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On behalf of the California State Firefighters’ Association (CSFA), I am proud to announce the continued development and formal introduction of the CSFA Fire Investigation Committee, a statewide initiative established to strengthen and support the fire, arson, and explosive investigation profession throughout California.
Fire investigation plays a critical role in public safety, firefighter safety, and the integrity of the justice system. As investigations grow increasingly complex, the need for consistent professional support, collaboration, and access to reliable training and resources has become more important than ever. The Fire Investigation Committee was formed to serve as a supportive and collaborative resource dedicated to advancing competency, consistency, and professional excellence across the discipline.
The Committee envisions a statewide fire and explosive investigation community that is professionally competent, collaborative, and grounded in generally accepted investigative methodology. Through leadership, education, mentorship, and partnership with fire service and law enforcement organizations, the Committee promotes objective, scientifically based investigative practices that enhance public safety while upholding the highest professional and ethical standards.
As a statewide committee of CSFA, the Fire Investigation Committee supports investigators and agencies through education, training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Its mission centers on strengthening investigative capability while supporting both fire service personnel and law enforcement professionals engaged in fire and explosion investigations. This includes company officers and suppression personnel responsible for preliminary origin-and- cause investigations, as well as experienced investigators pursuing advanced certification and continued professional growth.
A key function of the Committee is serving as a liaison among the fire service, law enforcement partners, regulatory bodies, and professional organizations. By strengthening relationships and encouraging collaboration, the Committee works to expand training opportunities, improve investigative programs, and promote effective resource sharing across jurisdictions. Support may include assistance with program development, certification pathways, grant opportunities, and awareness of emerging issues affecting the investigation profession.
Since 2025, the Committee has experienced measurable growth and a renewed strategic direction. Membership has expanded to include diverse representation from investigators across multiple regions of California, strengthening both regional engagement and professional perspectives.
Early accomplishments include publication of the article “The Preliminary Fire Investigation” in CSFA’s California Fire Service Magazine, emphasizing the essential role of company and chief officers in conducting effective preliminary fire investigations and reinforcing the importance of early investigative actions before the arrival of, or in support of, responding fire investigators.
Looking ahead, the Committee has identified several priorities for 2026 and beyond. These include expanding collaboration with fire investigation–related organizations — including the California Conference of Arson Investigators (CCAI), the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), and the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (CA POST) — in a supportive, non-competitive capacity.
Additional priorities include promoting specialized and regional training opportunities, developing structured mentorship pathways, increasing participation in legislative and regulatory discussions affecting fire investigation, and identifying funding and grant resources to support agencies and investigators statewide.
One of the Committee’s cornerstone initiatives is the introduction of the Area Fire Investigation Representative Program, aligned with CAL OES Mutual Aid Regions. This framework strengthens statewide connectivity by assigning committee representatives to specific geographic areas, ensuring member agencies have a direct point of contact for communication, support, and collaboration while improving awareness of regional needs.
The strength of the Fire Investigation Committee comes from the engagement and experience of the fire service community it serves. Supported by the CSFA Board of Directors and guided by dedicated Committee members, the Committee remains committed to providing meaningful support to CSFA members and investigators at every stage of their careers while advancing fire and explosive investigation practices across California.
We encourage CSFA members to visit the Fire Investigation Committee page, connect with their Area Representative, and join us in supporting and advancing the fire investigation profession across California.
Chris Bennett
Chair, CSFA Fire Investigation Committee
California State Firefighters’ Association