The Utah Chapter of the IAAI exists to provide quality training and networking for fire investigators and allied professionals. These free guides support that mission. Each one builds on topics taught at chapter conferences and points to the standards and training that working investigators rely on. They are general educational resources and do not replace formal training, NFPA 921, NFPA 1033, agency policy or legal advice.
Getting Started and Professional Development
- How to Join the Utah Chapter of the IAAI – eligibility, membership categories, the approval process and member benefits.
- The Utah IAAI Annual Conference – history, typical agenda, topics, registration and lodging tips.
- Fire Investigator Certification Pathways – NFPA 1033, IAAI credentials, Utah certification and wildland qualifications.
Investigation Methodology
- NFPA 921 and the Scientific Method – data collection, hypothesis testing, cause classification and avoiding bias.
- Interviews and Neighborhood Canvassing – planning a canvass, interviewing occupants and first responders, and evaluating statements.
- Courtroom Testimony and Writing a CV – expert credentials, defensible reports and testifying effectively.
At the Fire Scene
- Fire Scene Safety for Investigators – structural, utility and contamination hazards, PPE and decontamination.
- Fire Scene Photography – systematic coverage, lighting, photo logs and image integrity.
- Evidence Collection and Preservation – containers, contamination control, chain of custody and laboratory submission.
Specialized Fire Types
- Investigating Electrical Fires – resistance heating, arcing, arc mapping and common mistakes.
- Fatal Fire Investigations – coordinating fire, law enforcement and medical examiner roles.
- Wildland Fire Origin and Cause – NWCG guidance, fire spread indicators and origin protection.
- Vehicle Fire Investigation Basics – safety, EV hazards, fluids, electrical and mechanical causes.
- Spontaneous Combustion of Hay – self-heating, temperature warning levels and investigation.
Keep Learning With the Chapter
The best way to put these guides into practice is at a chapter conference, where classroom sessions are paired with burn cells, demonstrations and discussion with experienced investigators. Visit the Training page for the latest information, see useful external sites on the Links page, and join the Utah Chapter to become part of the community.