Fire Inspectors and Investigators

Summary

Fire investigators take photographs and collect evidence at the scene of a fire.

Quick Facts: Fire Inspectors and Investigators
2010 Median Pay	$52,230 per year $25.11 per hour
Entry-Level Education	High school diploma or equivalent
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	More than 5 years
On-the-job Training	Moderate-term on-the-job training
Number of Jobs, 2010	13,600
Job Outlook, 2010-20	9% (Slower than average)
Employment Change, 2010-20	1,200

What Fire Inspectors and Investigators Do

Fire inspectors visit and inspect buildings and other structures, such as sports arenas and shopping malls, to search for fire hazards and to ensure that federal, state, and local fire codes are met. They also test and inspect fire protection and fire extinguishing equipment to ensure that it works. Fire investigators determine the origin and cause of fires by searching the surrounding scene and collecting evidence.

Work Environment

Fire inspectors and investigators work both in offices and in the field. In the field, inspectors examine public buildings and multi-family residential buildings. Investigators survey the scene where a fire has occurred.

How to Become a Fire Inspector or Investigator

Most fire inspectors and investigators have a high school diploma and experience working in either a fire or police department. They attend training academies and receive on-the-job training in inspection or investigation.

Pay

The median annual wage of fire inspectors and investigators was $52,230 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Employment of fire inspectors and investigators is expected to grow 9 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. As cities and other areas grow, there are more buildings to inspect and more fires to investigate. Employment of fire inspectors and investigators should grow as the population does.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of fire inspectors and investigators with similar occupations.

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Contacts for More Information

Learn more about fire inspectors and investigators by contacting these additional resources.

What Fire Inspectors and Investigators Do About this section

Fire inspectors inspect building plans to ensure that they meet fire codes.

Fire inspectors visit and inspect buildings and other structures, such as sports arenas and shopping malls, to search for fire hazards and to ensure that federal, state, and local fire codes are met. They also test and inspect fire protection and fire extinguishing equipment to ensure that it works. Fire investigators determine the origin and cause of fires by searching the surrounding scene and collecting evidence.

Duties

Fire inspectors typically do the following:

• Search for fire hazards
• Ensure that buildings comply with fire codes
• Test fire alarms, sprinklers, and other fire protection and extinguishing equipment
• Inspect equipment such as gasoline storage tanks and air compressors
• Review emergency evacuation plans
• Conduct follow-up visits when an infraction is found
• Confer with developers and planners to review plans for residential and commercial buildings
• Conduct fire and life safety education programs
• Keep detailed records that can be used in a court of law

Fire investigators typically do the following:

• Collect and analyze evidence
• Interview witnesses
• Determine the origin and cause of a fire
• Process and document evidence, such as photographs and diagrams
• Reconstruct the scene of a fire or arson
• Confer with other specialists, such as chemists, engineers, and attorneys, to analyze information
• Send evidence to laboratories to be tested for fingerprints or an accelerant
• Keep detailed records that can be used in a court of law
• Testify in civil and criminal legal proceedings

Unlike fire inspectors, many fire investigators have police powers and carry a weapon.

Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists assess fire hazards in both public and residential areas. They look for issues that pose a wildfire risk and recommend ways to reduce the fire hazard. During patrols, they ensure that the public is following fire regulations and report fire conditions to central command.

Work Environment About this section

Fire investigators often work in the field when determining the origin and cause of a fire.

Fire inspectors and investigators held about 13,600 jobs in 2010.

Most fire inspectors and investigators work for state and local fire departments and law enforcement agencies, although some work for private companies and organizations, such as insurance companies or an attorney’s office. Some investigators work for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

The following table shows the industries that employed the most fire inspectors and investigators in 2010:

Fire inspectors and investigators work both in offices and in the field. In the field, inspectors examine public buildings and multi-family residential buildings. They may also visit and inspect other structures, such as arenas and industrial plants. Investigators often visit the scene where a fire has occurred.

Inspectors and investigators must usually wear a uniform. They may also need to wear protective clothing, such as boots, gloves, and a helmet, when working in the field.

Work Schedules

Most fire inspectors and investigators work in shifts. Although the length of the shift may vary, 24 hour shifts are common. Inspectors and investigators often work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

How to Become a Fire Inspector or Investigator About this section

Many fire inspectors and investigators have a background in fire suppression.

Most fire inspectors and investigators have a high school diploma and experience working in either a fire or police department. They attend training academies and receive on-the-job training in inspection or investigation.

Fire inspectors and investigators usually must pass a background check, which may include a drug test. Most positions also require inspectors to be U.S. citizens and have a valid driver’s license.   

Education

Most fire inspectors and investigators jobs require a high school diploma. However, some employers prefer candidates with a 2- or 4-year degree in related disciplines, such as fire science, engineering, or chemistry.

Work Experience

Most fire inspectors and investigators are required to have work experience in a related occupation. Some fire departments or law enforcement agencies require investigators to have a certain number of years within the organization or to be a certain rank, such as lieutenant or captain, before they are eligible for promotion to an inspector or investigator position.

Training

Training requirements vary by state, but programs usually include instruction both in a classroom setting and on the job.

Classroom training often takes place at a fire or police academy over the course of several months. A variety of topics are covered, such as guidelines for conducting an inspection or investigation, legal codes, courtroom procedures, hazardous materials and bomb protocols, and the proper use of equipment.

In most agencies, after inspectors and investigators have finished their classroom training, they must also go through on-the-job training or a probationary period, during which they work with a more experienced officer.

After completing training, applicants may need to pass an exam to become certified in their state. Tests often cover information on standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Many agencies require some additional annual training for an inspector or investigator to remain certified.

Most states also require fire investigators who work for private companies to have a private investigation license.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Inspectors must explain codes clearly, and investigators must carefully interview witnesses. 

Critical-thinking skills. Inspectors must be able to recognize code violations and recommend a way to fix the problem. Investigators must be able to analyze evidence and determine a reasonable conclusion.

Detail oriented. Fire inspectors and investigators must notice details when inspecting a site for code violations or investigating the cause of a fire.

Integrity. Inspectors must be consistent in the methods they use to enforce fire codes. Investigators must be unbiased when conducting their research and when testifying as an expert witness in court.

Certification  

For fire inspectors, the National Fire Protection Association offers several certifications. Some jobs in the private sector require that job candidates already have these certifications.

Fire investigators may also choose to pursue certification from a nationally recognized professional association, such as the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) - Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) or the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) - Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI). The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) also offers a CFI certification. However, this program is available only to ATF employees.

Pay About this section

The median annual wage of fire inspectors and investigators was $52,230 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,210, and the top 10 percent earned more than $85,260.

Most fire inspectors and investigators work in shifts. Although the length of the shift may vary, 24 hour shifts are common. Inspectors and investigators often work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Job Outlook About this section

Employment of fire inspectors and investigators is expected to grow 9 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than average for all occupations.

As cities and other areas grow, there are more buildings to inspect and fires to investigate. Employment of fire inspectors and investigators should grow as the population grows.

Public demand for new and revised codes to make buildings safer will continue. For example working sprinklers will become more commonplace in residential buildings. However, while building codes are always evolving, the demand for inspectors and investigators won’t necessarily increase.

Job Prospects

Jobseekers should expect limited opportunities due to competition for limited positions. Those who have experience in fire suppression, have completed some fire suppression education at a community college, or have experience and training related to criminal investigation should have an advantage.

Contacts for More Information About this section

For more information about federal fire investigator jobs, visit

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 

For more information about fire inspectors and investigators training, visit

National Fire Academy

For information about standards for fire inspectors and investigators, visit

National Fire Protection Association

For information about certifications, visit

International Association of Arson Investigators

National Association of Fire Investigators