The NFA’s fire investigation curriculum provides students with training that features cutting-edge technology, up-to-date legal information and proven teaching techniques from professional trainers with experience in the field.
Why should I consider attending fire investigation training?
By taking these courses, you will improve your job performance with the most up-to-date science and techniques for modern fire investigation. You will also increase your knowledge of how to pursue arson cases through the judicial system. These courses position you for growth in your department and in the industry.
Seasoned instructors make the difference in NFA fire investigation training. Our courses are offered through a partnership between the U.S. Fire Administration’s (USFA’s) NFA and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). You will learn from experts with deep experience in the field fighting fires, investigating fires and working within the legal system (civil and criminal) to provide evidence and testimony.
As a supervisor, why should I send personnel to NFA fire investigation training?
The better your team, the better you serve your community by saving lives and reducing property loss. Specifically, NFA fire investigation training will help give you and your team more confidence in the conclusions made regarding the origin of fires being investigated. Along with that additional confidence, these courses can increase your organizational efficiency in the field and in the documenting and reporting of fire investigations.
Fire investigation course offerings
New courses:
- “Fire Investigation: First Responders” (F0770): 2-day off campus.
- “Fire Investigation: First Responders” (O0770): 2-day off campus.
- “Fire Investigation: First Responders” (S0770): online instructor led (live).
- “Fire Investigation: First Responders” (W0770): 2-day on campus.
- “Fire Investigation: Forensic Interviewing and Evidence” (R0780): 6-day on campus.
Established courses (offered in the past and will continue to be offered):
- “Fire Investigation: Case Preparation and Testimony” (R0790): 6-day on campus.
- “Fire Investigation: Electrical Systems” (R0776): 6-day on campus.
- “Fire Investigation: Essentials” (R0772): 10-day on campus.
Future specialized courses will focus on report writing and fire dynamics.
Visit the NFA Catalog for more information on each course, including dates/availabilities, course description, requirements, prerequisites, selection criteria, pre-course materials and continuing education units.
Standards, guidelines and accreditation
NFA fire investigation classes are taught in accordance with the standards outlined in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1033: Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator and under the guidelines of NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations.
NFA fire investigation courses meet the criteria for the International Association of Arson Investigators Certified Fire Investigator, a standardized evaluation of a fire investigator’s training and expertise accredited by the National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) and the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board.
Most NFA fire investigation classes qualify for continuing education units and American Council on Education recommendations for college-level equivalency.
Read more at U.S. Fire Administration
