The Fire Investigator Program
The Fire Investigator Certification Program is a voluntary advanced training program designed for certified firefighters, certified law enforcement officers, law enforcement crime scene technicians, and certified firesafety inspectors who have fire investigation responsibilities.
“Law enforcement crime scene technician,” means a person who, as part of his or her job duties, reports to crime scenes to assist in the processing of evidence and who is employed to do such work by a governmental agency. A person claiming to be a law enforcement crime scene technician must include with the application for certification a statement from his or her direct supervisor confirming that he or she is employed as a law enforcement crime scene technician.
This program is based on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1033 “Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator” and is intended to prepare individuals for service as fire investigators in the public sector.
Program Requirements Each individual must satisfy program requirements. The program shall consist of no less than 360 hours of training, with each course being no less than 45 hours in duration. Unless courses of equivalent interactive instruction are approved by the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training, the individual must complete each of the following courses:
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- Fire Chemistry *
- Fire Origin and Cause
- Fire Protection Systems 1 *
- Building Construction *
- Latent Investigation
- Arson Investigation
- Post Blast Investigation
- Legal Issues for Investigators
* These classes may be taught using alternative delivery techniques, including online course delivery or blended learning. All other classes must be taught using a traditional classroom delivery method.
PATH 1 – FOR INDIVIDUALS HOLDING A FL FIRE INVESTIGATOR II CERTIFICATION The Division shall issue a Fire Investigator Certificate of Competency if the applicant:
- Is a certified firefighter, certified law enforcement officer, law enforcement crime scene technician, or certified sworn or non-sworn firesafety inspector; and,
- Submitted to the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training a completed Form DFS-K4-2175, “Fire Investigator Portfolio,” or a completed Form DFS-K4-2171, “Fire Investigator Task Book,” both of which are incorporated by reference in subsection 69A-37.039(2), F.A.C., and can be obtained as specified in subsection 69A-37.039(1), F.A.C.; and,
- Submitted a completed Form DFS-K4-1438, “Application for Fire Investigator Certification,” which is incorporated by reference in subsection 69A-37.039(2), F.A.C., and can be obtained as specified in subsection 69A-37.039(1), F.A.C., with all supporting documentation and fees, including the supervisor’s statement that he or she is employed as a law enforcement crime scene technician (if applicable), to the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.
PATH 2 – FOR ALL OTHER INDIVIDUALS (INCLUDING INDIVIDUALS HOLDING A FL FIRE INVESTIGATOR I CERTIFICATION) The Division shall issue a Fire Investigator Certificate of Competency if the applicant:
- Completed all courses required under Program Requirements with a grade of 70% or higher in each; and,
- Passed the Fire Investigator state certification examination with a score of 70% or higher; and,
- Is a certifed firefighter, certified law enforcement officer, law enforcement crime scene techician, or certified sworn or non-sworn firesafety inspector; and,
- Submitted to the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training a completed Form DFS-K4-2171, “Fire Investigator Task Book,” which is incorporated by reference in subsection 69A-37.039(2), F.A.C., and can be obtained as specified in subsection 69A-37.039(1), F.A.C.; and,
- Submitted the required Form DFS-K4-1438, “Application for Fire Investigator Certification,” which is incorporated by reference in subsection 69A-37.039(2), F.A.C., and can be obtained as specified in subsection 69A-37.039(1), F.A.C., with all supporting documentation and fees, including the supervisor’s statement that he or she is employed as a law enforcement crime scene technician (if applicable), to the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.