What we offer
The purpose of this course is to specify, in terms of performance objectives, the minimum requirements for Fire and Explosion Investigator. It’s aimed at fire department personnel, forensic identification personnel, explosive disposal personnel, insurance adjusters, provincial fire investigators, and CIB detectives.
The course content is presented in a 32-hour, four-day lecture environment, followed by a one-day practical fire investigation that will be performed in a state-of-the-art training facility, for those participants looking to certify, re-certify or upgrade their investigative knowledge in the fire investigative field.
This course shall cover the requirements as stipulated in NFPA 921 and includes:
- The legal requirements to conduct a scene examination
- Understanding the basic principles of combustion
- The scientific method
- Burn pattern analysis
- The processes for collecting physical evidence
- Cause determination
- Explosion investigations
- Vehicle fire investigations
The process examined in NFPA 921 is the theoretical component, which will be implemented and applied by the participant when he/she investigates a fire scene. In teams, participants will attend a fire scene, document, examine, sift, reconstruct, and determine the cause of a fire scenario. Each team will present the cause of the fire scene investigation to their peers at the conclusion of the burn scenarios.
Course includes
- Lunch daily
- Practical investigation experience
- Training in a state-of-the-art classroom
- Reduced hotel rates
- Central training location
- Exam (optional)
Optional exam
Qualified participants, upon successful completion of the program will have the opportunity to write an examination; from the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) a U.S.-based professional Organization. Upon successful completion of the exam as determined by NAFI, each participant will receive a certificate confirming that they have completed the theory portion of “A Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI).” This examination is both optional and recommended only if the participant can receive the practical scene time required for this certification. Each student wishing to write the examination must complete the exam application and send the original signed copy to FESTI at least 6 weeks prior to attending the program. The exam application fee is part of the Application which is forwarded directly to FESTI. The exam cost is $125.00 USD.
Please note: all exam applicants must be NAFI members and must include your NAFI membership number on the application.
An NFPA 921 student manual will be provided for use during the training. A student wishing to purchase this publication for their own use may do so during the course. Instructor’s notes will be provided as a handout.
Students must bring
- CSA steel-toed boots
- Change of clothes for a practical training session
- Laptop computer
- Coveralls or turn out gear is preferred
- Digital camera and USB card
Course duration
5 days
Course hours
8 am to 4 pm
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