This 10 day/80 hour course will provide an introduction to fire investigation for the public safety fire investigator employed by a law enforcement or fire service agency in the State of Wisconsin. The course is based on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1033 (2022 Edition), Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator, NFPA 921 (2021 Edition) Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations, along with the student text book. The course will be delivered by Special Agents/Deputy State Fire Marshals from the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation (WI DOJ/DCI), Special Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosions (BATFE), Assistant Attorneys General from the WI DOJ, and other subject matter experts.
This course will focus on providing the following: a practical understanding of the methodology utilized to determine the origin and cause of a fire; fundamental concepts and techniques for conducting a thorough and science-based fire investigation while employing the scientific method; and preparing an incendiary fire investigation for prosecution.
Students will gain knowledge through classroom instruction, observation of live fire demonstrations pertinent to fire dynamics, and participation in group projects and burn cell scenarios designed to give the student experience in conducting an origin and cause investigation.
Students will be required to take a written exam, participate in practical skills assessments, prepare an origin and cause report, and justify their investigative findings during a mock court proceeding. Students who pass the written exam and practical assessment testing will earn an International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) certification as a Fire Investigator through the Wisconsin Technical College System.
PROGRAM FEES
Course Cost: $650.00 per student
This cost includes the required student textbook that becomes the property of the student. Fees also include the written examination and practical assessments required for certification, and the required fees for filing a student transcript with Mid-State Technical College.
Applicants and/or their employing agencies will be responsible for all other course expenses. (e.g., wages, hotels, meals, snacks, travel, personal protective equipment, etc.).
Application Deadline: July 25, 2023 at 4:00 pm.