Palm Beach County Fire Rescue's Fire Investigation Unit (FIU) plays a vital role in safeguarding our community by determining the origin and cause of fires and analyzing explosive incidents. The FIU is comprised of one Supervisor and five certified Fire Investigators available 24/7. The FIU aggressively investigates all fires not only to combat the crime of arson, but to directly gather information on how fires are starting in our community. This data helps the department focus its fire safety and education efforts on reducing the potential for loss of life and property due to fire. The FIU conducts investigations on all fires, including burn injuries, fire fatalities, large dollar loss, high-profile incidents, fires involving church properties, fires involving youth fire setters, fireworks-related fires, suspects on scene or in custody, and any case of suspected arson, working diligently to identify responsible parties and support the pursuit of justice.
Experienced Professionals Dedicated to Public Safety
Our Fire Investigation Unit comprises five highly skilled fire, arson, and explosive investigators with extensive professional experience. Each Fire Investigator is a sworn, State of Florida–certified Law Enforcement officer and holds Fire Investigator certifications through the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI), and the State of Florida. FIU Investigators receive extensive training, including but not limited to: fire origin and cause determination, explosion and post-blast investigations, interviewing and interrogation, evidence collection, fire death investigations, firearms and defensive tactics, arrest procedures, and criminal investigations. This advanced level of training and expertise ensures precise investigative practices and credible, expert testimony in federal and state courts, as well as hearings and depositions.
Protecting All of Palm Beach County
Our dedicated investigators are always on call, responding to incidents across our service area.
Did You Know?
The crime of arson is one of the costliest human-made disasters. Arson indirectly contributes to increased insurance premiums, higher medical costs, lost jobs, lost income, and the increased cost of fire services.