In Illinois, fire investigators are certified by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshall. Certification requirements include: Fire Fighter II certification; and, completion of training course (3 modules) or 2 modules and Arson Investigator course.

Are Arson investigators in demand?

The arson investigation career, which the BLS categorizes alongside fire inspectors and investigators, is expected to grow 10 percent between 2018 and 2028, which is a bit faster than the average growth rate of all occupations, which stands at 5 percent for the same time period (BLS 2019).

How do I become a forensic arson investigator?

  1. Step One Become a Firefighter. Working as a volunteer firefighter or intern is a great way to open the door to the fire professions.
  2. Step Two Enroll in an Arson Investigator Training Program.
  3. Step Three Get a Job and Build Your Credentials.

What are four specific groups that may hire arson investigators?

State government, such as the State Police or State Fire Marshal. Local government and public safety agencies. Private companies, most specifically insurance companies and private sector investigation companies. Post-secondary educational institutions (as instructors at colleges and universities)

Do fire investigators carry guns?

Fire marshals may carry a weapon, wear a badge, wear a uniform or plain clothes, can drive marked or unmarked cars, and make arrests pertaining to arson and related offenses, or, in other localities, may have duties entirely separate from law enforcement, including building- and fire-code-related inspections.

What does a fire detective do?

Fire investigators typically do the following: Collect and analyze evidence from scenes of fires and explosions. Determine the origin and cause of a fire. Keep detailed records and protect evidence for use in a court of law.

What is the difference between a fire investigator and an arson investigator?

An arson investigator will try to determine who is responsible for setting a fire; a fire investigator will attempt to determine the cause and origin of a fire.

How many hours does a fire investigator work?

Usually work more than 40 hours per week. Generally work a set schedule. May be on-call to investigate suspicious fires.

Is it hard to become a fire investigator?

Depending on your prospective employer, you’ll need to complete at least a two-year investigator training program to qualify for certification and/or employment. A federal agency, such as the ATF, requires new investigators to complete a four-year fire science degree before becoming an agent.

Are fire investigators in demand?

Overall employment of fire inspectors is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

Are fire marshals firefighters?

Fire marshals may be sworn law-enforcement officers and are often experienced firefighters. In many areas, the fire marshal is responsible for enforcing laws concerning flammable materials.

What is the primary job of fire arson investigator?

Fire and arson investigators examine the physical attributes of a fire scene and identify and collect physical evidence from the scene. This evidence is then analyzed to help determine if the cause of the fire was accidental or deliberate.

How to become an arson and fire investigator?

Obtain a High School Diploma. The basic educational requirement to be an arson and fire investigator is a high school diploma.

  • Gain Experience as Volunteer or Paid Firefighter. Gain on-job experience by working as a volunteer or paid firefighters.
  • Complete the Training Program.
  • Gain Professional Certification.
  • Do Specialization.

    • What do arson investigators look for during an investigation?

    They look for evidence of the use of accelerants , such as gasoline and other flammable materials, and work to identify the source, starting point and spread of fires . A fire and arson investigator salary varies based on the level of experience, geographical location, and other factors.

    How do investigators determine arson?

    Arson investigators are called out to the site of a suspicious fire to determine what exactly caused the fire, and if the fire was set intentionally. If the fire appears to be an arson, rather than an accident, the investigators will try to figure out where in the house the fire started and what was used to start it.

    What do arson investigators do?

    Arson Investigator Job Description. Arson investigators work for state or local fire departments, insurance agencies or other private companies to analyze the scenes of fires to determine their causes. They collect and test evidence, reconstruct arson scenes and interview witnesses to prepare detailed reports.