NWCG Wildland Fire Investigation Subcommittee - Updates

The NWCG Wildland Fire Investigation Subcommittee (WFISC) met this past week for their annual in person meeting.  The main focus this years meeting was to review the upcoming update to the PMS412 Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Investigation.  WFISC has been working for over a year updating PMS412. SWAIT contributors Scott Fischer and Ed Nordskog were the primary authors for the Chapter 8 Arson Recognition update (formally Chapter 7).  The chapter was modernized and updated with information being used in the new FI310 Unit 1: Pattern and Behavioral Analysis (see below for additional details on FI310).  The new version is anticipated to be published by Spring. 

Below are additional updates from the meeting:

FI210: Wildfire Origin and Cause Investigation
With the update for PMS412 nearing completion, the WFISC has been working on updating FI210.  The updated version will likely be published at the same time as PMS412.

FI310: Serial Arson Case Development
The new version of FI310 has been in the works for several years.  The final version will be published this winter.  SWAIT contributors Scott Fischer and Ed Nordskog were the primary authors of the new Unit 1: Pattern and Behavioral Analysis.  FI310 will utilize NWCGs Wildfire Learning Portal throughout the course and for pre-work.  The Learning Portal modernizes the course and content delivery.  Starting in 2025, all authorized FI310 course will have to be sanctioned by the NWCG WFISC.  Several courses are being planned for this winter and spring.    The National Fire Academy is looking into hosting authorized FI310 courses in the future.  They are planning on participating in an FI310 Course in California this winter.  They will be offering several spots to their students.  Keep an eye out in the next few weeks for a recruitment flyer from the National Fire Academy if you are interested in going.  If your agency is interested in hosting an FI310 course or if you need assistance finding a course, contact support@invfconsultants.com.