ATF’s Certified Fire Investigator Program Explained

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has a special program to train agents as Certified Fire Investigators (CFIs). These agents investigate arson and other fire-related crimes across the country. The CFI program provides in-depth training on fire science and investigation techniques. Agents learn how to examine fire scenes, determine causes, and provide expert testimony. It’s an intensive two-year training program with special certifications.

This article will explain everything you need to know about the ATF’s CFI program. We’ll cover the training and certification process, tools and services CFIs provide, and their role in arson investigations. Read on to learn all about these highly trained federal fire investigators!

CFI Training and Certification

Becoming an ATF Certified Fire Investigator involves completing comprehensive training and testing. The program takes about two years to finish. CFI candidates go through seven major steps:

• Creating a peer-reviewed research project on fire science
• Completing 30 online training modules on CFITrainer.net
• Attending 7 in-person courses at ATF training facilities
• Completing 5 graduate-level courses in fire investigation topics
• Conducting field work under the supervision of certified CFIs
• Passing the CFI exam given by the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)
• Maintaining certification through annual refresher training and fire scene work

That covers the basics of the training process. Now let’s look at some of the facilities and resources used during CFI instruction.

ATF Training Facilities

The ATF utilizes three specialized facilities for CFI training:

• National Fire Academy – Emmitsburg, MD
• Fire Research Lab – Ammendale, MD
• National Center for Explosives Training and Research – Redstone Arsenal, AL

The National Fire Academy provides state-of-the-art instruction in fire dynamics, investigation methods, and scene analysis. Agents use the academy’s burn buildings and props to hone their skills in a hands-on environment.

ATF’s Fire Research Lab offers advanced courses in fire protection, engineering, physics, and materials analysis. This expertise assists CFIs in reconstructing fire scenes and identifying ignition sources.

The Explosives Center trains agents on the overlap between arson and explosives. CFIs learn to detect incendiary devices and investigate bomb-related fires.

Together, these facilities ensure CFI candidates receive comprehensive instruction from leading fire science experts.

CFI Exam

The final step in certification is passing the CFI exam given by the IAAI. This rigorous assessment covers fire chemistry, investigation methodology, evidence collection, reconstruction analysis, and more. Passing the exam certifies that ATF CFIs meet high professional standards in fire investigation.

CFIs must maintain their skills through annual refresher training and working active fire scenes. The IAAI certification sets them apart as some of the world’s most experienced fire investigators.

Tools and Services for Fire Investigations

Once certified, CFIs provide invaluable expertise and services assisting arson investigations across the country. They have access to cutting-edge tools and resources.

Fire Research Lab

ATF’s Fire Research Lab in Maryland offers advanced support for field agents. Lab scientists specialize in:

• Fire protection engineering
• Mechanical, structural, chemical, electrical, and materials analysis
• Physics and metallurgy

The FRL provides critical field analysis of fire debris, ignition sources, and explosion evidence. This helps CFIs reconstruct scenes and determine causes. The lab also conducts fire testing and research to advance investigation techniques.

National Response Teams

ATF has two National Response Teams (NRTs) ready to deploy for large-scale arson and explosives incidents. The teams include CFIs, explosives specialists, scientists, and other experts. NRTs provide emergency support at mass casualty fire scenes across the country.

Bomb Arson Tracking System

CFIs utilize ATF’s nationwide Bomb Arson Tracking System (BATS) database. BATS contains over 140,000 arson and explosives incidents. It helps agents identify patterns, track suspects, and link cases by modus operandi.

Testimony and Assistance

As expertly trained federal agents, CFIs often provide testimony and assistance in court cases. Their findings make them qualified expert witnesses regarding fire causes and origins. CFIs also offer training and support to state and local agencies investigating arson incidents.

Role of CFIs in Arson Investigations

ATF CFIs play a critical role in investigating major arson and fire-related crimes. Their specialized expertise makes them uniquely qualified to handle these incidents.

Fire Scene Examinations

CFIs conduct thorough examinations of fire scenes to determine origins and causes. They evaluate burn patterns, analyze debris, identify ignition sources, and reconstruct the sequence of events. CFIs use in-depth knowledge of fire science to interpret evidence.

Arson and Explosives Crimes

ATF has primary jurisdiction over federal arson and explosives cases. CFIs lead investigations of arson-for-profit schemes, incendiary bombings, and large-scale arson. Their findings provide the evidence to prosecute complex fire-related crimes.

Post-Blast Investigations

CFIs often respond to fire scenes resulting from explosives incidents. They combine specialized training in both arson and explosives to determine causes in difficult post-blast investigations.

Consultation and Training

Beyond field investigations, CFIs serve as advisors and trainers for other agencies. They provide consultation services for complex arson cases and deliver training courses in fire investigation techniques.

History of the CFI Program

ATF has over four decades of experience with the CFI program. It began in the 1970s as arson investigation techniques advanced. Let’s look back at how the program got started and expanded over the years.

1970s-1980s

In the 1970s, ATF (then known as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) had agents investigating arson cases without specialized training. The agency saw the need for more scientific fire investigation methods.

In 1978, ATF established a formal CFI program and training curriculum. The initial class of 15 agents graduated in 1979. This launched the development of expert federal fire investigators.

Throughout the 1980s, the program expanded as more agents were certified. ATF opened its Fire Research Lab in 1980 to support CFIs with scientific analysis.

1990s-2000s

In 1992, ATF required CFI candidates to pass the exam given by the IAAI for independent certification. This enhanced the program’s professional standards.

The National Fire Academy and National Center for Explosives Training opened in the 1990s and 2000s. This provided advanced instructional facilities for the CFI program.

ATF deployed National Response Teams with CFI members to assist major arson and explosives incidents like the Oklahoma City bombing and 9/11.

Today

Currently, ATF has over 130 certified CFIs strategically located across the country. The program continues to evolve, incorporating the latest fire science research and investigation best practices.

For over 40 years, ATF’s Certified Fire Investigator program has set the standard for excellence in federal fire investigation.

Conclusion

ATF Certified Fire Investigators are highly trained experts in examining arson and fire-related crimes. They utilize scientific analysis and investigative techniques to determine fire causes and origins. CFIs provide an invaluable service assisting local, state, and federal agencies on complex arson cases.

The CFI program offers rigorous training and certification for ATF agents. It equips them with cutting-edge skills in fire dynamics, scene reconstruction, evidence analysis, and testimony. CFIs serve as leaders in the field of advanced fire investigation.

Understanding the ATF’s Certified Fire Investigator program provides insight into how the federal government investigates and prosecutes major arson and explosives crimes. The expertise of CFIs helps bring perpetrators of fire-related offenses to justice.