View the Request Fire Records page. Q: What is the objective of a fire investigation?
The objective of a fire investigation is to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Interviews must be conducted, evidence collected, and comprehensive reports of all findings prepared. To complete these tasks, the fire investigator must know and understand the rules governing proper crime scene techniques, interviewing strategies, and the technical aspects of fire science. If during the initial stages of inquiry, evidence of criminal activity is uncovered, the fire investigator must shift to his secondary role: to identify and move against those responsible. A fire investigator who has reason to believe that arson was committed is obligated to develop the case to its fullest extent which may include filing criminal charges and serving as witnesses for the prosecution.
