About Us
"To effectively prevent, discourage, investigate and prosecute arson and arson-related crimes for the protection of Florida citizens and their property."
The Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations is the law enforcement branch of the Division of State Fire Marshal and is responsible for conducting fire, arson, and explosives investigations as well as other associated crimes statewide. The Bureau was originally established in 1973 as part of the Office of State Fire Marshal and was formed for the purpose of the suppression of arson and the investigation of the cause, origin and circumstances of fire. In 1976, the Bureau became recognized as a sworn law enforcement agency.
Our investigators are sworn state law enforcement officers and are available to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to calls initiated by fire departments, law enforcement agencies and citizens who need assistance conducting fire origin and cause investigations.
I have dedicated my career to being a member of this elite organization of trained fire and arson investigators. Over the years I have had the privilege of working with many of the detectives within the Bureau and consider them to be the best in the field. The investigative mission is solidly supported by a team of skilled Criminal Intelligence Analysts and dedicated support staff who ensure that we continue to meet our mission. The result is the perfect combination of experience and industrious attention to duty driven by the desire to reduce victimization and arson incidence.
During 2011, we received 3,571 new requests for investigations. This year, the Bureau conducted investigations on properties that resulted in estimated losses of over $150 million. Of this estimated property loss, approximately $41 million was attributed to the crime of arson. Sworn personnel of the Bureau made arrests in 429 investigative cases in 2011, resulting in the arrest of 540 defendants. The numbers are staggering and we are working harder than ever to ensure that those responsible for arson are apprehended and prosecuted.
The division shall investigate the cause and circumstances of each theft, illegal use, or illegal possession of explosives which occurs within the state. A report of each investigation shall be made and maintained by the division.
Provides assistance related to explosions or explosive devices and other law enforcement activities to the seven Regional Domestic Security Task Forces
The Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations was accredited by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation February 3, 2010.
The State Fire Marshal shall investigate the cause, origin, and circumstances of every fire occurring in this state wherein property has been damaged or destroyed where there is probable cause to believe that the fire was the result of carelessness or design.
Whenever the division shall have reason to believe that any person is or has been violating the provisions of this chapter or any rules or regulations adopted and promulgated pursuant thereto, the division may, without further process of law, confiscate the explosives in question and cause them to be stored in a safe manner, or, if any explosives are deemed by the division to be in such a state or condition as to constitute a hazard to life or property, the division may dispose of such explosives without further process of law. The division is authorized to dispose of any abandoned explosives that it deems to be hazardous to life or property.
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