Division of State Fire Marshal

Bureau of Forensic Fire and Explosives Analysis

Evidence Receipt and Disposition

Forensic evidence must be submitted to the Bureau either by hand delivery or via a certified carrier ((United States Postal Service, Federal Express, United Parcel Service, etc.)  (Evidence Submission Form DFS-K5-1096)) Please be aware that there are federal as well as courier specific restrictions regarding the shipment of materials.  Specifically, you must be aware that certain items must be listed as "dangerous goods" and thus have special labeling and shipping requirements.

Film, flashcards, video tapes, compact disks, DVD's, etc. may be mailed to the Bureau (Photo Laboratory Request Form DFS-K5-1112). In some instances, limited numbers of images for processing may be submitted via e-mail (there is a limit as to the size of files that can be effectively sent and downloaded). Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations investigators have access to a shared virtual drive allowing a more convenient submission of images.

Forensic evidence submitted to the Bureau will be returned to all submitters other than those from the Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations. Evidence will either be returned or placed in storage only after the samples are tested and a report is mailed.  Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations submitters will be queried on a periodic basis as to the need for continued storage of their evidence.  Should evidence be needed for court purposes, either the investigator or a court officer may request the evidence be shipped to them.

For specific requests as to evidence receipt or disposition, please contact the Bureau.

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