Investigative Unit

One of the best ways of preventing fires is to determine how they started so the same mistakes of events leading up to the fire won't be repeated. The New Haven Fire Department has always been at the forefront fire and arson detection and investigation.

The Fire Marshal is required to investigate cause and origin for fires. This job falls to the Fire/Arson Investigation Unit. In cooperation with the State Police Canine Unit, New Haven Police Department, Red Cross and various other agencies, they look to find the cause and origin of all fires in New Haven.

Fire Investigation was begun in New Haven to help prevent arson for profit which was rampant in the early ‘70’s.

About Fire Investigations

An investigation of all fires is conducted to determine the origin and cause of the ignition. This information is required in order to prevent the occurrence of future fires or at the very least reduce the severity. If the fire is determined to be incendiary, a thorough investigation is intended to prosecute the guilty party. In this case, the investigation becomes a deterrent to the crime of arson.

The investigations are performed by department personnel in conjunction with a New Haven Police Officer that is dedicated to such investigations. Other Law Enforcement agencies may also be utilized. The data gathered may be useful in targeting the areas of the city, demographics, and occupancies, which are more likely to have fires. This information is then utilized in the strategic planning process to more effectively serve the city.