The Fire Prevention Division has an investigation unit that is delegated the responsibility of investigating the fire’s origin and cause.
This unit is staffed with on-call fire investigators and responds to fire and/or hazardous incidents. Fire Investigators are responsible for conducting investigations on fires to determine fire origin , cause, and circumstance in compliance with Florida Statute 633.00.
All fire investigations conducted by SCFR follow the guidelines set forth in NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations. The fire investigators are required to attend continuing education classes to stay abreast of the latest changes and advancements in the field of fire investigations.
In addition, the unit has close working relationships with the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Bureau of Fire/Arson Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). The unit will make requests from these agencies when specialized resources such as accelerant detection canines, heavy equipment, and/or additional investigators are required for major fires.
Please note that SCFR investigators do not conduct private fire investigations. Fire investigations are conducted according to Florida State Statutes and Suwannee County Fire Rescue Department policy and procedures.
If you have information about a fire or to report an extinguished fire you can contact a Fire Investigator at (386) 208-1484. Leave the area undisturbed until you have spoken with a fire investigator from Suwannee County Fire Rescue.
If you have information regarding an arson or explosive device incident anywhere in the State of Florida, you can submit an anonymous tip through the following website online form or by calling 1-877-NO-ARSON (1-877-662-7766).