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Media questionsAbout the Fire Investigations Section
All fire departments in Indiana are required to investigate and determine the causes and circumstances for each fire occurring in their territory, according to Indiana Code 36-8-17-7. The Fire Investigations Section is a resource to fire departments, law enforcement agencies, the insurance industry and the public to assist with the investigations of fires and explosions that occur in Indiana.
The Fire Investigations Section is part of the Division of Fire and Building Safety of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS). Division fire investigators are authorized by the Indiana State Fire Marshal to conduct investigations pursuant to Indiana codes 22-14-2-4 and 22-14-2-8. All investigators are certified in fire and explosion investigation through IDHS as well as other professional associations such as the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) and the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI). They are sworn law enforcement officers and can exercise police powers, including the ability to make arrests, conduct searches or seizures of people or property, and carry firearms.
The Fire Investigations Section annually investigates about 600 fires and explosions. The investigators diligently work each case utilizing practices and procedures outlined in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 921 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations. The investigators are also required to be compliant with the NFPA 1033 Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator. The section employs the latest technology and investigative techniques to determine the causes and circumstances of fires and explosions and to apprehend and prosecute those who commit arson.
IDHS Fire Investigators (select for contacts)
IDHS Fire Investigators (select for contacts)
Investigators
Each investigator is assigned a region of the state to cover; however, they can respond anywhere within Indiana.
Services Offered
IDHS fire investigators work on fires and explosions that occur at houses, apartments and businesses. They also investigate automobile and watercraft fires and can also help with case reviews and joint scene examinations. The team utilizes a certified arson canine trained to detect accelerants at fire scenes and other dogs who can help find human remains.
Services provided by the investigators include the following:
- Accelerant-detection canine
- Cadaver-locating canines
- Cellular data analysis
- Evidence collection and handling
- Expert-witness testimony
- Fire and explosion origin and cause investigation
- Interviews and interrogations
- Scene documentation
- Search and arrest warrants
- Subpoena witnesses, books, documents or other evidence
- Training
Investigation Report Requests
Contents of fire investigation files are withheld pursuant to Indiana Code 5-14-3-4 as law enforcement records and are only released through subpoena or to an insurance company pursuant to Indiana Code 27-2-13. Requests for public records should be submitted via the IDHS APRA Portal.
Fire Investigation Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I verify someone really is an IDHS fire investigator?
All fire investigators have credentials, including a badge and identification card. Investigators may also have patches on their clothing that say Indiana State Fire Marshal or Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
- What is arson?
Arson is the crime of setting a fire as specified in Indiana Code 35-43-1-1, and arson can be committed using fire, explosives or other destructive devices.
- Why do fire investigators carry firearms?
IDHS fire investigators are sworn law enforcement officers and so are granted the ability to exercise police powers, which authorizes them to make arrests, conduct searches or seizures of people or property, and carry firearms.
- Under what circumstances do agencies request IDHS fire investigator assistance?
Agencies may request IDHS investigator assistance with fire and explosion scene investigations or for assistance with any other service provided by the Fire Investigations Section.
- What should I do if I believe arson was committed?
If you have information about an arson or have information related to an ongoing fire investigation case, please report this to the arson hotline by calling 1-800-382-4628.
Resources
- Arson Hotline - Indiana Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators
- Arson reward poster
- Burn injury report form
- Consent form for fire/explosion scene examination
- Fire fatality report form
- International Association of Arson Investigators, Indiana Chapter
- Police officer and firefighter observation report form
- Residential fire fatalities map