---

---

Arson and Fire Investigations are used in determining the cause and origin of a fire, who started the fire and acquiring evidence necessary to support prosecution. Arson investigators often testify in court as expert witnesses regarding the techniques used to gather the evidence and conclusions reached during the investigation.

Arson and Fire Investigators have an in-depth understanding of fire behavior and working knowledge of building construction and engineering.  Fire investigators also have an in-depth knowledge of types of fuel, the ease of ignition of each fuel and the impact of each fuel on the development of a fire.  Fire investigators are required to be capable of collecting, securing, packaging and transporting physical evidence for potential prosecution.

·The Investigation - Motives for arson can range from attempts to collect insurance money to revenge or intimidation, attempts to cover up a crime, or destruction of questionable business records, business practices and theft. The Arson Investigator will interview the firefighters and other witnesses and will conduct a complete investigation into who owns the property,  who holds the insurance, the insurance policy holder’s background as well as finances and business practices. The investigator may use a forensic accountant to study bank records, business records and tax returns. A certified document examiner may be used to examine business records and other pertinent documents.

·The Fire - Once the investigator has obtained information regarding the evidence that the fire fighters observed and a check of the financial records is complete the investigator will examine the results of the physical evidence found once the fire was extinguished. When examining the physical evidence the investigator must be able to rule out accidental causes of the fire in order to establish that the fire was deliberate.

Some of the most common causes of accidental fires are faulty gas or electrical equipment improperly stored material, children, pets, smoking, stoves left on and lightning. Plumbers, Electricians and Gasfitters may be asked to examine these systems for signs that they were faulty.

·The Conclusion - Arson investigation occurs in a different order than the usual criminal investigation. However the same steps are covered and it is the job of the investigator to analyze all of the information and come to a conclusion. The arson investigator must act swiftly in conducting interviews because fire may destroy physical evidence making witnesses all that much more important. A combination of interviews, background information and physical evidence is used to determine whether a fire is the result of arson or not. After the investigation your investigator will provide reliable, expert testimony in any court cases that may arise from your fire, whether it be to help you collect your insurance claim, or to assist in the prosecution of the arsonist who set the fire.

ARSON | FIRE INVESTIGATIONS

ARSON & FIRE INVESTIGATIONS | ARIZONA PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR