Fire Investigation
The Fire Investigation Section as its name implies, investigates the cause of
fires. Prevention of future fires through knowledge gained in these investigations
is a major goal. The discovery of, arrest and conviction of all arsonists is also
a major focus of the units' members. Determining the origin and cause of a fire
can also serve the following purposes:
- Gives those involved a piece of mind as to exactly what happened.
- Provides valuable information which can be used in civil litigation.
- Provides data on equipment failures which may lead to the need for a manufacturers
recall.
- Provides subject matter or statistical data that can be used in our community
safety programs.
- Provides data which may lead to keeping insurance rates down.
- In arson cases, a thorough investigation can lead to the arrest and conviction
of those involved. This provides the community the satisfaction that the perpetrator
has been apprehended.
The Investigation unit is staffed jointly by fire and police personnel. They are
initially trained through the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP). They
meet or exceed the requirements of State Statute 27-34.2:1 and the requirements
of the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Bi-annual recertification
is managed through VDFP and DCJS approved courses. The scope of responsibilities
includes investigation of all fires occurring in the city with $30,000 in loss;
incidents of arson; bomb threats; post blast bombings; pre-blast devices; explosions;
and all fatalities involving fire in the city. The unit members are on call 24/7.
They participate in the Metro Region Arson Task Force which facilitates either giving
or receiving assistance from arson investigators in the surrounding jurisdictions
as well as state and federal agencies (Virginia State Police, FBI and ATF). Team
members gather, collect and process evidence; perform an investigation; prepare
a case file and court case; present the case in court in conjunction with the commonwealth's
attorney; and close the case after prosecution. Members typically function as their
own forensics technicians by gathering and processing evidence, taking their own
photographs, submission of items to the state lab and notification of next of kin
in fatality cases. Our investigators are available to address your school, civic
or business group. Call (804)646-6640 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
to schedule an event.
Keeping Citizens Informed!