Fire Investigator News - CFITrainer.Net Adds Virtual Live Classes & Events

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CFITrainer.Net Adds Virtual Live Classes & Events

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit hard in the spring of 2020, training opportunities in fire investigation were significantly impacted. The conferences and in-person classes that many professionals rely on to build their knowledge, remain in compliance with NFPA 1033, and maintain their credentials were cancelled. Because CFITrainer.Net has been delivering training online for twenty years, we were able to fill some of that gap immediately and are grateful to have had that role. Fire investigation organizations quickly explored ways to take their in-person classes virtual and existing platforms like Zoom took off in an instant. Demand for training on CFITrainer.Net has never been stronger and we are always humbled by the trust the profession places in us for quality, vetted, accessible training.

Over the last year, the IAAI has had tremendous success offering its in-person classes virtually. Offering this live instruction with a recorded version has made the training accessible to a wider range of professionals who previously weren't able to travel to in-person classes and has decreased the cost of attending classes for those who had come in person in the past. Moving forward, IAAI is resuming its live in-person classes as COVID restrictions in local jurisdictions permit. But it's also become clear that continuing to offer live classes virtually so anyone, anywhere can attend from their computer benefits the fire investigation profession, IAAI membership, and the wider community of professionals who work in the investigation of fires.

To that end, the IAAI has built out a new capability on CFITrainer.Net to deliver virtual live classes and events permanently. Previously, virtual live classes and events were done as one-offs on Zoom with a separate testing component on the CFITrainer platform. Now, the live classes and events are being delivered through CFITrainer.Net, integrated with Zoom for delivery and IAAI's FireArson.com portal for registration, with certificate testing, post-event resources, and class replays all available on CFITrainer.Net.

Everything is now accessed through CFITrainer.Net using your existing login. As virtual live classes and events become available for registration, you will see them added to your Available Programs list.

You'll recognize them because of the "badge" (banner) on the class' thumbnail image that says "Register Now!" Click the program to read more about the class content and register. Once you complete the registration, the badge will change to "Registered!" On the day and time of the class, log into CFITrainer.Net, click the program name in Available Programs, then click "Launch Live Program" to join the class.

Zoom will then open and you will join the class.

After the class, the next time you log into CFITrainer.Net and go to that live class' details page, you'll be able to take the Skills Challenge test to earn your certificate of completion and access a post-event activities page of resources.

When you attend a virtual live class and pass the Skills Challenge test to earn your certificate of completion, that class is automatically added to your CFITrainer.Net transcript. If you register but have to miss the class, you simply log in after the class to watch the recorded version, then take the certificate test and access the post-event resources. Bringing live classes and events under the CFITrainer.Net umbrella gives you one central place to access all your online training, whether it's pre-recorded modules, live classes and events, resources, or this podcast. It also makes replays and post-event resources easily available. And, you'll have the certificate and transcript entry to prove your completion of the live class and event alongside everything else you have taken at CFITrainer.Net.

You must be registered with CFITrainer.Net to access the live classes and events you have registered for. If you have not previously registered for a class from the IAAI, you will have to create an account in the IAAI FireArson.com portal the first time you register for a class. You will also need a Zoom account (the free one is fine) to attend the virtual live class sessions.

If you are an IAAI member with both a firearson.com login and a CFITrainer.Net login, the email address you use to log into both platforms must match for you to be able to use the new live classes and events feature. In April 2021, IAAI emailed instructions on how to make these emails match to all active IAAI members. If you did not receive those instructions or are having problems registering for live classes and events, please file a support ticket.

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IAAI Forensic Photography — Basic

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Principles of Fire Investigation

NFPA 1033 (2022 Ed.) JPR

4.1 General

4.1.1 Meet JPRs in 4.2 Through 4.7

4.1.2 Employ Scientific Method

4.1.3 Complete Site Safety Assessment & Follow Standards

4.1.4 Maintain Liaison With Other Interested Professionals and Entities

4.1.5 Adhere to all Applicable Legal and Regulatory Requirements

4.1.6 Understand the Organization and Operation of the Investigative Team Within an IMS

4.1.7.1 to 4.1.7.3 Remaining Current & Continuing Education

4.2 Scene Examination

4.2.1 Secure the Fire Ground

4.2.2 Conduct Exterior Survey

4.2.3 Conduct Interior Survey

4.2.4 Interpret Fire Patterns Individually

4.2.5 Interpret and Analyze Fire Patterns Collectively

4.2.6 Examine and Remove Fire Debris

4.2.7 Reconstruct Potential Area(s) of Origin

4.2.8 Inspect and Analyze the Performance of Building Systems

4.2.9 Discriminate the Effects of Explosions

4.3 Documenting the Scene

4.3.1 Diagram the Scene

4.3.2 Photographically Document the Scene

4.3.3 Construct Investigative Notes

4.4 Evidence Collection/Preservation

4.4.1 Utilize Proper Procedures for Managing Victims and Fatalities

4.4.2 Locate, Document, Collect, Label, Package, and Store Evidence

4.4.3 Select Evidence for Analysis

4.4.4 Maintain a Chain of Custody

4.4.5 Dispose of Evidence

4.5 Interview

4.5.1 Develop an Interview Plan

4.5.2 Conduct Interviews

4.5.3 Evaluate Interview Information, Analyze, Correlated, and Corroborate

4.6 Post-Fire Investigation

4.6.1 Gather Reports and Records, Maintain Admissibility in Court

4.6.2 Evaluate the Investigative File

4.6.3 Coordinate Expert Resources

4.6.4 Establish Evidence as to Motive and/or Opportunity, Given an Incendiary Fire

4.6.5 Formulate an Opinion Concerning Origin, Cause, or Responsibility for a Fire

4.7 Presentations

4.7.1 Prepare a Written Report

4.7.2 Express Investigative Findings Verbally

4.7.3 Testify During Legal Proceedings

NFPA 1033 (2022 Ed.) 4.1.7 Topic

4.1.7 (1) Fire Science

4.1.7 (1)(a) Fire Chemistry

4.1.7 (1)(b) Thermodynamics

4.1.7 (1)(c) Fire Dynamics

4.1.7 (1)(d) Explosion Dynamics

4.1.7 (2) Fire Investigation

4.1.7 (2)(a) Fire Analysis

4.1.7 (2)(b) Fire Investigation Methodology

4.1.7 (2)(c) Fire Investigation Technology

4.1.7 (2)(d) Evidence Documentation, Collection, and Preservation

4.1.7 (2)(e) Failure Analysis and Analytical Tools

4.1.7 (3) Fire Scene Safety

4.1.7 (3)(a) Hazard Recognition, Evaluation, and Basic Mitigation Procedures

4.1.7 (3)(b) Hazardous Materials

4.1.7 (3)(c) Safety Regulations

4.1.7 (4) Building Systems

4.1.7 (4)(a) Types of Construction

4.1.7 (4)(b) Fire Protection Systems

4.1.7 (4)(c) Electricity and Electrical Systems

4.1.7 (4)(d) Fuel Gas Systems

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Accreditation, Certification, and Certificates

This program provides a primer on accreditation, certification, and certificates for fire investigation training.

Alternative Fuel Vehicles

This module covers how CNG, LNG, LPG, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles work and their implications for fire investigation.

An Analysis of The Station Nightclub Fire

A fire occurred on the night of Feb. 20, 2003, in The Station nightclub at 211 Cowesett Avenue, West Warwick, Rhode Island.

Arc Mapping Basics

Arc Mapping, or Arc Fault Circuit Analysis, uses the electrical system to help reconstruct a scene, providing investigators with a means of determining the area of a fire’s origin.

Basic Electricity

This module introduces basic electrical concepts, including: terminology, atomic theory and electricity, Ohm’s Law, Joule’s Law, AC and DC power.

Charleston Sofa Super Store Fire

A fire occurred on the evening of June 18, 2007, in the Sofa Super Store in Charleston, SC that resulted in the deaths of nine fire fighters.

Charting Your Career Path In Fire Investigation

This module looks at the many ways fire investigators enter and grow in the profession through academia, the fire service, law enforcement, insurance, and engineering.

Commercial Kitchen Fires 1: Fundamentals

This module describes the design, construction, components, and operation of a commercial kitchen’s ventilation, fire suppression, and cooking fuel systems.

Commercial Kitchen Fires 2: Investigation

This module provides an investigative framework for commercial kitchen fires and discusses major commercial kitchen systems and activities as they relate to possible fire origin and cause.

Critical Evaluation and Testing of Commonly Reported Accidental Causes

This module looks at four of the most commonly-reported accidental fire causes: cooking equipment, heating equipment, electrical distribution, and smoking materials.

Critical Thinking Solves Cases

This program brings three highly experienced fire investigators and an attorney with experience as a prosecutor and civil litigator together for a round table discussion.

The Deposition Part 1: Format, Content, and Preparation

This module introduces the elements of a deposition, discusses typical lines of questioning, and describes how to prepare for a deposition.

The Deposition Part 2: Questioning Tactics and Effective Responses

This module proposes effective ways to respond to the most common questioning tactics employed by opposing counsel in a deposition.

Digital Photography and the Fire Investigator

The program discusses the basics of digital photography for fire investigators as well as software and editing procedures for digital images intended as evidence.

Discovery in Civil Cases

This self-paced program is an introduction to discovery in civil proceedings such as fire loss claims and product defect lawsuits.

Discovery in Criminal Cases

This self-paced program is an introduction to discovery in criminal proceedings.

DNA

This module covers the foundation of DNA evidence: defining, recognizing, collecting, and testing.

Documenting the Event

This program provides a practical overview of how to perform the baseline documentation tasks that occur at every scene.

Donning and Doffing Personal Protective Equipment

Guidance on selecting, donning, and doffing PPE for post-fire scenes, focusing on respiratory protection.

Effective Investigation and Testimony

This module will discuss the techniques and strategies for conducting a proper science-based fire scene investigation and effectively presenting an investigator’s findings in court as an expert witness.

Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Design Basics

This program explains the basic principles of how electric and hybrid vehicles are designed and work, including major systems and typical components.

Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Fires

This program discusses common failure modes, evidence handling procedures, and safety protocols for electric and hybrid vehicles.

Electrical Safety

This module presents critical electrical safety practices that every fire investigator should implement at every scene, every time.

Emerging Technologies in Fire Investigation

In this program, we will look at emerging technologies that fire investigators are integrating into their daily investigative work with great success.

Ethical Duties Beyond the Fire Scene

This self-paced program examines the fire investigator's ethical duties beyond the fire scene.

Ethics & Social Media

This module discusses the intersection of social media, ethics, and the relationship of what’s legal to what’s ethical in decision-making.

Ethics and the Fire Investigator

Should you work for a private lab as a consultant if you are on an Arson Task Force? How about accepting discounts from the local hardware store as a “thanks” for a job well done on a fire they had last year?

Evidence Examination: What Happens at the Lab?

This module takes investigators into the forensic laboratory and shows them what happens to the different types of fire scene evidence that are typically submitted for testing.

Explosion Dynamics

This module teaches the foundational knowledge of explosion dynamics, which is a necessary precursor to investigating an explosion scene.

Fatal Fires: An Introduction

This module provides a thorough understanding of the ways an investigation changes when a fire-related death occurs.

Fatal Fires: Fire Effects on the Body

This module is a foundational introduction to how fire affects and damages the human body.

Fatal Fires: Investigation

This module discusses investigative tasks specific to fatal fires, including properly recovering and moving a body and interpreting fire effects on the body within the context of the fire scene.

Fire Chemistry

This module addresses the foundations of fire chemistry and places it within the context of fire scene investigations.

Fire Dynamics Calculations - Version 2.0

The program is designed to introduce a new Palm/Pocket PC application called CFI Calculator to users and provide examples of how it can be used by fire investigators in the field.

Fire Dynamics in the Wildland

This module discusses foundational wildland fire terminology, factors that influence wildland fire behavior, how these factors interact to produce fire effects (and subsequently fire patterns), and new research into fire dynamics in the wildland that is challenging assumptions.

Fire Effects Part 1: Heat Effects on Fuels

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CFITrainer.Net is the online resource for training fire investigators at all levels. The broad-based training modules assist fire investigators in meeting the topical areas contained in NFPA 1033, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigators. In addition to individual program training, CFITrainer.Net offers multi program training certification, fire investigation podcasts, the Fire Scene Evidence Guide, and the latest fire investigation news. Register online to get started.