Fire and Explosion Related Death Investigations

This comprehensive two-day training program brings together investigators to develop proficiency in handling fire and explosion-related death investigations. Participants will gain access to current methodologies, investigative frameworks, and collaborative approaches essential for thorough case management in this specialized field.

Course Overview

The curriculum encompasses critical investigation principles including fire behavior analysis, identification of key areas in fire-related fatality cases, coordination with medical examiner offices, and proper evidence and scene safety protocols. Through a combination of classroom instruction, case study analysis, and table-top exercises, attendees will strengthen their investigative capabilities.

Training Topics

• Victimology and witness interview techniques
• Case examples and applicable statutory requirements
• Body recovery challenges and procedures
• Scene assessment methodology and evidence collection strategies
• Determination of cause and manner of death with prosecutorial implications

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Apply scene management and evidence handling best practices specific to fire and explosion investigations
• Understand fire response protocols, scene management responsibilities, and proper evidence collection procedures
• Develop investigative proficiency through real-world case reviews and practical table-top scenarios
• Implement current evidence preservation and storage techniques for fire and explosion events
• Foster collaborative relationships and optimize multi-disciplinary team responses to fire-related incidents

Target Audience

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

Training Details

Duration: 16 hours (two full days)

Schedule: February 22-23, 2027
February 22: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
February 23: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Location: Pinellas County Sheriff's Office - Forensic Sciences, 4801 145th Avenue N, Clearwater, FL 33762

Cost: $350.00

Registration Deadline: January 18, 2027

Additional Scheduling Options

This course is also available at the following locations and dates:

• October 5-6, 2026 - Everett, WA ($350.00)
• April 26-27, 2027 - Benton, AR ($350.00)
• September 13-14, 2027 - Kenosha, WI ($350.00)

What's Included

The registration fee covers 16 hours of instruction, course materials, and instructional resources. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering the costs of meals, transportation, and lodging.

Lodging Information

Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater/St. Petersburg-Ulmerton Road, 4050 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater, FL 33762

Instructor Expertise

Courtney Bauer is a Special Agent-Senior and Deputy State Fire Marshal with the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigations, assigned to the arson bureau. She holds multiple professional certifications including Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) from the National Association of Fire Investigators, and Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) and Evidence Collection Technician (ECT) designations from the International Association of Arson Investigators. Additionally, she maintains certifications as a Firefighter I and II, Fire Officer I, Emergency Services Instructor I, and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician. Throughout her law enforcement career, she has conducted numerous investigations involving adult and child fire deaths as well as other death investigations.

Michael Mazza is a retired Sergeant from the Massachusetts State Police with approximately 33 years of specialized experience investigating fires and explosions. His supervisory role included oversight of troopers investigating fire and explosion cases across four western counties. With investigation experience involving over 2,000 fires of both accidental and incendiary origin, he holds Certified Fire Investigator credentials from the International Association of Arson Investigators. He has served as past president of the Massachusetts Chapter of IAAI for three terms and currently serves as Chair of both the CFI Committee and Seminar Committee for the Board of Directors. From 1990 to 2008, he was a certified accelerant detection K-9 handler, working with dogs certified by multiple agencies including the Maine Criminal Justice Training Council, Connecticut State Police, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, and CADA.

Contact Information

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

Note: For information regarding continuing education units, please consult the policies page on the NCJTC website.