communicate with people from outside the organization.
Evaluate information against standards.
Organize, plan, and prioritize work.
Process information.
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings.
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates.
Explain the meaning of information to others.
Update and use job-related knowledge.
Working Conditions
In a typical work setting, people in this career:
Have a high level of job-required social contact. They talk to many people during investigations.
Are responsible for the health and safety of building occupants.
Deal with external witnesses and suspects.
Persuade others to accept the results of their investigations.
Physical Work Conditions
Sometimes wear a special uniform.
Sometimes wear protective gear, such as helmets and breathing equipment.
Work both indoors and outdoors.
Are sometimes exposed to contaminants, such as toxic fumes from fires or explosions.
Are sometimes exposed to very hot temperatures from fires.
Are sometimes exposed to extremely bright or inadequate lighting.
May on rare occasions be exposed to hazardous conditions, such as sudden cave-ins of floors or toppling walls. There is only a low likelihood of injury from this exposure. However, injuries are likely to be moderate.
Work Performance
Must be sure that all details of the job are done and their work is very exact.
Errors could have serious safety consequences.
Must be constantly aware of frequently changing or unusual events in fire-damaged buildings.
Hours/Travel
Usually work 40 hours per week.
May be on-call to investigate suspicious fires.
Physical Demands
People in this career frequently:
Stand or walk while investigating fire sites.
Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.
Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
It is important for people in this career to be able to:
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
See details of objects whether they are nearby or far away.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
Skills and Abilities
People in this career need to:
Communicate
Listen to others, understand, and ask questions.
Read and understand work-related materials and other written information.
Reason and Problem Solve
Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
Identify problems and review information.
Analyze options and apply solutions.
Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Identify ways to measure and improve system performance.
Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Make sense of information that seems without meaning or organization.
Think of new ideas about a topic.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Determine how a system should work and how changes will affect outcomes.
People in this career need knowledge in the following areas:
Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of protecting people, data, and property. English Language: Knowledge of the meaning, spelling, and use of the English language. Law, Government, and Jurisprudence: Knowledge of laws, rules, court procedures, and the political process.
Preparation
Fire investigators usually start as firefighters. Entry-level firefighters in large departments are trained for several weeks at the department's training center. Recruits study firefighting techniques and prevention, local building codes, and other topics. They also learn how to use firefighting and rescue equipment. After successfully completing this training, they are assigned to a fire company. Some fire departments have accredited apprenticeship programs lasting up to five years. These programs combine formal instruction with on-the-job training.
A number of colleges and universities offer courses leading to a two- or four-year degree in fire engineering or fire science. Many fire departments now require a bachelor's degree, preferably in fire science, for higher-level positions. Fire investigators must also have several years of experience and training as firefighters.
Training sessions are often offered by the National Fire Academy. These sessions cover topics that are useful for those who want to be fire investigators. Sessions include anti-arson techniques and hazardous materials control.
Areas of Study (What to study to prepare for this career)
Engineering Technologies
Criminal Justice Programs
Fire Control
Hiring Practices
Applicants for firefighter jobs must pass a written exam, and tests of physical strength, stamina, and agility. They also must pass a medical exam that may include drug screening. Exams are generally open to people who are at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED. Those who receive the highest scores have the best chances of getting a job. Taking community college courses in fire science may improve an applicant's chances.
Besides high scores, employers look for applicants with courage, self-discipline, and a sense of public service. Leadership qualities are important for fire investigators. College-level training may also be required.
Wages
Nationally, the median wage for fire investigators is $3,470 per month ($20.01 per hour). Half of all fire investigators earn between $2,635 and $4,425 per month ($15.21 and $25.54 per hour).
Wages vary by area of the country and the investigator's level of experience and training.
Fire investigators who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, health insurance, and a retirement plan. Most fire departments provide protective clothing (helmets, boots, and coats) and breathing equipment. Many fire departments provide dress uniforms.
Outlook
Nationally, the number of jobs for these workers is expected to grow as fast as average through the year 2010.
Fires happen every day. Some are accidents and others are caused by people. Insurance companies and fire departments both require investigations of suspicious fires. Because the number of buildings is increasing and the number of people setting fires is growing, the need for fire investigators is likely to continue to grow.
Layoffs of fire investigators are uncommon and job turnover is low. However, job openings will occur as some workers retire or leave this occupation for other reasons.
Advancement Opportunities
Opportunities for promotion depend on written exam results, job performance, interviews, and number of years on the job. Many fire departments now require a bachelor's degree for higher-level promotions. However, jobs as fire investigators are not part of the regular line of promotion. Fire investigators can advance to supervisory positions.
Some experienced fire investigators start their own consulting businesses.