A professional who investigates and gathers facts to determine cause of fires and explosions and enforces fire laws. Respnsibilities include:

• Investigates case when either arson or criminal negligence is suspected; multialarm fire results in serious injury or death; or fire takes place in commercial establishment of public building.
• Examines fire site to determine burn pattern and detect presence of flammable materials and gases and incendiary devices, using various detectors.
• Performs match test to determine flash point of suspicious material at fire site.
• Subpoenas and interviews witnesses, building owners, and occupants to obtain sworn testimony of observed facts.
• Prepares reports on each investigation and submits data indicating arson to district attorney.
• Arrests, logs, fingerprints, and detains arson suspect.
• Testifies in court, citing evidence obtained from investigation.
• Conducts inquiries into departmental employees delinquency in performance of duties and violation of laws or regulations.