Designed For
Fire personnel who are seeking education and training to investigate fires
Prerequisites
None
Certification
California State Fire Training Certificate
Standard
Complete all activities and formative test. Complete all summative tests with a minimum of 80% correct.
Course Details
Class will begin at 0830. Dress is casual, but respectful and uniforms are okay as well.
Course Description
This course provides information on securing the fire scene and determining the origin and cause of the fire. Topics include responsibilities of a fire investigator, securing the fire ground, conducting an exterior and interior survey, analyzing fire patterns, interpreting individual fire patterns, discriminating the effects of explosions, examining and removing fire debris, reconstructing the area of origin, and inspecting the performance of building systems. A site visit to an actual fire scene may be scheduled. The 2014 edition of NFPA 1033 Standard Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator is the basis for this course.
Instructor Bio:
Robert Rappaport is a Division Chief for the City of Redondo Beach Fire Department (CA), where he supervises the Fire/Arson Investigation Unit. He has over 25 years of experience in the fire service, 20 years as a Fire Investigator, and has investigated more than 1,700 fires. Chief Rappaport was a Task Force Officer with the BATFE and is currently a California State Fire Marshal instructor for beginning and advanced arson courses. Moreover, he is a Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) through the IAAI, CCAI (CA), and NAFI. He is also experienced in the insurance investigation field working as a Fire Investigator. Chief Rappaport often works for various fire agencies, as well as attorneys as a consultant on complex fire/arson cases. He has testified numerous times in both criminal and civil courts as an expert witness.