Life As a Fire Investigator
Fire Investigator Job Description Conduct investigations to determine causes of fires and explosions.
Life As a Fire Investigator: What Do They Do?
- Dust evidence or portions of fire scenes for latent fingerprints.
- Photograph damage and evidence related to causes of fires or explosions to document investigation findings.
- Instruct children about the dangers of fire.
- Swear out warrants, and arrest and process suspected arsonists.
- Subpoena and interview witnesses, property owners, and building occupants to obtain information and sworn testimony.
- Test sites and materials to establish facts, such as burn patterns and flash points of materials, using test equipment.
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Qualities of a Fire Investigator
Fire Investigators state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Related Job Titles
- Fire Lieutenant
- Arson Investigator
- Fire Investigation Manager
- Arson and Bomb Investigator
- Lieutenant
Are There Job Opportunities for Fire Investigators?
There were about 12,300 jobs for Fire Investigator in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 900 new jobs for Fire Investigator by 2026. The BLS estimates 1,400 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Fire Investigator are Idaho, Vermont, and Arkansas. Watch out if you plan on working in New Jersey, Rhode Island, or North Dakota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Fire Investigator
The average yearly salary of a Fire Investigator ranges between $36,400 and $95,330.
Fire Investigators who work in California, Oregon, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Fire Investigators make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $68,630 |
| Arizona | $64,190 |
| Arkansas | $44,310 |
| California | $103,830 |
| Colorado | $74,790 |
| Connecticut | $74,280 |
| Delaware | $58,820 |
| District of Columbia | $75,800 |
| Florida | $63,040 |
| Georgia | $52,010 |
| Illinois | $64,760 |
| Indiana | $53,670 |
| Iowa | $64,680 |
| Kansas | $53,210 |
| Kentucky | $43,640 |
| Louisiana | $50,990 |
| Maine | $54,600 |
| Maryland | $64,490 |
| Massachusetts | $66,710 |
| Michigan | $59,740 |
| Minnesota | $68,210 |
| Missouri | $44,930 |
| New Hampshire | $62,700 |
| New Jersey | $55,890 |
| New Mexico | $52,010 |
| New York | $66,580 |
| North Carolina | $52,760 |
| North Dakota | $61,850 |
| Ohio | $66,650 |
| Oklahoma | $68,080 |
| Oregon | $89,860 |
| Pennsylvania | $56,890 |
| Rhode Island | $56,130 |
| South Carolina | $53,680 |
| Tennessee | $62,660 |
| Texas | $63,540 |
| Utah | $58,000 |
| Vermont | $58,790 |
| Virginia | $55,540 |
| Washington | $81,430 |
| West Virginia | $47,190 |
| Wisconsin | $57,460 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Fire Investigators
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Fire Investigators may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
How do I Become a Fire Investigator?
Are there Fire Investigators education requirements?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Fire Investigator?
Where Fire Investigators Are Employed
Below are examples of industries where Fire Investigators work:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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