Fire Investigation

Fire Marshals also serve as the primary origin and cause investigators when fire cause is not readily apparent, there is a high dollar loss, explosion or an injury/death.

The objective of a fire  investigation is to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Interviews must be conducted, evidence collected, and comprehensive reports of all findings prepared. To complete these tasks, the fire investigator follows rules governing proper crime scene techniques, interviewing strategies, and technical aspects of fire science.

If during the initial stages of inquiry, evidence of criminal activity is uncovered, the Fire Marshal must shift to his secondary role of identifying and moving against those responsible. In these cases, Fire Marshals work in partnership with the Juneau Police Department to investigate. Together they develop the case, which may include filing criminal charges and serving as witnesses for the prosecution.