Fire Investigation

Fire Investigator Team

The Wake Forest Fire Investigator Team (WFFIT) was developed in January 2011. The purpose of the program is to provide a needed service of origin and cause determination to the community and town.

The Fire Investigator Program provides a proactive approach to satisfy current Uniform Fire Code and future Accreditation. The Uniform Fire Code 104.2 grants the authority to individual fire departments to promptly conduct fire cause and origin of each and every fire occurring within its jurisdiction. NC General Statute (NCGS) 58-79-1 also states that each fire shall be investigated to determine cause and origin of all incidents that result in loss of life or property damage.

In an effort to provide and improve services to the community, remain consistent with our department and town strategic goals, we formed the Investigator Team. The forming of such a team will enhance our goal of accreditation along with shaping our fire prevention and educational curriculums.

Investigators

Captain Bryan Wright
Captain Justin Brown (Certified Fire Investigator)
Captain Kyle Mangum
Lieutenant Johnathon Whitley
Battalion Chief Jeremey Blake (Certified Fire Investigator)
Marshall (Ignitable Liquid Detection Canine)

Certified Fire Investigator

Becoming a Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) investigator is a rigorous and time-consuming process that can take up to four years.

Education, class instruction, and experience are all considered before being allowed to test for CFI. When taking the CFI test, you are are tested on your knowledge in these areas:

NFPA 921, Guide for Fire And Explosion Investigations
NFPA 1033, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator
Kirk’s Fire Investigator Book
IFSTA Fire Investigator Book

Investigator Levels

The WFFD utilizes three levels to classify investigators:

1. Investigator in Training

21 years of age
5 years of service with WFFD
Officer II
Complete the following training courses on CFItrainer.net
- Basic Electricity
- Documenting the Event
- Ethics and Fire Investigators
- Scientific Method
- Fire Investigator Scene Safety

2. Investigator

All requirements for Investigator in Training
Should have or be working on AS Degree in a fire field of study (helps to obtain points for NC CFI packet)
Completed NC Fire Investigator Technician Course (FIT) or recognized equivalent (Required for NCCFI Certification)

3. CFI Investigator

Should have all above requirements
NC CFI certification

*To obtain a NC CFI certification you must have completed NC CFI Certification Packet, obtained NC Fire Investigator Technician Course (FIT) and passed NCOSFM CFI certification exam.

Canine Team

The requirements for Canine and Handler Team are identified in the Ignitable Liquid Canine SOG.

Canine and handler must complete a lengthy training process to certify the handler and canine. After the initial training and certification of Canine Team, the handler and canine must perform daily training and in-service training once a month by a third party. The canine and handler must also recertify every year.