Fire Cause Investigation

The Fire Services Act of BC requires all structure fires, motor vehicle fires, fire deaths and major injuries and explosions be investigated. Investigations are typically initiated within three working days of a fire. These investigations are conducted to determine the cause, origin and circumstances of each fire and investigations occur regardless of whether the fire was accidental, caused by negligence or by design. Fire investigations help to inform future building and fire code regulations, other safety regulations and standards as well as public education initiatives.

The department fire investigators possess specialized training in the science of fire and take an impartial role in determining the cause and origin of fires. The department would also assist the RCMP in cases of suspected arson to determine the cause and origin of fires.