Fire Investigators Go Back to List Conduct investigations to determine causes of fires and explosions.

Tasks
	Package collected pieces of evidence in securely closed containers, such as bags, crates, or boxes, to protect them.
	Examine fire sites and collect evidence such as glass, metal fragments, charred wood, and accelerant residue for use in determining the cause of a fire.
	Instruct children about the dangers of fire.
	Analyze evidence and other information to determine probable cause of fire or explosion.
	Photograph damage and evidence related to causes of fires or explosions to document investigation findings.
	Subpoena and interview witnesses, property owners, and building occupants to obtain information and sworn testimony.
	Swear out warrants, and arrest and process suspected arsonists.
	Testify in court cases involving fires, suspected arson, and false alarms.
	Prepare and maintain reports of investigation results, and records of convicted arsonists and arson suspects.
	Test sites and materials to establish facts, such as burn patterns and flash points of materials, using test equipment.

Skills
	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.
	Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
	Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
	Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge
	Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
	Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
	Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
	Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal m
	Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
	Building and Construction - Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
	Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
	Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

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Education & Training   Education:   Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.   Related Experience:   Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $78,809.00 $37.89  $27.35  $29.54 - $46.04  Hartford $75,736.00 $36.42  $27.09  $29.36 - $45.53  New Haven $81,338.00 $39.10  $28.49  $29.99 - $44.68  New London/Norwich $71,607.00 $34.43  $25.41  $28.24 - $39.21

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	Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs
	Police Patrol Officers
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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.