FI-210 Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination

The FI-210 training class was developed by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) to provide wildland fire investigators with a formal, science-based training course specifically targeting the unique issues associated with wildland fires.  The course is typically taught by a combined cadre of experienced and certified wildland fire and arson investigators, with subject matter experts, such as prosecutors, brought in to instruct specific topics.

 Wildland fire investigation has not been a priority in the past with many national and international training groups, leaving local investigators scrambling to find any training they can.  Traditionally, many wildland fire investigators were forced to learn “on-the job” informally, from basically the person who was there before them, whether they were qualified or not.

 In recent years, the NWCG has made multiple changes and improvements to their course and has added internationally recognized certification.  Successful graduates finish the training course and the associated “task book” fully qualified and certified to render expert opinions as to the origin and cause of wildland fires. 

 In short, the FI-210 training course is a one-week long course with multiple days spent outside examining and processing real wildland fire scenes. The course is a blend of classroom and outdoor instruction, monitored by a several cadre members, where students learn about competent ignition sources, incendiary devices, fire movement influences, and the observable effects that remain after the fire.  The students are tasked with identifying, documenting, and plotting these various fire effects, known as indicators, and using them to accurately interpret and plot fire movement.  All of this is for the goal of locating the exact point of origin for the fire and identifying the ignition source and scenario for the event.

 Because of climate change, areas that have historically not had serious problems with wildfires are now being dramatically impacted.  Northern Europe, Canada, and the eastern areas within the United States are being subjected to numerous and ever-larger wildfires.  U.S. states such as Kansas, Louisiana, Colorado, Oklahoma, Georgia, and others are actively seeking out FI-210 training for their investigators.

 The Serial and Wildland Arson Investigation Training (SWAIT) held annually in Reno, Nevada is not typically FI-210 training, but does in fact complement the FI-210 course with real-world investigators presenting major wildland arson cases.  Many of the instructors associated with the SWAIT class are in fact FI-210 instructors and can provide that level of training to interested groups and agencies.

For more information about FI210 and NWCG

 For further information: Contact Ed Nordskog of SWAIT.  ednordskog@gmail.com