NFPA 1321 sets the benchmark for fire scene safety, documentation, and evidence handling. Adhering to this standard ensures that all fire investigation units (FIUs) maintain the admissibility and integrity of evidence.
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The National Fire Protection Association NFPA 1321, Standard for Fire Investigation Units (2025) has been officially published and is available for purchase on the NFPA website and we recommend that all fire investigators read it in its entirety.
For FIUs interested in effectively managing their investigation process, Blazestack offers software solutions that align with NFPA 1321. Read on for a detailed breakdown of the standard, along with free sample policies and procedures you can use for your FIU.
Table of Contents
Sample Policies
Chapter 3: General Definitions
The NFPA 1321 standard provides a framework for organizations to improve the effectiveness of their fire investigation efforts. It is designed for use by organizations involved in fire safety, such as local and state governments, municipal fire departments, and private entities involved in fire investigations. Understanding the general scope and official NFPA definitions makes it easier to apply NFPA standards.
Section 1: General Definitions
Section 1 of Chapter 3 provides more information about the general scope of NFPA 1321. The definitions listed in this chapter apply specifically to this standard. If a term is not listed in the document, you can rely on the meaning based on Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition.
NFPA Official Definitions
- The term “Approved” means acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), which is responsible for enforcing the code's requirements.
- “Shall” indicates a mandatory requirement, while “Should” is used for recommendations.
- “Standard” refers to the NFPA documents that contain mandatory provisions.
Section 2: Administrative and Technical Definitions
This section covers the key administrative and technical definitions that all fire investigators should know.
- Administrative Review
FIUs need an internal review process to ensure that an investigator’s work meets the organization’s quality assurance standards. Having a template can make it easy to implement the review process in your FIU. Here’s a sample template that you can edit and use to meet your specific requirements.
- Audit
An audit is an independent, systematic process for gathering and evaluating information to determine if specific requirements are being fulfilled.
- Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest refers to a situation where an individual’s private interests may interfere with their professional duties and may undermine trust and objectivity.
- Cross-Contamination Control Program
When collecting, transporting, and storing evidence, it’s important to ensure there’s no contamination. The Cross-Contamination Control Program (CCCP) outlines the policies and procedures for preventing contamination of workspaces, vehicles, evidence, and personnel during fire investigations. Review and adapt this sample CCCP from Blazestack for your organization.
- Fire Investigation
The process of determining the origin, cause, and development of a fire or explosion.
- Mission Statement
A Mission Statement is a Fire Investigation Unit’s written declaration of the unit’s core purpose and focus. Here’s a sample Mission Statement that you can adapt for your own FIU.
Section 3: Organizational Directives and Guidelines
Chapter 3 of NFPA 1321 also provides definitions of the organizational directives for FIU operations. These directives provide the guidelines on which all the operations and activities of a unit are based:
- Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs): SOGs are a set of written guidelines for performing specific tasks within an FIU to ensure safety, consistency, and efficiency.
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Unlike SOGs, SOPs are more rigid and define specific methods that must be followed without deviation.
- Records Management System (RMS): This system outlines the process for controlling the creation, use, and disposition of records, ensuring that FIU activities are properly documented.
- Quality Manual: This manual describes the Quality Management System (QMS) and the organization's procedures to ensure that all investigations maintain the same level of high standards.
Section 4: Reporting and Review
The last section in Chapter 3 of NFPA 1321 talks about the importance of reporting and review. When combined with the other sections in this chapter, they provide the foundation needed for effective communication, ethical standards, and consistent application of fire investigation methodologies:
- Report: A fire investigation report is an important part of the operations to provide an accurate and detailed account of facts or observations related to an investigation.
- Technical Review: This in-depth review assesses the report to ensure the conclusions are supported by scientific knowledge and data.
Chapter 4: Management System Requirements
Chapter 4 of NFPA 1321, Management System Requirements, provides guidelines for how to establish, organize, and manage fire investigation units to ensure consistency and effectiveness of fire investigations. This chapter has four main sections:
Section 1: General Requirements
The general requirements provide the basic groundwork of how to set up a management system:
- Setting Up the System: Having a management system that aligns with the nature of the investigations you conduct makes it easy to ensure consistent outcomes for each case.
- Documentation: Each FIU must have clearly defined policies, procedures, and guidelines that are shared with everyone in the unit.
- Annual Reviews: An FIU’s management system must be formally reviewed annually to ensure adherence to standards.
- Policies and Procedures: Organizations must also have written policies and procedures that provide guidelines on standardized practices in every department.
Section 2: Organizational Systems
An organizational system is a structured framework that defines how resources, processes, and personnel are effectively managed. This ensures clear responsibilities, efficient communication, and standardized procedures.
- Administrative Requirements
The FIU must have policies that outline how it will comply with federal, state, and local laws. Clear policies and organizational charts also ensure accountability and a clear chain of supervision.
- Mission Statement
Every FIU should have a clearly defined mission statement or scope of work outlining the services it will provide. A mission statement allows an FIU to determine the appropriation allocation of resources.
- Ethical Principles
Internal policies on ethics, independence, and impartiality allow FIUs to handle investigation information and conflicts of information securely. They ensure integrity and accountability are maintained at all levels of the organization.
- Complaints
All FIUs must have a formal procedure for submitting and handling complaints. Establish procedures to ensure that all complaints are handled fairly and efficiently.
Here’s a sample formal complaint process and a template you can use for your own unit.
Section 3: Process Systems
Process systems are the operational policies that ensure that the FIU has effective procedures in place for personnel management, equipment management, and workload analysis and that the health and safety of personnel are ensured.
- Personnel Management: FIUs must have clearly defined policies in place for hiring, training, and evaluations of personnel.
- Health and Safety: FIUs must have procedures in place for health screenings and recurrent safety training, all while adhering to legal standards such as HIPAA for managing employee records. This helps ensure that all team members are physically and mentally fit to perform the duties assigned to them.
- Outsourced Experts and Equipment: FIUs must have procedures and policies for procuring and maintaining external equipment and tools. Similarly, it’s important to ensure that all outside vendors and experts meet the unit’s quality standards.
- Workload Analysis: FIUs must track performance data like case status, resource allocation, and productivity. A Management Information System, or MIS, can provide data to measure productivity and support decision-making. FIUs must conduct a formal workload analysis at least once a year to ensure they’re meeting the demands of their work.
Section 4: Management Systems
An FIU’s Management Systems provide the foundation on which the strategic and financial operations of the unit are based.
- Budget: All FIUs must have a budget system and written policies to help determine how to make purchases and select vendors. Maintain clear records of all expenditures and funds received and follow accepted accounting practices.
- Strategic Planning: To ensure that your unit adapts to changes in the industry, it’s important to review the effectiveness of your mission and goals regularly.
- Quality Assurance: Having a Quality Assurance system in place ensures that your unit will be able to review and update the necessary management procedures as needed. This includes maintaining records of any corrective actions or preventative measures that are taken to address issues that arise.
Chapter 5: Outside Resources, Facilities, and Equipment
Chapter 5 of NFPA 1321 focuses on utilizing outside resources, equipment, and facilities to support code enforcement and fire investigation activities. This chapter emphasizes collaboration and resource management to improve the effectiveness of fire investigation efforts.
Section 1: Outside Resources
The first section of this chapter outlines the best practices that FIUs must follow when utilizing outside resources to support their investigation demands.
- Requesting Additional Resources
If your investigation requires additional expertise or manpower, it’s important to have written policies on how and when to request additional resources.
- Operating Within Expertise
It’s important to ensure that your unit doesn’t operate outside your area of expertise. If an investigation requires special skills or knowledge, using external resources will ensure that the investigation is conducted properly.
- Identifying Additional Resources
For certain investigations, your unit may require technical experts, law enforcement agencies, or specialized labs. FIUs must have a written policy that helps identify when to request external resources and experts.
- Evaluation of Needs
Maintaining quality standards can be difficult when working on a complex case. Having written policies that provide direction on when and how to evaluate the needs of a unit can help the organization address complex incidents seamlessly.
Section 2: Indoor/Outdoor Facilities
This section provides an overview of how to manage facilities where evidence is stored and processed to ensure adherence to best practices.
- Evidence Handling
It's crucial for FIUs to have a clear, comprehensive policy in place for handling evidence. This ensures that every piece of evidence is handled with care and consistency, safeguarding its integrity throughout the entire investigation process.
- Access Control
The FIU must establish written policies, procedures, and controls to prevent unauthorized access to evidence. This is crucial for maintaining the chain of custody and ensuring that the evidence is secure and admissible in court.
Section 3: Systems and Equipment
The last section provides information about the systems and equipment that are critical for maintaining the integrity of fire investigations.
- Adequate Systems and Equipment
FIUs need to be equipped with the necessary tools and technology to effectively carry out their duties, including evidence collection tools, safety equipment, and essential technology for conducting thorough investigations.
Chapter 6: Health and Safety
Chapter 6 of NFPA 1321 focuses on the health and safety protocols that FIUs must follow during investigations. It provides guidelines on how to protect the physical and mental well-being of personnel to ensure they can perform their duties effectively. Here are the key components of this chapter.
Section 1: General Health and Safety Program
All FIUs must have a standard health and safety program that adheres to the regulations and ensures personal safety.
- Establishing the Program
Every FIU must have a health and safety program that aligns with the requirements of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). This ensures that local, state, or national regulations are followed.
- Policies and Procedures
The program must include policies and procedures that address all aspects of personnel safety, such as protective equipment, scene safety, and injury reporting.
- Incorporating Regulations
The health and safety program must integrate any local, state, federal, or other jurisdictional regulations that apply to FIU operations. Compliance with these regulations is essential for legal and operational safety.
Section 2: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is an integral part of the health and safety program of an FIU. Here are the key guidelines on PPE requirements and use.
- PPE Requirements
Depending on their duties and the nature of the investigation, FIU members must have access to appropriate PPE, including footwear, eye protection, head protection, respiratory protection, and protective outerwear.
- Training in PPE Use
Simply providing PPE is not enough. Investigators and other team members should also be trained on how to use, care for, and decontaminate their PPE. This ensures that the equipment is used correctly and remains effective over time.
- Site Safety Assessments
Before any investigation begins, a site safety assessment should be conducted. This assessment evaluates the environment, weather, and other risks to determine the appropriate PPE and safety measures for the scene. Here’s a site safety assessment template you can use for your own unit.
Section 3: Incident Reporting and Review
An FIU must have policies in place for reporting incidents, injuries, and illnesses to ensure workplace incidents are efficiently reported and investigated.
- Incident Reporting
FIUs must have a process for investigating and reporting workplace incidents, whether they involve injuries or illnesses sustained during investigations.
- Learning from Incidents
The information gathered from these reports should be used in a policy review process, ensuring that lessons learned from past incidents are incorporated into updated procedures.”
Section 4: Specialized Scenes and Vehicle Use
Not all investigation scenes are the same. Some scenes may require specialized equipment and investigative techniques. FIUs must have policies on how these scenes should be handled.
- Specialized Scenes
Certain scenes require specialized equipment or investigative techniques. Only qualified personnel should handle these special scenes, using advanced PPE or tools as necessary.
- Vehicle Use
The FIU must also establish a vehicle use policy. This policy covers the operation, maintenance, and decontamination of vehicles to ensure they remain safe and efficient for the unit's needs.
Chapter 7: Education, Training, and Certification
This chapter of NFPA 1321 outlines the essential components of education, training, and certification for personnel involved in fire investigation activities. Ongoing professional development is important to ensure that personnel have the necessary skills and knowledge to safely and effectively perform investigations.
Section 1: Education and Training
This section outlines the basic education and training requirements that all personnel in FIU should meet.
- Field-Specific Training
All aspiring fire investigators must undergo education and training in fire and explosion investigation. This training ensures that investigators are up to date with the latest techniques, technologies, and safety protocols.
- Establishing Procedures
The FIU must develop and implement procedures for continuing education in line with NFPA 1033 and other critical fire investigation tasks. These procedures should cover aspects like funding, support, and the types of training required.
- Minimum Education Standards
Fire investigators are expected to meet the education requirements outlined in NFPA 1033. Additionally, supporting roles within the FIU, such as evidence collection technicians or fire protection engineers, must also meet education standards relevant to their specific disciplines.
- Training Records
FIUs must maintain comprehensive training and education records. These should include a current curriculum vitae (CV) for each investigator, documentation of their qualifications, and training history.
Section 2: Certification
Fire investigators must meet the certification requirements listed in NFPA 1033 standards to ensure they’re capable of conducting fire investigations efficiently.
- NFPA 1033 Certification
Fire investigators working within an FIU must be certified according to NFPA 1033 standards. This certification guarantees that they possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and competency to perform fire investigations independently.
- Maintaining Certifications
FIUs are responsible for ensuring that all personnel's certifications are up to date through continuing education. This allows them to remain updated with industry advancements and evolving standards.
Section 3: Professional Development
The last section of this chapter outlines the professional development requirements and protocols that FIUs must have in place to ensure they support the growth of their team members.
- Written Protocol for Professional Growth
FIUs must have a written protocol in place to ensure that personnel continue to attend training programs and educational sessions to improve their skills. This protocol must outline the opportunities for ongoing learning within and outside of the FIU.
- Funding and Support
A key component of professional development is providing funding and support. FIU management should allocate the necessary resources to ensure personnel have access to these opportunities. Whether it’s through seminars, workshops, or certifications, investing in personnel growth is crucial.
- Training Hour Requirements
The FIU must also establish minimum hourly training requirements. These hours must be regularly logged and tracked to ensure compliance and ongoing proficiency across all team members.
Chapter 8: Documentation and Reports
Chapter 8 of NFPA 1321 outlines the documentation and reporting requirements that FIUs must follow to ensure accountability, compliance, and effective communications.
Section 1: Documentation Policies
A clear documentation policy ensures all team members know how to document a fire scene, as well as how to ensure data security and archive documentation.
- Documenting the Fire Scene
FIUs must have a clear policy for using the necessary tools to document fire scenes in compliance with NFPA 1033. This includes photography, sketches, and notes that capture the essential details of the scene.
- Data Management and Security
FIUs need policies related to the reception, retention, and protection of data collected during and after an investigation. This ensures that all information remains secure and accessible only to authorized personnel.
- Archiving Documentation
An archiving policy must be in place to manage how data and documentation are stored long-term. This policy should outline the process for preserving investigative materials to maintain their integrity over time.
Section 2: Reporting Standards
A reporting policy that aligns with SOPs and NFPA 1033 ensures consistency in fire investigation reports and clear communication of the findings of all investigations.
- Developing a Report Policy
The FIU must have a report policy that ensures all investigation reports align with NFPA 1033 and the FIU's standard operating procedures (SOPs). This policy should define the structure and content required for all reports.
- Qualified Authors
Only qualified fire investigators with the minimum qualifications outlined in NFPA 1033 should author reports on fire and explosion origins and causes. This ensures that all reports are credible and based on expert analysis.
- Ensuring Reliability
The investigator responsible for the report must ensure the data's reliability and that the collection and contents conform to NFPA 1033 and the FIU's SOPs. Reports for litigation purposes should meet all client or agency requirements to ensure admissibility.
Section 3: Quality Assurance and Control
Quality assurance protocols are important to ensure that fire investigation reports meet the highest standards.
- Administrative Reviews
FIUs should have a policy for conducting administrative reviews to verify that all steps outlined in the organization's SOPs have been followed and that all required documentation is present in the file. These reviews must be conducted before any final report is released.
- Technical Reviews
A technical review policy ensures that reports meet all investigation standards in accordance with NFPA 1033. This includes evaluating the sufficiency of the case record, the validity of scientific conclusions, and ensuring all results, opinions, and interpretations are accurate and properly supported.
- Qualifications of Reviewers
The person performing the technical review must be a qualified fire investigator with technical competence specific to the case scenario. The reviewer should not be the original author of the report to maintain objectivity.
Section 4: Retrospective Audits
The last section of this chapter outlines the importance of conducting retrospective audits to ensure compliance with regulations and improvements in the reporting and documentation process.
- Retrospective Review Policy
FIUs must develop a policy for conducting retrospective reviews of reports to ensure that all documentation and reporting practices adhere to the established policy. Regular reviews will help identify areas of improvement in the documentation and reporting processes.
Ensuring Your Agency’s NFPA 1321 Compliance
Fire investigation processes and best practices evolve, and it’s important for every FIU to adhere to NFPA 1321 standards. Understanding and implementing the key components highlighted in this guide and using a robust case management platform like Blazestack can help you streamline workflow, simplify documentation, and ensure compliance.
Get in touch with us to schedule a free demo to see how modern fire investigation software can simplify case management so you can focus on investigations.
Sample Policies
