Occupation · SOC 33-2021
Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.
Median wage
$78,060
$47,580–$149,870
Projected growth
+3.4%
Average growth
Annual openings
60
per year
Employed (US)
14,050
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
366 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningWritingSpeakingCritical ThinkingSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionService OrientationPersuasionMonitoringInstructingJudgment and Decision MakingComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningTime ManagementSystems EvaluationLearning StrategiesCoordinationNegotiationSystems AnalysisQuality Control AnalysisOperations MonitoringManagement of Personnel ResourcesMathematicsTroubleshootingOperation and ControlManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesTechnology DesignScienceOperations AnalysisProgrammingRepairingEquipment SelectionEquipment MaintenanceInstallation
Knowledge areas
Public Safety and SecurityCustomer and Personal ServiceBuilding and ConstructionLaw and GovernmentEducation and TrainingEnglish LanguageAdministration and ManagementChemistryPsychologyComputers and ElectronicsPersonnel and Human ResourcesMathematicsMechanicalPhysicsCommunications and MediaTelecommunicationsAdministrativeTransportationDesignEngineering and TechnologyGeographyMedicine and DentistrySociology and AnthropologyPhilosophy and TheologyTherapy and CounselingEconomics and AccountingProduction and ProcessingForeign LanguageHistory and ArcheologyBiologySales and MarketingFood ProductionFine Arts
Technology & tools
Code database softwareConsolidated Model of Fire and Smoke Transport CFASTEmail softwareFire Dynamics Software FDSMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordNational Fire Incident Reporting System NFIRSWeb browser softwareXerox Government systems FIREHOUSE Software
Representative tasks
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicDocumenting/Recording InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationGetting InformationInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersWorking with ComputersMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsScheduling Work and ActivitiesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesProcessing InformationAnalyzing Data or InformationAssisting and Caring for OthersJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentDeveloping and Building TeamsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationPerforming Administrative ActivitiesTraining and Teaching OthersDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersThinking CreativelyHandling and Moving ObjectsProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersCoaching and Developing OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentStaffing Organizational UnitsSelling or Influencing OthersControlling Machines and ProcessesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Fire scene evidence — collect and package in securely closed containers under direct supervisor guidance during initial field assignments.Investigation reports — draft basic written summaries of fire scene observations using word processing software under close oversight.Building inspection checklists — follow standardized protocols to identify visible fire code violations such as blocked exits during supervised walkthroughs.Photographic documentation — capture images of fire damage and physical evidence using department-issued equipment at assigned incident sites.Fire protection system components — recognize and label basic elements such as sprinkler heads and alarm panels during supervised acceptance testing.Evidence containers — label, seal, and log collected materials such as charred wood or glass fragments into chain-of-custody records with supervisor review.Combustible material accumulations — identify and flag obvious hazards in residential and commercial structures following established inspection criteria.Incident databases — enter factual fire scene data into records management software under direction to support case tracking.Fire and safety codes — read and reference applicable local code sections to support inspection findings during entry-level field work.Supervisor instructions — listen actively and follow oral and written direction when conducting initial fire inspections and evidence collection tasks.
developing
Probable cause analysis — apply deductive reasoning to evaluate physical evidence patterns and determine likely fire origin in routine residential cases.Inspection findings reports — compose clear, complete written reports of fire code violations and hazardous conditions using office suite software with minimal editorial review.Newly installed fire suppression systems — conduct acceptance testing and document compliance with applicable codes during standard commercial construction inspections.Arson case records — maintain accurate, organized databases of investigation results and suspect information using department records management software.Accelerant residue and physical evidence — examine collected samples and correlate findings with burn patterns to support cause-and-origin determinations.False alarm patterns — monitor incident data over time to identify recurring violations or systemic building issues requiring follow-up action.Fire scene photography — plan and execute systematic photographic documentation of multiple evidence points to build a coherent investigative record.Court testimony preparation — organize case notes and evidentiary materials in advance of routine legal proceedings involving confirmed or suspected arson.Building occupants and owners — communicate inspection results and required corrective actions clearly and professionally in field settings.Time-sensitive inspections — prioritize and manage multiple concurrent inspection assignments across a defined service area within established deadlines.
proficient
Complex fire and explosion investigations — conduct autonomous cause-and-origin analyses integrating physical evidence, witness accounts, and laboratory results across commercial and industrial sites.Arson prosecution support — testify confidently in court proceedings, presenting technical findings and chain-of-custody documentation to judges and juries.Non-routine code violations — apply inductive reasoning to identify subtle or concealed fire hazards in buildings with unusual construction or occupancy types.Multi-system acceptance testing — independently evaluate newly installed fire protection systems including suppression, detection, and alarm components against code requirements.Investigative case files — prepare comprehensive, legally defensible investigation reports and maintain long-term records of arson suspects and convicted offenders.Accelerant and forensic evidence — analyze and interpret laboratory analytical results alongside scene observations to establish probable cause in contested cases.Hazard correction compliance — monitor follow-up inspections and use persuasion and judgment to secure timely remediation of identified fire code deficiencies.Cross-agency coordination — collaborate with law enforcement, prosecutors, and insurance investigators to share evidence and align investigative strategies.Presentation of findings — develop and deliver professional briefings using presentation software to department leadership, courts, and community stakeholders.Emerging fire risk technologies — apply active learning to evaluate new suppression systems, materials, and building practices and integrate findings into inspection protocols.
advanced
Departmental inspection and investigation programs — design and implement comprehensive fire safety frameworks aligned with current codes and organizational risk priorities.Inspector workforce development — mentor and instruct junior and mid-level inspectors in investigation techniques, evidence handling, and courtroom testimony standards.Policy and code advocacy — lead review and recommendation of local fire code amendments, representing the department before legislative and regulatory bodies.Organizational quality standards — establish performance metrics and audit processes to ensure consistency and legal defensibility across all investigation case files.Multi-agency task forces — direct collaborative arson investigation units involving law enforcement, prosecutors, and federal agencies on high-profile or serial-arson cases.Strategic inspection planning — allocate staffing and resources across jurisdictional inspection schedules using data analysis to target highest-risk occupancies.Expert witness leadership — serve as the department's principal expert witness, advising on courtroom strategy and supporting prosecutors in complex arson litigation.Technology integration — evaluate and authorize adoption of new investigative tools, analytical software, and database platforms to modernize departmental operations.Community and stakeholder engagement — lead public education campaigns and business outreach programs that reduce fire risk and improve voluntary code compliance.Organizational resilience — develop succession plans and training curricula that sustain departmental competency in fire inspection and investigation across leadership transitions.
Also known as
44 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Alarm InspectorAlarm Sprinkler InspectorArson and Bomb InvestigatorArson InvestigatorBomb InvestigatorBuilding InspectorCanine Handler (K9 Handler)Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI)Certified Fire Investigator (CFI)Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (CVFI)Code OfficialFire Alarm and Fire Sprinkler InspectorFire Alarm InspectorFire Alarm Systems Technician (Fire Alarm Systems Tech)Fire Alarm Technician (Fire Alarm Tech)Fire and Explosion InvestigatorFire Code InspectorFire Equipment InspectorFire Extinguisher InspectorFire Extinguisher Sprinkler InspectorFire Extinguisher Technician (Fire Extinguisher Tech)Fire Hazard InspectorFire InspectorFire InvestigatorFire MarshallFire OfficialFire Prevention InspectorFire Prevention OfficerFire Prevention SpecialistFire Protection FabricatorFire Protection InspectorFire Protection SpecialistFire Safety InspectorFire Safety OfficerFire Safety SpecialistFire Sprinkler Apparatus InspectorFire Sprinkler ForemanFire Sprinkler InspectorFire System InspectorFire Systems Inspector