College In Colorado - Career Profile

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Fire Investigator What They Do

Conducts investigations to determine causes of fires and explosions.

Examines fire sites and collects evidence such as glass, metal fragments, charred wood, and accelerant residue for use in determining the cause of a fire.
Photographs damage and evidence related to causes of fires or explosions to document investigation findings.
Analyzes evidence and other information to determine probable cause of fire or explosion.
Testifies in court cases involving fires, suspected arson, and false alarms.
Packages collected pieces of evidence in securely closed containers, such as bags, crates, or boxes, to protect them.
Prepares and maintains reports of investigation results, and records of convicted arsonists and arson suspects.
Subpoenas and interviews witnesses, property owners, and building occupants to obtain information and sworn testimony.
Coordinates efforts with other organizations, such as law enforcement agencies.
Swears out warrants, and arrests and processes suspected arsonists.
Instructs children about the dangers of fire.

Dig into the details and check out what people in this job have to say about their work.

People who do this job report that:

You would often handle loads up to 20 lbs., sometimes up to 50 lbs. You might do a lot of lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling.
Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard hat, or personal flotation devices
Exposure to pollutants, gases, dust, fumes, odors, poor ventilation, etc.
Requires getting into awkward positions
Lighting is either extremely bright or inadequate
Conditions are very hot (above 90 F) or very cold (under 32 F)
Work in this occupation involves using your hands to hold, control, and feel objects more than one-third of the time
Exposed to conditions such as high voltage electricity, combustibles, explosives, and chemicals more than once a month
Exposed to hazardous equipment such as saws, machinery, or vehicular traffic more than once a month
Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
Sound and noise levels are loud and distracting
Work in this occupation requires being outside most of the time
Work in this occupation involves use of special protective items such as a breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suit, or radiation protection
Work in this occupation involves standing more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

Identifying color and seeing differences in color, including shades and brightness
Seeing clearly at a distance
Seeing clearly up close
Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
Identifying and understanding the speech of another person
Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying objects

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

Arson Investigator -- Examines intentionally set fires in order to determine why they were set; for example some are set purposely in order to recover money from an insurance claim or cover up another crime.
Chief Arson Division --
Fire and Explosion Investigator --
Fire Captain --
Fire Chief -- Directs activities of municipal fire department.
Fire Lieutenant --
Fire Marshal -- Supervises and coordinates activities of firefighting personnel of industrial establishment and inspects equipment and premises to ensure adherence to fire regulations.
Investigator --
State Fire Marshal --