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Aug 06, 2026
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HSPS 169 - Fire/Arson Investigator
PROGRAM: Homeland Security/Public Safety
CREDIT HOURS MIN: 3
LECTURE HOURS MIN: 2
LAB HOURS MIN: 2
DATE OF LAST REVISION: Fall, 2013
Students will focus on the responsibility of the firefighter, the investigator, and the department in fire scene investigations. Includes fire cause and loss, collection and preservation of evidence and determination of fire origin, with emphasis on the application of various scientific aids that assist in investigations.
MAJOR COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course the student will be expected to:
- Identify and explain the responsibilities of the fire department from a firefighter’s perspective when responding to the scene of a fire, including the possibility of incendiary devices often encountered.
- Compose appropriate notes of cause and origin.
- Describe the types of building construction.
- Trace cause and origin of fire.
- Describe incendiary fire causes.
- Demonstrate the use of records.
- Demonstrate techniques of obtaining evidence.
- Interview and interrogate witnesses.
- Apply the laws associated with arson.
- Demonstrate fire scene investigation.
- Investigate fatal fire.
- Investigate vehicle fire.
- Describe the chemistry of fire.
- Demonstrate sketching and photography.
- Discuss the basic principles of electricity and identify and explain electrical causes of fires.
- Explain the role of the fire investigator in the courtroom proceedings including courtroom demeanor and testifying.
- Identify and list the sources and technology available for fire investigations.
- Identify and analyze the causes involved in the line of duty firefighter deaths related to structural and wild-land firefighting, training and research and the reduction of emergency risks and accidents.
COURSE CONTENT: Topical areas of study include -
- Note taking
- Investigation conduct
- Arson Laws
- Cause and origin
- Records
- Incendiary fire causes
- Evidence
- Building construction
- Fatal fire
- Interviews and interrogations
- Vehicle fire
- Fire scene investigations
- Chemistry of fire
- Sketching and photography.
Course Addendum - Syllabus (Click to expand)
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