A professional who investigates and analyzes evidence of fires to determine causes and testifies as expert witness in court. Respnsibilities include:

• Examines sites of fires and collects evidence to ascertain causes of fires, utilizing knowledge and experience in fire fighting and fire investigation techniques and equipment.
• Photographs fire damage and evidence of fire causes and stores evidence in vault.
• Questions persons reporting fires, fire fighter, police, and others to obtain information.
• Compiles investigation results, determines probable causes of fire, and reports results to superiors.
• Cooperates with police and insurance companies to investigate reports of fires and stolen flammable materials.
• Swears out warrants for arrest of suspected arsonists.
• Gives testimony in court cases involving fires, suspected arson, and false fire alarms.
• Investigates false fire alarm in cooperation with police.
• Maintains records of convicted arsonists and arson suspects.
• Responds to calls from schools and parents to instruct children in dangers of fires.