Basic Track
The 36 hour basic class is where it starts – we have the experts ready to get you off to a good
start in the field of fire investigation. The basic class will provide a wide range of information
from securing the scene to documenting a fire scene and determining the origin and cause of
a fire. This class is recommended for all fire fighters, officers and fire prevention members.
This class is a pre-requisite for any advanced fire investigation class. Students must bring
personal protective equipment (hat, gloves, safety shoes/boots, eye protection, work clothes
or coveralls) and a basic digital camera (point and shoot okay).

Intermediate I Track
This track represents the next step up from the BASIC class and is a good refresher level
class for those wanting to brush up on their core skills without repeating the basic class.
Topics will include tips on prosecuting fire cases, intermediate fire scene photography, legal
entry, basic interview skills, Flashover investigations, and investigating electrically caused
fires.

Intermediate II Track
More advanced than Intermediate I, topics will include training on tips on prosecuting fire
cases, advanced fire scene photography, investigating fuel gas explosions, investigating
electrically caused fires, and more advanced training on interviews and interrogations.

Advanced Track
Just like the name implies, this track is for advanced students and contains a heavy emphasis
on engineering and scientific principles. It is designed for the veteran fire investigator (both
public and private) who wants to move his or her investigations “to the next level.”

Forensic engineering is the application of the science of engineering to the jurisprudence
system. It includes investigating the physical causes of incidents, the proper application of
the scientific method, preparing sound engineering reports, and the peer review of the
opinions of other experts. This course applies the principles of fire protection engineering
combined with forensic and behavioral sciences to the forensic investigation of fires and
explosions. The instructors provide practical “lessons learned” using classic historical fire
cases, with new information and insight into their ignition, growth, and development. These
examples shed a new insight into both key forensic fire engineering concepts and human
behavior during fires. Laptop is optional.