Fire and Explosion Related Death Investigations

This comprehensive two-day training program brings together law enforcement investigators, medical examiners, and other criminal justice professionals to enhance their expertise in investigating fatalities resulting from fire and explosion incidents. Participants will collaborate with experienced instructors to gain practical knowledge and investigative tools essential for handling these complex cases.

Course Overview

The training covers fundamental principles governing fire behavior, identifies key investigative areas specific to fire-related fatalities, and emphasizes the importance of coordinating with medical examiner offices. Additionally, the course addresses critical considerations regarding evidence preservation and scene safety protocols to ensure thorough and legally sound investigations.

Training Topics

• Victimology and witness interview techniques
• Case examples and statutory considerations relevant to fire and explosion incidents
• Body recovery challenges and procedures
• Scene assessment methodologies and evidence collection strategies
• Cause and manner of death determination along with prosecutorial considerations
• Fire and explosion fundamentals
• Effects of fire on the human body
• Multi-disciplinary team building and coordination
• Self-care and wellness for investigators

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, participants will be able to evaluate scene management and evidence protocols specific to fire and explosion investigations. Attendees will understand fire response procedures, scene management responsibilities, and proper evidence collection techniques. Through case study analysis and practical table-top exercises, investigators will strengthen their analytical capabilities when examining fire and explosion scenes. The course provides instruction on current evidence collection and storage methodologies appropriate for fire and explosion-related materials, and emphasizes the development of effective collaborative relationships within multi-disciplinary response teams.

Intended Audience

This training is designed for medical examiners, laboratory technicians, law enforcement professionals, law enforcement support personnel, and tribal partners and tribal law enforcement representatives.

Schedule and Location

Dates: April 26-27, 2027

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day (16 hours total)

Venue: Saline County Sheriff's Office, 735 S Neeley Street, Benton, AR 72150

Additional session options: October 5-6, 2026 in Everett, WA; February 22-23, 2027 in Clearwater, FL; and September 13-14, 2027 in Kenosha, WI

Lodging Information

The following accommodations are available near the Benton, AR training location:

• Comfort Inn & Suites Bryant-Benton, 209 W Commerce Street, Bryant, AR 72022
• Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Little Rock Benton, 17320 I-30, Bryant, AR 72019
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bryant-Benton, 7224 Alcoa Road, Bryant, AR 72015

Cost and Registration

Fee: $350.00

The registration fee covers 16 hours of instruction, course materials, and instructional costs. Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for meals, travel, and lodging accommodations.

Registration Deadline: March 22, 2027

Instructors

Courtney Bauer - Special Agent-Senior/Deputy State Fire Marshal, Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigations. Courtney holds the Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) designation from the National Association of Fire Investigators, as well as Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) and Evidence Collection Technician (ECT) certifications from the International Association of Arson Investigators. Additional credentials include Wisconsin Fire Investigator certification, Firefighter I and II certifications, Fire Officer I, and Emergency Services Instructor I. Courtney is also a licensed Advanced Emergency Medical Technician. Throughout her law enforcement career, she has participated in numerous investigations involving fire-related deaths of both adults and children, along with other complex death investigations.

Michael Mazza - Retired Sergeant, Massachusetts State Police. Michael spent approximately 33 years investigating fires and explosions, with his final assignment involving supervision of troopers investigating these incidents across four western Massachusetts counties. With experience investigating over 2,000 fires, both accidental and incendiary in nature, Michael holds Certified Fire Investigator certification from the International Association of Arson Investigators. He has served as past president for three terms of the Massachusetts Chapter of IAAI and currently chairs both the CFI Committee and Seminar Committee for the Board of Directors. From 1990 to 2008, Michael was a certified accelerant detection K-9 handler whose dogs were certified by multiple agencies including the Maine Criminal Justice Training Counsel, Connecticut State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.

Contact Information

Jessica Heimann
(855) 866-2582
jessica.heimann2274@fvtc.edu