Firefuzz Enterprises
Doug Ross Investigations

SouthEastern Fire & Arson Training Institute

Basic Fire and Arson Investigation:

A comprehensive 32 hour journey from the basic concept of the combustion reaction to determining the origin and cause of a fire to final case preparation for civil or criminal trial, this class teaches the new investigator the fundamentals of the chemical reaction responsible for fire, a concise look at the wide array of fuels with an emphasis on the hydrocarbon-based fuels, the development of a proper fire scene inspection protocol using the Scientific Method as a roadmap, fire pattern evaluation and interpretation, the evidentiary opportunities presented in a fire scene, follow-up investigation, sources of information, and the offering of final analysis of the overall investigation. After completion of this class, the student will be prepared to confidently assume fire and arson investigations for his or her agency. The student will receive the class workbook which will serve as a valuable resource and free access to the Southeastern Fire and Arson Training Institute’s website which provides weekly updates concerning fire and arson issues across our country. A certificate of successful completion will be issued. Cost: $225. Any agency willing to host this training will receive two slots free of charge.

Comprehensive Fatal Fire Investigation:

The discovery of a body in a fire scene increases the obligations of an origin and cause examination. Immediately, the fire has become a potential crime scene that will eventually involve multiple disciplines as each accomplishes their individual role. A fatal fire is much more than placing the remains in a body bag. The investigator becomes the voice of the deceased whose voice has been silenced. Critical information and potential criminal and civil evidence lies in the debris and the fire investigator will likely be looked upon as the team leader in an attempt to recover this valuable information. Know your role in a fatal fire investigation. Whether from the fire service, law enforcement, medical examiners office, coroner, or prosecutors, the need to learn the finer points of an investigation involving deaths is critical. This two-day class discusses the pathology of death, critical legal constraints, evidence recognition and recovery, documentation of the death scene and much more. The participant receives the class workbook which will be a valuable resource to be used in the field. Remember, you only get one chance to process a fatal fire scene. Cost: $100

Fire and Arson for the Insurance Industry:

The insurance industry is a major player, and often an indirect victim, in property crimes such as arson. Additionally, most all fires result in a claim and claims settlement provided by the company providing coverage. The public service investigator relies on the critical information that only the insurance company or adjustor has. Conversely, the insurance investigator or adjustor plays a vital role in the investigation of fires. It is important that both disciplines have a concise understanding of each role in fire and arson investigation. This class focuses on the needs of the insurance representative or adjustor and paints a clear picture of the requirements of fire and police investigators. This class should definitely enhance communication between both career paths. This two-day class can be offered at your location. Any company or agency willing to sponsor the training will receive two complimentary slots in the class. A student manual is issued as well as a certificate of successful completion. Cost: $150
The Fire Investigator as an Expert Witness
(Serves as annual refresher for court qualification)

Often a fire investigator is barred from testifying in legal proceedings because his or her discipline-specific training is not current. Too many individuals who consider themselves a “certified fire investigator” neglect to refresh their training in order to stay abreast of the constantly changing methods and protocols of modern fire science. The process has changed over the years and it continues to change almost daily. Are you current? Could you qualify as an “expert witness” today? This class will cover the newest legal issues facing fire investigators as well as report on the latest laboratory testing in a continuing effort to eradicate the myths that continue to pop up on occasions. This is an 8-hour class that should keep the fire investigator “up to date” and current. Consider it “in-service training” to prevent being forbidden to testify only because your training is obsolete. Cost: $100. Manual and certificate issued.

Other Classes:

Vehicle Fire Investigation: 16 hours

Criminal Investigation and Interview of the Arson Suspect: 16 hours