Fire
Investigation
Task Force (FITF)
Program Description
FITF stands for Fire Investigation Task Force. FITF is one of several ‘special teams’ that Fire District 9 relies on for technical expertise and proficiency that is beyond most firefighters’ training. The Incident Commander is responsible for determining the origin of the fire (where it physically started) and the cause of the fire (consists of ignition source, first fuel ignited and the act that brought them together). If the IC cannot determine that, FITF can be called to bring some technical expertise to bear. Investigators respond on an as-available basis when calls for FITF go out. Typically FITF is requested about 20 times a year, and we average 2-4 investigators responding to each call.
We want investigator candidates to have some experience fighting fire so they know how fire behaves and what a burned building looks like. Prospective investigators are asked for a minimum five year commitment. It will take a couple of years to get an investigator trained to where one can operate independently. The training plan involves getting an investigator through the basic 32-40 hour fire investigator course. We have a number of venues for that course. Monthly training after that involves taking the disciplines of NFPA 1032 and putting our local spin on them. For instance, when discussing evidence collection, NFPA will give you the nationally recognized guidance. We add the local procedures that our forensics people, property room and crime lab like to see. So we take the nationally recognized training program and focus it on how work is done in Spokane County.
FITF membership typically runs from 12 on up to 15. Investigators come from a variety of backgrounds. One of our troops is an electrical inspector and another is an attorney. In the past we’ve had small appliance repair technicians, metallurgists and photographers. That diversity of background is helpful. Four of our troops are certified fire investigators through Washington State’s IFSAC process.
Investigators are expected to process a scene, collect all information and evidence, take photos, conduct interviews and document findings. Information can be forwarded to the Fire Prevention Division to finish the final fire investigation report, or the investigator can write the report, whichever works best for the situation at hand.
Training is held one Monday each month and many drills include hands-on live experience. If you’re a Fire District 9 firefighter interested in becoming part of the FITF team, contact the Fire Prevention Division and we can get you more information.
Spokane County Fire District 9
3801 East Farwell Road
Mead, Washington 99021
Phone: (509) 466-4602
Fax: (509) 466-4698
E-Mail: admin@scfd9.org
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