Fire Investigation Unit

Fire Investigation Unit

Phone: (617) 993-2505

The Town of Belmont Fire Investigation Unit consists of Fire/Arson Investigators, who are made up of both Police and Fire Personnel. The Investigators are firefighters and police officers with specialized education, training, and experience in conducting fire investigations.

The investigators are called out when Fire Personnel believe there is a need for an investigation. The Fire/Police Investigation Unit are used to determine the origin and cause of fires that occur in Belmont, more specifically, fires or other incidents that are suspected to be criminal in nature.

The primary purpose of the Fire Investigation Unit is the investigation of fires that are intentionally set, suspicious fires, unlawful fires, attempted arson, fires causing a serious injury or death, and possession or use of fireworks, incendiary devices, and explosives. The duties and responsibilities of the FIU include: conducting interviews of suspects, victims and witnesses; sifting through fire debris to determine the origin of the fire; identifying possible ignition sources; collect and preserve physical evidence; document the fire scene with sketches and photographs; prepare, serve and return search warrants; prepare criminal fire offense cases for submittal to the District Attorney’s Office for complaints; arrest and process criminal offenders; give expert witness testimony and present evidence in court; process felony offenses committed by juveniles; instruct fire and police personnel on fire and arson investigation procedures; and respond to fire and/or rescue emergencies as required.