5 Day New Fire Arson Investigators Academy

Location: Casa Grande, AZ (Pinal County, ZIP 85122)
Dates: January 18–22, 2027
Duration: 36 hours
Cost: $550.00
Instructor: Steve Riggs
Category: Investigations

Course Overview

This intensive five-day program equips students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to conduct thorough fire and arson investigations. Participants will learn to create effective presentations for legal proceedings, prepare detailed reports suitable for criminal prosecution, and fulfill departmental investigation standards.

Course Focus

The program covers essential investigation methodologies appropriate for both novice and experienced fire investigators. Students will develop competency in identifying fire origins and causes, understanding the relationships between ignition sources and combustible materials, and gathering evidence that withstands legal scrutiny in both criminal and civil contexts.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Inspect and assess fire scenes to pinpoint the area of origin, ignition source, first materials ignited, and the sequence of events that led to the fire
• Create accurate diagrams and photographic documentation of scenes using proper field note techniques for comprehensive reporting
• Recognize, document, and properly preserve physical evidence according to legal standards to maintain its admissibility in court
• Conduct effective interviews to gather relevant information for determining fire origin and cause

Recommended Resources

While not required, participants may find the following references beneficial: current NFPA 921 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations, NFPA 1033 Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator, and the latest edition of Kirk's Fire Investigation.