The Arizona Republic Phoenix Community edition features a monthly column written by Fire Chief Bob Khan
City
of Phoenix Public Information Office - News Clippings - azcentral.com
- March 1, 2008
Investigators uncover reasons behind fires
Fire Investigations is a part of the Phoenix Fire Department that looks at how a fire starts, its origin, and then determines whether or not it’s a suspicious fire or accidental in nature. Historically the Phoenix Fire Department has used fire captains with years of fireground experience to investigate these fires. This is a hybrid position inside the Phoenix Fire Department, meaning it combines skills from fire fighting and police work.
Across the United States, there are different versions of fire investigators. They can vary from police officers who learn specifics about fire investigations or individuals from the private sector who assist with an investigation. Literally, there are dozens of variations on how to investigate a fire.
The members of our investigations team each have a minimum of eight years of firefighting experience coupled with an Arizona Peace Officer certification and specific fireground investigations training. This is important to the community for a number of reasons. Most folks aren’t aware that home appliances like coffee makers, night lights and space heaters can be defective and fail. The Consumer Safety Product Commission counts on fire investigations for recalls on malfunctioning products that can be fire hazards. This, along with smoke alarms and firefighters, saves people’s lives and their homes.
However, the more intriguing side of fire investigations are criminal fires. Like serial arsonists or mobsters who burn bars for profit, even revenge fires or something as sinister as fires set to cover up murder. Phoenix Fire investigators are experts in cause and origin. They use arson dogs to determine if accelerants are present, or use laboratories to break down specific forensic evidence. A fire will leave behind tell-tail signs that give investigators a roadmap to solve a crime. We have had a great working relationship with the Phoenix Police Department, the F.B.I. and the B.A.T.F. on a number of high-profile cases here in Phoenix.
Six months ago we were able to add a new dimension to our fire investigations team. We hired a homicide detective who is nationally recognized as one of the best detectives in the business. Jack Ballentine is a veteran Phoenix Police officer. Working together with Phoenix Fire Deputy Chief Mike Berggren, they have revamped our investigations section. They have added training, equipment and technical resources to this important part of the Phoenix Fire Department.
What is unbelievable is that in these six short months, Berggren and Ballentine and our cadre of fire captains have turned around an 8% case clearance rate to 29%. The national average is 14%. The case clearance rate is the national identifier for success as an investigator. So, simply stated, in a very short period of time, our investigators have quadrupled the number of arson cases that are now closed. This is an incredible accomplishment!
“Each and every investigator completely embraced the change and training necessary to become a successful investigator,” says Ballentine. “In six short months they have coupled their fire expertise with criminal investigations techniques. The final outcome is something all citizens of Phoenix should be proud of and comforted in knowing their investigations are in competent hands.
”The arson investigators continue to work with outside agencies in processing these cases that include the Maricopa County Prosecutors Office, the Phoenix Police Department, and other agencies. Without their support and hard work, the success of this group would not have been possible.
In the end, our fire investigators have a tremendous impact on our community. Their work helps us determine whether there are malfunctioning electrical items, a rise in juvenile fire setting trends and gang activity, or smoke alarms that are not effective. Catching bad guys is only a part of what these terrific characters do. Although their hearts probably still draw them to fighting fire and rescuing people, it is a service to the community that I appreciate as do a number of other folks that they serve. Be safe!
Send comments to Bob Khan at firechief.pfd@phoenix.gov or call (602) 26-CHIEF.